Safe at Home: How Patient Advocates Empower Seniors to Thrive

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Safe at Home: How Patient Advocates Empower Seniors to Thrive

As people age, staying safe at home can become more challenging. Common concerns include the risk of falls from slippery floors or cluttered spaces, difficulties managing medications, and the added complexities of chronic health conditions. Cognitive changes, like those seen with dementia, can also make it harder to recognize dangers, such as leaving the stove on or forgetting to lock doors. On top of that, nutritional needs might not be met if cooking or grocery shopping becomes difficult, and social isolation can take a toll on mental and emotional well-being. Even home maintenance issues, like broken stairs or faulty appliances, can pose serious risks.

This is where a patient advocate can make a big difference. Advocates help create a safer, more supportive environment for older adults. They can assess the home for hazards and suggest practical changes, like adding grab bars in the bathroom or improving lighting in dark areas. If managing medications is a struggle, they work with pharmacists and doctors to set up simple systems like pill organizers or reminders.

For chronic conditions, advocates ensure that clients are getting regular check-ups and that any care plans are followed. They might also connect people with meal delivery services or help arrange in-home care, so basic needs are always met. If cognitive decline is a concern, an advocate can provide tools like memory aids, coordinate specialized care, or even help plan for the future if living independently becomes too risky.

On top of physical safety, patient advocates tackle social isolation by linking clients to community programs, support groups, or companionship services. They also help families navigate tough conversations and decisions, like planning for emergencies or exploring long-term care options.

Ultimately, a patient advocate is there to empower older adults and their families. They act as a guide and a partner, ensuring safety and well-being without compromising the individual’s independence or dignity.

LORI IS EXTREMELY TALENTED!

What a great use of Lori’s talents!

I worked with Lori for several years during my career as an orthopedic surgeon. I know her to be not only compassionate and understanding but also a tireless advocate for what is right.

In difficult situations she was unwavering in her quest to enable me to provide the best possible care for my patients. She knows the system and how to work through it (and around it whenever necessary

LORI JUMPED RIGHT IN

If you are in need of a patient advocate, I would highly recommend Lori Schellenberg. She is extremely knowledgeable, effective, and professional. Knows when to be strong and forceful yet loving and caring with your loved one and your family. I was concerned about an elderly family member who had several severe falls, was forgetting to take medication, not eating healthy and not keeping up with housekeeping yet insistent she was fine and staying in her home. Even though Lori lived out of state she made phone calls on our behalf, made several recommendations to help us provide what our loved one needed and was an intermediary when it was necessary. Lori’s knowledge of geriatrics, continuous care/assisted living facilities, the health care system, long term care insurance and hospice is invaluable. She helped us put together a plan that provided the best and continuous care necessary for our loved one and our family. We are extremely thankful for her help and look forward to continuing to work with her as our loved one moves through the next phases of her life’s journey, thus enabling us to create loving memories.

LORI JUMPED RIGHT IN

My husband underwent nasal surgery 6 months ago, after he had a negative sleep study test and was referred to an ENT doctor due to continued fatigue and snoring.

Unfortunately, he developed two different serious infections, and we were concerned about his ongoing treatment with the ENT. In fact, we were very anxious because he wasn’t getting better but the surgeon was not clear with us as to what to do next.

When describing what was going on, Lori jumped right in, when she found out my husband was actually at the surgeon’s office at that time, and still did not understand the situation. She recommended that my husband ask to have the surgeon come back into the room, and to call her so that she could speak to the surgeon with my husband in the room. Lori was very professional and knowledgeable in her approach with his surgeon. She established a treatment plan, in a way that my husband could understand, and why this was the plan. She also discussed the “what ifs” the current treatment plan did not work. He ordered further tests to be completed prior to his next appointment, if he did not improve.

She followed up with my husband and I to make sure we understood the plan.

By advocating for my husband, Lori relieved a lot of anxiety and stress that this current medical concern was causing, and they felt more confident in the surgeon’s care.

We highly recommend Lori and Stepping Stone Advocacy Services, if you are experiencing a medical condition, and don’t know where to turn for answers. She is experienced and professional, yet able to discuss medical terms in a way that we understood.