Why You Need a Patient Advocate: A Heartfelt Message from the Owner of Stepping Stone Advocacy

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Why You Need a Patient Advocate: A Heartfelt Message from the Owner of Stepping Stone Advocacy

As the owner of Stepping Stone Advocacy, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside countless individuals and families during some of the most challenging times in their lives. When someone you love is facing a health crisis, the world can suddenly feel overwhelming, confusing, and even frightening. The medical system, with all its complexities and uncertainties, can leave you feeling lost and powerless. This is where a patient advocate becomes more than just a guide; they become a lifeline.

I started Stepping Stone Advocacy because I saw firsthand how easily patients and their families can be overwhelmed by the healthcare system. Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals work tirelessly to provide care, but the truth is, they often don’t have the time or resources to help patients navigate the endless maze of appointments, treatments, and medical jargon. And in those moments of fear and confusion, what you need most is someone who can stand by your side, listen to your concerns, and ensure your voice is heard.

Having a patient advocate isn’t just about having someone who understands medical terms or can coordinate care. It’s about having someone who cares deeply about you and your loved ones, who will fight for your needs, and who will be there to hold your hand when you’re feeling scared or uncertain. It’s about trust and compassion—two things that are at the core of everything we do at Stepping Stone Advocacy.

A patient advocate is your partner in navigating the complexities of healthcare. They are there to ask the tough questions, to ensure you understand every aspect of your care, and to make sure that nothing slips through the cracks. They help you make informed decisions by breaking down the medical jargon and providing clear, compassionate guidance every step of the way. When you’re faced with difficult choices, they help you weigh the options, so you can move forward with confidence.

At Stepping Stone Advocacy, we believe that every patient deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. We believe that no one should have to face a healthcare crisis alone. That’s why we are here—to be your advocate, your ally, and your friend in times of need. We are here to help you navigate the journey, to ensure that your needs are met, and to make sure that your voice is always heard.

In moments of uncertainty, when you feel like the world is spinning out of control, know that you don’t have to face it alone. We are honored to stand by your side and to help you and your loved ones every step of the way.

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.