Category: blog

The Future of Nurse-Patient Advocacy: Changing Lives, Changing Healthcare

The Future of Nurse-Patient Advocacy: Changing Lives, Changing Healthcare

In today’s healthcare system—fragmented, rushed, and often confusing—patients and families need more than treatment plans; they need translation, coordination, and protection. That’s where Nurse Patient Advocates step in. A Profession Born from the Gaps Nurse-Patient Advocacy didn’t emerge from textbooks—it was born at the bedside. It came from nurses who saw too many patients fall […]

Why a Concierge Independent Patient Advocate Is the Right Choice

Why a Concierge Independent Patient Advocate Is the Right Choice

When health gets complicated, families quickly discover that navigating the system is overwhelming. Between coordinating specialists, chasing insurance approvals, reconciling medications, and planning for work or school, the need for guidance is undeniable. But here’s the question: should you rely on the care coordination services that Medicare reimburses—or hire your own independent patient advocate? The […]

How a Patient Advocate Could Have Changed Helen Keller’s Journey

How a Patient Advocate Could Have Changed Helen Keller’s Journey

When Helen Keller fell ill at just 19 months old, her world became silent and dark. Struck by an illness that left her both deaf and blind, Helen’s family faced an uncertain path. In the late 1800s, resources for children with disabilities were scarce, and her parents were left to navigate a confusing and often […]

When It’s OK to “Tap Out” as a Caregiver and Advocate for a Loved One

When It’s OK to “Tap Out” as a Caregiver and Advocate for a Loved One

Why self-care is essential for sustainable caregiving Caring for a loved one—especially as both a caregiver and a healthcare advocate—can be one of the most meaningful, yet emotionally and physically demanding roles we take on. You might feel like you’re juggling a thousand tasks while trying to stay strong for someone you love. Even when […]

Unlocking Your Hidden Professional Superpowers as a Nurse

Unlocking Your Hidden Professional Superpowers as a Nurse

You’ve heard it a million times: “Nurses have so many transferable skills!” It’s what well-meaning friends, family, and career counselors tell you when you mention burning out at the bedside. But when the hospital corridor is the only professional home you’ve known, those words can feel frustratingly vague. What exactly does “transferable skills” mean when […]

Patient Advocacy for the Elderly: Keep it simple!

Patient Advocacy for the Elderly: Keep it simple!

A patient advocate can be a huge help for an elderly person who struggles to understand medical stuff. Here’s how they can make a difference: Making Medical Info Easier to Understand Breaking things down into simple terms—no confusing doctor talk. Using pictures, videos, or even stories to explain things better. Going over important info more […]

Safe at Home: How Patient Advocates Empower Seniors to Thrive

Safe at Home: How Patient Advocates Empower Seniors to Thrive

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 […]

Wernicke’s Syndrome: Understanding the Condition and Role of Patient Advocacy

Wernicke’s Syndrome: Understanding the Condition and Role of Patient Advocacy

What is Wernicke’s Syndrome? Wernicke’s Syndrome, or Wernicke’s Encephalopathy, is a serious neurological disorder caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1). It is often associated with chronic alcoholism but can also result from malnutrition, severe vomiting, or conditions that impair the absorption of nutrients. The syndrome primarily affects the brain and nervous system, leading […]

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.