North Texas Senior Care Advocate & Patient Advocate

 In 2021, my brother-in-law's long-standing struggle with diverticulitis worsened, prompting him to seek medical attention at a nearby hospital. However, he was forced to wait days before undergoing surgery. By the time he received treatment, his condition had deteriorated, and he was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) on a ventilator. 

Living miles away, I contacted the hospital to get updates on his status. The doctor on duty informed me that my brother-in-law's condition was critical and that he would likely pass away that night. He also mentioned that someone needed to make decisions on his behalf, as he didn't have a spouse or children to do so. 

His closest sibling was his older brother, who was living with him, but due to COVID-19 concerns, the older brother was reluctant to visit the hospital. My husband and I made the three-hour drive to the hospital, where we were met with the gravity of my brother-in-law's condition. The staff advised us to consider stopping his care management, citing poor vital signs. However, I refused to give up hope. Despite the dire prognosis, I believed my brother-in-law was fighting for his life and wanted me to fight for him as well.

I insisted that the hospital staff continue his care management and keep him on full code (meaning that if his heart stopped beating or if he stopped breathing, all resuscitation procedures would be performed to keep him alive). The hospital was quick to consider pulling the plug, but I held onto hope. My brother-in-law held on for ten more days before passing away.

This experience was a stark reminder of the critical role a senior care advocate and patient advocate can play in such situations. Having someone who can communicate effectively with healthcare providers, understand medical terminologies, and advocate for the patient's wishes can make a significant difference. My brother-in-law's ordeal highlighted the necessity of having a dedicated advocate to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, especially in times of crisis. It inspired me to become a patient advocate, ensuring that no family has to face such challenging circumstances alone and that every senior receives the dignified care they deserve.

As I pursued my graduate studies, I was fortunate to secure an administrative internship at a behavioral health hospital. This experience not only deepened my understanding of the hospital's Quality Program, which focused on incident reports and patient safety, but also gave me a unique perspective on the emotional and socioeconomic factors that affect patient safety within mental health and substance abuse facilities.

Listening to patients' concerns and those of their families, I gained a profound appreciation for the importance of mental health advocacy. This experience transformed my professional obligation into a personal commitment to ensure that every individual who walked through the facility's doors received high-quality care that respected and upheld their fundamental rights and dignity without compromise.

With this newfound passion, I set out to create an environment where patients felt safe, valued, and empowered in their journey towards healing and recovery. I aimed to foster a culture of compassion, understanding, and respect, where individuals could receive the support they needed to thrive.

This commitment to mental health advocacy is at the heart of my work with Lifeline Senior Advocates. By providing personalized advocacy services, I strive to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that patients' voices are heard and their needs are met. My goal is to empower individuals and their families, offering guidance and support through the complexities of the mental health care system. Together, we can work towards a future where everyone receives the dignified and comprehensive care they deserve.

As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the pivotal moments that inspired me to become a Senior Care Advocate and Patient Advocate. Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles that older adults and their families encounter while navigating complex medical, financial, and care-related decisions. These experiences have shaped my commitment to making a difference in the lives of seniors.

One of the most significant influences on my journey was the experience of caring for a loved one who was struggling with age-related health issues. Watching them navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, often feeling overwhelmed and unsupported, was a profound wake-up call. It was clear that they needed a trusted advocate to help them navigate the system and ensure they received the respect, care, and assistance they deserved.

My professional journey has taken me through various healthcare settings, including acute care hospitals, specialty hospitals, mental health facilities, nursing homes, diagnostic imaging centers, and specialty pharmacies. Through these experiences, I have seen the gaps in care and communication that often leave seniors feeling overwhelmed and unsupported. I have witnessed patients being discharged without adequate support, struggling to navigate complex healthcare systems, and lacking the resources to make informed decisions about their care.

In addition to my professional experience, I hold a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Colorado State University. This education, combined with my extensive healthcare background, provides a solid foundation for my advocacy work. I understand the intricacies of the healthcare system and am well-equipped to support seniors in navigating these complexities.

These experiences have profoundly impacted my perspective and purpose. I realized that there was a critical need for dedicated advocacy to ensure that seniors receive the respect, care, and assistance they deserve. As a Senior Care Advocate and Patient Advocate, I am committed to empowering older adults and their families to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system with confidence and dignity.

I strive to provide compassionate support, expert guidance, and tireless advocacy to ensure that every senior receives the high-quality care they deserve. Whether it’s assisting with medical appointments, coordinating long-term care, or helping with insurance claims, I am here to help. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors, ensuring they live their golden years with the dignity and respect they deserve.

If you or a loved one needs assistance navigating the healthcare system, please reach out. Let's work together to ensure the best possible care and support for our seniors.