Carol in San Mateo, CA

We were at our wits end trying to help our sister. She had multiple doctors, cabinets full of medications, confusion on what was wrong, and no answers. Linda helped us sort through the turmoil and advocate for her. She managed numerous complex diagnoses & symptoms, as well as communications with a multitude of physicians & caregivers. By attending physician appointments, along with her numerous years of nursing experience and expertise, Linda was able to provide updated education & coaching regarding the multiple health challenges we faced, including an understanding of how numerous diagnoses can affect each other. She advocated for our sister, educating her about the specialists on her team and the various treatments each would be providing. Linda possesses excellent communication skills, sensitivity & has an excellent rapport with all health professionals & caregivers she has interacted with. She was able to provide transition support and guidance from independent to assisted living to our sister, who was initially very resistant to move. She is now very pleased to be in this new facility. Linda assisted our family in becoming empowered health care consumers & made a daunting situation completely manageable.

#advocacy #chronic

Karen in Washington, DC

Before I took a job out of state, I used caregivers to assist with my mother’s independent living. When she moved to assisted living, I thought “outside” assistance would be unnecessary. I was wrong. While regular meals and on-time meds were no longer a problem, what I did need was a set of local “eyes and ears” who could accompany my mother to medical and dental appointments and who could act as her advocate. Linda has been exceptional in every regard. Linda not only makes appointments and transports my mother to each, she provides timely, detailed reports and provides me with her own observations on each visit; she insures medications are appropriate and updated. I am convinced I would use Linda’s services to some degree, even if I wasn’t 3,000 miles away! Linda’s thoroughness and obvious medical expertise allow her to raise questions and address issues which might otherwise go unnoticed; and her continuing advocacy and vigilance have prevented health crises, and unnecessary hospitalizations from occurring: the neurologist considered a second medication for Alzheimer’s that dramatically improved my mother’s mood; the cardiologist decreased her cardiac medications resulting in a more stable heart rate; a physical therapy referral after observing an unsteady gait, made my mother physically stronger walking with a cane. My mother recently turned 90, is medically stable and has an enhanced quality of life, Thanks to Linda.

BACK STORY: Carol contacted me feeling desperate and stressed at being unable to handle all of her sister-in-law’s multiple chronic and acute diagnoses.  The family could not attend all of the physician appointments, coordinate the needed surgery, get second opinions or understand  the medical questions and decisions they were asked to provide feedback on from various physicians. What also exacerbated the situation, was the sister-in-law’s feeling overwhelmed and having difficulty remembering what she was told from each physician.

#advocacy

Terry, Tiburon, CA

I have rheumatoid arthritis with joint stiffness and soreness throughout my body. Although I had been enrolled in a physical therapy program for 6 weeks, I was not progressing very much. I contacted Linda for wellness coaching and to learn some Pilates mat exercises. Linda helped me develop a highly effective exercise program that I can easily do on my own at home in a reasonable and doable time frame. The result has been less pain and stiffness as well as an increase in range of motion, flexibility and muscle tone. I feel Linda took a genuine interest in my well being and also provided me with lifestyle and nutritional guidance to help reduce inflammation, control pain and joint stiffness as well as to help prevent flare-ups of my arthritis. Her health guidance and supportiveness have been a tremendous benefit to me. I found Linda to be a very knowledgeable nurse advocate and health coach and I would highly recommend her services for health-related problems as well as wellness, exercise and nutrition strategies for optimal health.

#wellness

Helen, San Jose, CA

I have worked with Linda intermittently over the past eight years for three complicated surgeries I have needed on my left knee. Linda’s advocacy on my behalf facilitated my medical treatment, by giving me guidance on the different treatment options available for my orthopedic problems, arranged a second surgical opinion, offered education on my medications & even provided the names of some orthopedic surgeons who accepted my medical insurance. She also provided my physician with the names of some excellent physical therapists near my home, as well as suggesting the type of equipment I would need for home use following my surgeries. Although I needed pain medication after each surgery, I experienced a smoother recovery from Linda’s expert planning & discussions with my physician. She provided me with different options so I could make informed choices about my surgeries, treatment plans & pain medications. I have incorporated many wellness strategies she provided to me & feel I will be able to maintain these changes in my life for years to come. Linda’s nursing expertise & advocacy were invaluable to my recovery. She was extraordinary knowledgeable and resourceful and I will continue to use her services for my health problems in the future.

#advocacy

Carolyn, Alameda, CA

I have had bilateral knee surgeries [3 surgeries on each knee, including a left knee replacement], moderate arthritis, severe degeneration & scoliosis. I hired Linda as a patient advocate to get more information on stretching to slow down my arthritis, nutrition and wellness recommendations. I had been a long distance biker rider and wanted to continue with this activity for as long as possible.

She gave me suggestions on excellent fitness instructors, had some wonderful suggestions on which foods & ingredients that could be contributing to my inflammation, along with those food sources that would be helpful for healing and lower the amount of inflammation in my body. She provided me on what home care products could be harmful to my health, with recommendations on cleaner products, as well as how I can reduce my exposure to unsafe chemicals in my cosmetics & personal care products.

Linda is a great advocate for maintaining one’s health. I experienced positive changes in how I felt physically and emotionally and ended up with more energy and stamina. Her guidance, support and calmness were invaluable.
#advocacy