Aging Aware: What is an Aging Parent Advocate?
MY SERVICES
Future Planning | Hospitalization Advising | Transition Support | End-of-Life Care | Speaking and Facilitation
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Note: Timeframes and pricing are typical, they may change based on specific needs and circumstances.
Future Planning
Developing a plan for the future can help ease uncertainty and bring families closer together. To create this plan, I start with an initial meeting to understand an elder’s overall condition (including mobility and cognition), as well as details about their living situation and finances. I also discuss emerging gaps and perceptions about the next few years. This informs a matrix of priorities, (e.g., proximity to family, faith or medical locations and the ability to continue social circles or recreation). These form the guardrails of the plan and are the touchstones for future decision making.
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After this, I facilitate individual and family discussions—asking tough questions when necessary—to surface concerns and establish greater awareness of the elder’s health and needs, as well as opportunities for adult children and others to provide support.
These discussions lead to a tailored plan for the road ahead, which includes checklists, recommended partners, responsibilities for each family member, and a framework for future discussions.
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This service is typically completed in four weeks and includes four or five individual sessions, two facilitated family workshops, and a written plan. Fee: $1,500
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Hospitalization Advising
When an elder experiences a sudden change in health, families are often faced with stressful decisions and unfamiliar systems. In these moments, I provide guidance to help families feel prepared and confident as advocates. This includes coaching on how to approach evaluations, interact with medical and social work teams, and keep the elder’s values, wishes, and long-term lifestyle central to every conversation. I also serve as a steady sounding board, offering reassurance and perspective when it’s most needed.
This service typically takes place over three to seven days. It includes up to four conversations via phone, Zoom, or email, as well as text support during the hospitalization. Fee: $350
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Please note: If work exceeds the scope in frequency or duration, clients are notified before continuing.
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Transition Support
Shifting from hospital to rehab, independent living to assisted living, or home to hospice can be overwhelming for both elders and their families. I help ease these transitions by working closely with families to draft a plan, assign caregiving roles, coordinate essential tasks like home health evaluations, and confirm that equipment and medical supply needs are met. I can also act as an “additional sibling” to support families in practical ways, helping to establish new routines and ensure nothing important is overlooked.
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This service typically takes place over five to seven days. The service includes an initial meeting and one follow-up. Fee: $300 for planning; $75 per hour for practical, in-person support
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End-of-life Care
At the end of life, both elders and their families deserve care that is steady, respectful, and personal. Drawing on my training as a death doula through NorthShore EndWell and my experience as a hospice volunteer, I provide guidance and companionship for individuals in hospice or palliative care, typically with a terminal diagnosis of six months or less.
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My support spans both practical and emotional needs. I help families navigate decisions such as choosing a hospice provider, preparing the home or residence, and ensuring the right equipment is in place. I assist in setting up a comforting environment for vigil and provide the dying individual with legacy support and small comforts, such as music or aromatherapy. And I hold space through active listening, thoughtful communication, and gentle guidance to align care and manage expectations. After death, I continue to support families by engaging with funeral homes, coordinating with faith communities, and creating rituals that honor both grief and remembrance.
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This service is tailored to each family’s needs, so the timeframe and fees will be provided after an initial consultation.
Speaking and Facilitation
I bring my experience as an elder advisor to groups and organizations through presentations and facilitated discussions about the realities of aging and the importance of advocacy. My approach emphasizes seeing life from the elder’s perspective rather than simply extending our own. Speaking topics include uncovering and addressing care gaps, anticipating future needs, navigating proactive evaluations, and managing difficult conversations in a way that respects and promotes elder agency. These sessions can be tailored to professional groups, community organizations, or families who want to deepen their understanding of how to support elders with compassion and clarity.
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Timeframe and pricing are specific to each engagement and will be provided after an initial consultation.


