3 Valuable Lessons Learned as a Care Consultant
By Jane A. Malkoff MSN RN NP
Opportunity is alive and well. With 29 years as a registered nurse (I cannot believe that!), 23 of those as an advanced practice nurse/nurse practitioner, and 19 of those also as a patient advocate, I have the amazing opportunity to learn from my clients each and every day. I wouldn’t trade it for anything! The lessons I have learned have not only enriched my life personally but much more importantly these lessons have provided the foundation to become the only comprehensive advocacy/consulting firm in the Indianapolis area. There are too many lessons to count so I will share here a list of just three of the most important ones.
- People interacting in the health care system want to be active participants versus passive recipients. When people are treated as the single most valuable resource on their own health care team –which they undoubtedly are- then, contrary to popular belief, these active participants make excellent patients. The majority of people can and will take personal responsibility for their own heath care choices.
- People want to have access to experienced professional consultants. There is a demand for experienced professional care consultants who are experts in navigating the health care system and therefore people today are actively looking for such resources. Health care providers need not frown upon entities providing these private services not covered by insurance, deter their patients, or assume the private options are off limits or somehow a waste of money. People want access to such services. People want the support to obtain the results they are looking for in their personal health care situations.
- It is a good idea to be prepared for what lies ahead. When navigating the health care delivery system in all of its landscapes (MD offices, hospitals, nursing homes, private homes, continuum care campuses, etc.), people do best when they are prepared for what lurks around the next corner. Crisis at the next turn may be the catalyst for change but having insight into what could come next is extremely valuable in planning for smoother transitions and healthier outcomes. People appreciate support and guidance out of a tough corner but they are even more pleased when they are prepared in advance for what lies ahead.
At Clarity Care Advocates, LLC we are committed to our clients and to enriching their journey through the health care system and the challenges of aging. We bring many years of experience and lessons learned to each and every individual situation.