Dr Lauren Wolf
Doctor of Social Work, Licensed Clinical Social Worker | Independent Patient Advocate & Aging Life Care Professional®
A Calmer Journey
Dr Lauren Wolf
Doctor of Social Work, Licensed Clinical Social Worker | Independent Patient Advocate & Aging Life Care Professional®
A Calmer Journey
Advocate Location
Chicago , IL 60611
Specialty
Medical Guidance
Other Services
Special Care & Aging
TeleAdvocacy Available
Offers FREE Initial Consultation
*Greater National Advocates Terms of Use Apply
How I Can Help
A Calmer Journey provides independent, social-work-grounded care management and patient advocacy for older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals and families navigating complex healthcare situations. I help clients understand not only what services may be available, but what is actually happening day to day and what support may be needed.
As a Doctor of Social Work and Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience in medical, rehabilitation, and community settings, I provide personalized assessment, care planning, advocacy, and coordination. I have supported individuals and families across the lifespan who are navigating chronic illness, serious illness, disabilities, rare diseases, recovery after injury, behavioral health concerns, mental health challenges, trauma, and complex care situations.
Services are available in person throughout Chicago—including in homes, hospitals, rehabilitation settings, senior communities, and medical appointments—as well as virtually when appropriate. Clients may receive:
Assessment & Care Planning:
▪ Comprehensive in-home and community-based assessments addressing daily function, cognition, safety, healthcare management, psychosocial needs, support systems, and the home environment
▪ Aging Life Care management, disability support, advocacy, education, and individualized guidance
▪ Short- and long-term care planning to help individuals and families understand options, prioritize needs, and make informed decisions
Healthcare Advocacy & Coordination:
▪ Appointment preparation, attendance, note-taking, and follow-up support, in person or virtually
▪ Assistance exploring second opinions, specialty referrals, and complex treatment options
▪ Guidance during hospital stays, rehabilitation, discharge planning, and recovery transitions
▪ Improved communication and coordination with physicians, hospitals, therapists, and other providers
▪ Organization of medical records, paper or digital health binders, and care information
Local & Practical Support:
▪ Local, in-person support for solo agers and long-distance families who need someone in Chicago to assess concerns, attend appointments, coordinate care, and follow through locally
▪ Assistance identifying practical barriers to managing care, including medications, appointments, transportation, communication, technology, and healthcare portals
▪ Connections to trusted caregivers, home care, therapies, rehabilitation, assisted living, skilled nursing, and community resources
▪ Guidance regarding benefits, long-term care insurance, Medicare-related coordination, and public resource options
Aging, Disability & Complex Situations:
▪ Home safety review, aging-in-place planning, memory and cognitive-change support, and guidance when a change in living situation may need to be considered
▪ Trauma-informed, culturally responsive advocacy that respects each client’s identity, values, and preferences
▪ Support navigating behavioral health, mental health, disability, and medically complex situations
As a Doctor of Social Work and Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience in medical, rehabilitation, and community settings, I provide personalized assessment, care planning, advocacy, and coordination. I have supported individuals and families across the lifespan who are navigating chronic illness, serious illness, disabilities, rare diseases, recovery after injury, behavioral health concerns, mental health challenges, trauma, and complex care situations.
Services are available in person throughout Chicago—including in homes, hospitals, rehabilitation settings, senior communities, and medical appointments—as well as virtually when appropriate. Clients may receive:
Assessment & Care Planning:
▪ Comprehensive in-home and community-based assessments addressing daily function, cognition, safety, healthcare management, psychosocial needs, support systems, and the home environment
▪ Aging Life Care management, disability support, advocacy, education, and individualized guidance
▪ Short- and long-term care planning to help individuals and families understand options, prioritize needs, and make informed decisions
Healthcare Advocacy & Coordination:
▪ Appointment preparation, attendance, note-taking, and follow-up support, in person or virtually
▪ Assistance exploring second opinions, specialty referrals, and complex treatment options
▪ Guidance during hospital stays, rehabilitation, discharge planning, and recovery transitions
▪ Improved communication and coordination with physicians, hospitals, therapists, and other providers
▪ Organization of medical records, paper or digital health binders, and care information
Local & Practical Support:
▪ Local, in-person support for solo agers and long-distance families who need someone in Chicago to assess concerns, attend appointments, coordinate care, and follow through locally
▪ Assistance identifying practical barriers to managing care, including medications, appointments, transportation, communication, technology, and healthcare portals
▪ Connections to trusted caregivers, home care, therapies, rehabilitation, assisted living, skilled nursing, and community resources
▪ Guidance regarding benefits, long-term care insurance, Medicare-related coordination, and public resource options
Aging, Disability & Complex Situations:
▪ Home safety review, aging-in-place planning, memory and cognitive-change support, and guidance when a change in living situation may need to be considered
▪ Trauma-informed, culturally responsive advocacy that respects each client’s identity, values, and preferences
▪ Support navigating behavioral health, mental health, disability, and medically complex situations
Important Information About Me
- I offer a FREE Initial Consultation
- I offer TeleAdvocacy Service
- I am insured
- My geographical area of practice is Chicago and select nearby suburbs, with nationwide virtual consultation and advocacy available when appropriate.
Why I Became A Professional Health Care Advocate
Advocacy has shaped both my professional path and personal life. I understand how quickly health changes, caregiving responsibilities, aging, disability, or unexpected life events can leave individuals and families feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to begin.
Alongside more than 20 years of professional experience, I bring lived understanding of navigating complex systems, supporting loved ones, managing competing responsibilities, and finding practical next steps during stressful times. That perspective helps me support clients with both professional expertise and real-world understanding.
My career as a medical social worker has included hospitals, rehabilitation settings, outpatient care, and community support, as well as work alongside survivors of trauma and violence. These experiences shaped my commitment to trauma-informed care and to helping clients feel respected, heard, and supported.
I come from a family of educators, and teaching has always been part of who I am. My grandmother first taught me piano, and I have also had the opportunity to teach older adults music. Clients often tell me I bring the calm guidance of a trusted teacher—someone who can explain complicated situations clearly, ask thoughtful questions, and help turn confusion into practical next steps.
I believe no one should have to navigate healthcare, aging, or disability systems alone. My goal is to help individuals and families feel informed, empowered, and supported as they make decisions and move forward.
Alongside more than 20 years of professional experience, I bring lived understanding of navigating complex systems, supporting loved ones, managing competing responsibilities, and finding practical next steps during stressful times. That perspective helps me support clients with both professional expertise and real-world understanding.
My career as a medical social worker has included hospitals, rehabilitation settings, outpatient care, and community support, as well as work alongside survivors of trauma and violence. These experiences shaped my commitment to trauma-informed care and to helping clients feel respected, heard, and supported.
I come from a family of educators, and teaching has always been part of who I am. My grandmother first taught me piano, and I have also had the opportunity to teach older adults music. Clients often tell me I bring the calm guidance of a trusted teacher—someone who can explain complicated situations clearly, ask thoughtful questions, and help turn confusion into practical next steps.
I believe no one should have to navigate healthcare, aging, or disability systems alone. My goal is to help individuals and families feel informed, empowered, and supported as they make decisions and move forward.
Address Line 2 (if applicable)
Suite 110-2244
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