Kathryn Hayes

BSN, RN
Bright Path Elder Care
Kathryn

Kathryn Hayes

BSN, RN
Bright Path Elder Care
Advocate Location
Topeka , KS 66617
Specialty
Medical Guidance
Other Services
Special Care & Aging
TeleAdvocacy Available
Offers FREE Initial Consultation
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*Greater National Advocates Terms of Use Apply
How I Can Help
I offer personalized care management and advocacy to help patients and their loved ones navigate complex healthcare situations. My services include:

Advocacy in Hospital and ER: Providing support and representation for patients during hospital stays or emergency visits, ensuring families can communicate effectively with healthcare providers and understand treatment options.

Care Transitions: Specializing in safe transitions from hospital to home or rehab, coordinating essential home health services, medical equipment, and follow-up care plans.

Chronic Condition Management: Assisting with the management of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, arthritis, and dementia. This includes medication oversight, personalized care plans, and coordination of specialist care.

Medicare and Medicaid Navigation: Helping families understand eligibility, coverage options, and available financial resources to maximize benefits and minimize out-of-pocket costs.

End-of-Life Care Guidance: Providing support for hospice and palliative care options, ensuring that patients and families receive compassionate care focused on comfort and quality of life.

Organ Donation Support: Offering care and emotional support for both organ donors and recipients, guiding families through the process and addressing their needs.

Aging in Place Services: Assisting clients who wish to remain in their homes by arranging home modifications, coordinating in-home care services, and developing comprehensive care plans in collaboration with family members and healthcare providers.

Discharge Planning: Collaborating with healthcare teams to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home, including arranging follow-up appointments and necessary therapies.

Whether you need help with care coordination, emotional support, or navigating complex healthcare decisions, I am dedicated to providing expert guidance and advocacy every step of the way.
Important Information About Me
  • I offer a FREE Initial Consultation
  • I offer TeleAdvocacy Service
  • My geographical area of practice is Topeka, KS and surrounding areas for in-person services, nationwide for remote services
Why I Became A Professional Health Care Advocate
My journey as a patient advocate began with a desire to help others and make a positive difference in their lives. Working in the hospital as a nurse, I saw firsthand how overwhelming it can be for patients and their families during medical emergencies. I realized just how crucial it is to have someone in your corner who can help navigate the often-confusing healthcare system.

This realization became even more personal for me during my own complicated pregnancy and labor. I experienced what felt like a lack of communication among the hospital staff, which left me feeling vulnerable and uncertain. It was a challenging time, and I learned how difficult it is to advocate for yourself when you’re "in the thick of it." This experience showed me just how vital it is to have someone who isn’t swayed by the interests of hospitals, doctors, or insurance companies—someone who is solely focused on your well-being.

As I delved into home health and palliative care, my commitment to supporting families during tough times deepened. I found that many people struggle to understand their medical options and advocate for their loved ones in hospital and clinic settings. This inspired me to step in and be that trusted advocate—someone who empowers patients and families to make informed decisions about their health.

With training in geriatric care management, aging in place, and navigating Medicare and Medicaid, I’ve learned how to meet the unique needs of elderly clients. I truly believe that everyone deserves to age with dignity and have the resources they need to live comfortably in their own homes.

My mission is to be a guide for patients and their families. Whether it’s advocating in the hospital, coordinating transitions back home, or providing support during end-of-life decisions, I’m here to ensure that you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Every day, I’m inspired by the strength of my clients and the meaningful impact that personalized advocacy can have on their lives
Contact Advocate
Formal Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Columbia College
Faith Experience
  • Catholicism
  • Christianity
  • Protestantism
Additional Skills
I have experience in caring for and advocating for patients with a wide range of medical conditions, including:

Respiratory: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma

Cardiovascular: Cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction (heart attack), congestive heart failure (CHF), hypertension (high blood pressure), atrial fibrillation

Neurological: Stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic), Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy

Endocrine: Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2), obesity

Gastrointestinal: Gastrointestinal bleeding, pancreatitis, cirrhosis

Renal: Renal failure (acute and chronic), chronic kidney disease (CKD), dialysis (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis)

Immune: Sepsis, sickle cell disease, AIDS/HIV

Musculoskeletal: Fractures (hip, wrist, etc.), osteoporosis, chronic pain syndromes, trauma (head, spinal, or multi-system)

Palliative Care: Terminal cancer, end-stage lung disease (e.g., COPD, pulmonary fibrosis), palliative care for chronic illness

COVID-19: Acute care for COVID-19 patients, rehabilitation for post-acute sequelae, long COVID management
Professional Affiliations
I have extensive training in end-of-life care, including hospice and palliative care, geriatric care management, and aging in place strategies. I am also experienced in critical care (ICU), managing transitions such as hospital to home, hospital to rehab, and coordinating home health services to ensure continuity of care. Additionally, I have participated in training on organ donation, including providing care and support for both donors and recipients and their families. I am well-versed in Medicare and Medicaid, helping clients navigate benefits and eligibility. My continuing education includes workshops and seminars on hospice care, palliative care, critical care, home health, PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) and the latest updates in Medicare and Medicaid. I stay current on aging in place strategies, ensuring elderly clients' well-being in their homes, and I regularly attend classes focused on elder care, geriatric health management, and best practices in end-of-life care.