Greater National Advocates Blog

Guest Blog: Submitted by Brian Dema, SanFrancisco, CA From the Editor: This blog is an actual letter written by an appreciative client about a very deserving advocate, GNA legacy member, Marina Emery. GNA is publishing this letter in its entirety...

This is Part 1 in series of client stories. The names have been changed but the stories are real. Sometimes subtle symptoms may be a warning that something is heading in the wrong direction. You may feel some vague symptoms, such as fatigue and...

How does one plan and prepare for the aftermath of a cancer diagnosis? Aside from doing your best to live a healthy lifestyle and retain adequate health insurance, few options exist. Whether you are a patient or a caregiver, the stresses brought...

As I continue to look for silver linings during this challenging time, I find myself grateful for the pleasure of working with several clients who are not in crisis — but who are thinking ahead and planning. All of these clients are caregivers...

I recently submitted a case review for a patient I cared for as a hospice volunteer. The publisher asked me the following question that gave me pause: “Is it usual to have a hospice volunteer, or was that an exception?” I wondered how it was that...

The short answer; ABSOLUTELY! A cancer diagnosis hits patients and loved ones like a brick. Most often you are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of the diagnosis, especially initially. Cancer management is time-sensitive and you may feel rushed to...

Claim Denial Has your insurance company ever denied any of your claims? Have you received medical bills stating that you are responsible for the full cost of services rendered? Have you ever been told after receiving medical care, imaging, or lab...

When I tell people I'm a patient advocate, they smile and say, that's nice! But…what is that? Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed with information and questions regarding your healthcare? You are not alone. Two common scenarios arise...

Home deaths are challenging yet fulfilling life experiences. Perhaps our family's story can enlighten & provide inspiration to yours. First, a few thoughts to share in foreword… In 2015, both my Dad (and then my Mom 11 months later...

Are You Engaged? The era of “the doctor knows best” is over. No more walking into a medical appointment hoping to be told what to do with no questions asked. Do you suppose there’s a reason patients historically agree with a doctor’s...

Perhaps you or a loved one just got diagnosed with the dreaded “C” word. Or perhaps you have been battling cancer and the treatment is just not working or not tolerable. There are lots of possible options and it is your right to know about them...

Are You Engaged? I’ve got news for you. The era of “The doctor knows best” is long overdue. No more walking into a doctor’s appointment to be told what to do with no questions asked. Do you suppose that there is a reason patients so readily agree...

We kept encountering the same scenario over and over again, like Bill Murray in Ground Hog Day. Patient after patient and family after family play a guessing game with what their loved one would have wanted while they're in the ICU with Covid-19...

People are surprised to learn there is often conflict when a loved one is in hospice. Unfortunately, some disputes do not cease when people are near death. On the contrary, family members can become more entrenched in their positions creating...

Imagine you are terminally ill, downsizing from house to apartment, or transitioning into a long-term care facility and you have personal possessions that you wish to distribute to family and friends. How do you decide who gets what and how do you...