• Translate the diagnosis, treatment plan, and test results into language you can understand

• Review the medical records and provide a summary

• Perform further research on care and alternatives

• Provide decision support when considering treatment options

• Facilitate communication between clients, family, and medical teams

• Re-explain issues as many times as necessary

• Create question lists to prepare for appointments

• Accompany clients virtually or in-person to appointments when allowed

• Update, clarify and communicate daily or hourly progress for hospitalized patients

• Provide a useful and concise summary after appointments, procedures, surgeries and hospitalizations

• Change course medically OR socially when needed

• Monitor progress and identify if a new angle or option makes sense, including second or third opinions

• Help with changes in living situation: refer to trusted home care, placement and organization specialists

• Connect the client with highly regarded legal resources if desired or necessary

• Explain and reexplain why, when and how to take medications

• Streamline medication regimens with your medical team to identify and avoid redundancy or interactions

• Create and coach an easy-to-use, personalized medication chart and system for the client or caregiver

• Continue care smoothly between hospital and home

• Clarify, identify, and help coordinate home care such as PT/OT/Speech/medical equipment

• Help arrange for home help if needed

• Facilitate communication with rehabilitation center or skilled nursing facility

• Nurture patient and family compliance with the prescribed home care

• Save time on the phone and in person

• Streamline care and identify potentially unnecessary appointments and copays

• Assist with scheduling, including labs, imaging, and follow up studies.

• Give you a physical and mental break: take bedside notes and sit with hospitalized patients

• Help with transportation logistics to appointments

• Coordinate in-person or virtual family meetings

• Get everyone on the same page

• Improve family harmony with guidance and communication that is neutral, comprehensive and transparent.

• Refer client or family to trusted support services

DEEP DIVE:

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Dr. Garr offers an information-packed 30 minutes of explanation on a new diagnosis or ongoing medical condition. It is accurate, unlike the tempting Dr. Google. Think of a mini-medical school class, taught at a level that people without a medical background can understand. It allows them to get up to speed quickly on a topic without delving into a specific care plan or ongoing contract.

This valuable session can include all interested family and caregivers. If you then want or need help in the future we can proceed.

TRAVEL

Traveling can be tricky but not always impossible for individuals and families dealing with medical issues. GHA can help get you travel ready by coordinating pre-trip labs, records, and supplies with your medical team. We can research and delegate a medical facility at the destination in the case of need or peace of mind. Let us strategize to help with mobility issues.

LEGAL RESOURCES

We can help you and your family prepare for your meeting with an attorney or case manager in order to be more efficient and knowledgeable. We help you and your loved ones understand and hone your feelings about medical power of attorney or medical advanced directives, for example. These are often difficult, emotionally charged topics that require forethought. There are many forms with constant updates. You and your family can make decisions from an informed perspective.