“After a Diagnosis, Someone to Help Point the Way…” (New York Times, September 11, 2009). Are those words ever familiar.

“After a Diagnosis, Someone to Help Point the Way…” (New York Times, September 11, 2009).   Are those words ever familiar.

I had that ‘epiphany’ the moment my husband was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer, and interestingly, I read a similar comment from Katie Couric.  When her husband was diagnosed, she wished she had a medical degree…the overwhelming feelings are universal.

But these days, it’s not just disease that promotes the necessity for patient advocates; people are living longer and need help.  Simply put, in response to the core question -- What should people do when the “what if” becomes reality --  I launched A Dignified Life, a rare research resource that helps people in all kinds of distress and challenging life transitions navigate through their crises, relieve their burden, and save them considerable time at the most crucial moments of their life.  The service organizes teams of professionals to reduce stress and help make informed decisions regarding senior assistance and other life altering circumstances. 

A Dignified Life recognizes that people are looking for a bottom line result in prevailing over the social services and care arenas.  A Dignified Life ensures well-researched strategies when dealing with an array of caregiver services such as assisted living and nursing homes, home health care, estate planning and downsizing and relocation.  We provide the patient navigation for the adult child caregiver as well as the senior themselves.

A Dignified Life does not minimize the importance of a family member’s role, but affirms that people are looking for the best result for a loved one.  The assistance of a patient advocate and navigator becomes crucial.