
SUSAN
Madison, WI
Enlisting the help of Patient Care Partners was invaluable. I only wish I had known about them earlier. My husband had been ill for at least 6 months, during which time his health situation became more complicated. He had 6 weeks of radiation, home health services, falls requiring trips to ER and then a stroke requiring hospitalization. Several medical specialists were involved but no primary care. After 5 days a social worker announced that he was going to a rehab facility the next day.
There was no discharge meeting and no opportunity to visit the facility. I had been told that he would be cared for medically by primary care physician at the facility but after arriving I was told by Director of Nursing that the information was not correct. He would not be eligible for medical care through the rehab facility. My husband did not do well with rehab and became progressively more ill. His care was not good and I tried to arrange to move him but with no success.
I finally met a friend who referred us to Patient Care Partners. My husband and I met two nurses with PCP and their administrator. The nurse I worked with was very competent, supportive and able to determine what we needed. She was very kind to my husband and kept him informed as well. She was able to read his chart (which I was not allowed to do). She could assess his care and medications.
A care meeting was scheduled soon as Medicare mandated and we had to decide what course we would take. With the help of our nurse advocate, my husband and I agreed that palliative care would be best option. Our nurse advocate visited us frequently at the hospice facility. She remained involved with us, visited frequently and checked to see how we were doing. I was able to stay with him for the 5 days he was there and those were very precious days. Without her guidance, caring and knowledge this would not have happened.
Our nurse advocate has remained involved with me, accompanying me to a medical procedure. She stayed throughout the procedure and made sure I understood next steps and that all my questions were answered by my doctor..
She also referred me to resources which I have needed. PCP staff attended my husband’s services . Finally, I would like to mention that they have had a grief counselor join their group and she has been very helpful also.
I would recommend Patient Care Partners to anyone who needs help navigating through the health care system.