Fall 2023 Recap
By Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, CSA®, Founder, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC & Navigating Solo Network
In addition to my one to one client work, I am grateful for the opportunities I have as a community educator. The last months of 2023 have been busy!
Navigating Laryngitis, August 2023:
As an Independent Board-Certified patient Advocate and Certified Senior Advisor®, I spend my professional life helping clients navigate the complexities of our healthcare system. Not only do I work with clients one on one, but I also offer educational talks on a variety of topics. Throughout my work week, I use my voice, literally and figuratively, to amplify the voice of others and make sure they are heard, and their needs met.
As I was driving home on the afternoon of Wednesday, August 2nd, after a presentation at a fantastic event for solo agers in NYC, I somehow lost my voice. I am not sure how it happened.
My presentation at 10:30 am went very well and I left NYC around 3 pm having stayed hydrated and energized, and somehow lost my voice. By Thursday, my voice was strained (sounded like a loud whisper), and on Friday it sounded a little like a goose was stuck in my throat.
On Friday, I even tried my best to support a client by virtually participating in a family conference with a care facility, but it was a massive struggle. By Saturday morning my voice was lower than a whisper. It did not improve at all over the weekend and by Monday morning, it still wasn't back.
I arrived at urgent care on Monday morning with a printed list of symptoms and other key medical information and handed the providers a piece of paper which said "I have laryngitis. I am happy to ask and respond to questions in writing!" I brought a pad of paper and a pen with me to be able to take notes and to communicate as needed. After ruling out any kind of illness as a cause, I was diagnosed with laryngitis, ordered to rest my voice, and referred to an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor).
I authored four blog posts about navigating life with an uncommon form of laryngitis. View them here:
Blog Post: Advocacy Without An ESSENTIAL Tool in the Toolbox!
Blog Post: "Is It Live or Is It Cloned?"
Blog Post: Cue the Backup Plan...
Blog Post: The Power of Preparation
I am so glad that my laryngitis cleared up by mid October 2023 and I was able offer presentations throughout the rest of 2023!
Conference & Community Organization Presentations:
Conference Presentations:
Read my blog post about the Healthcare Advocate Summit, September 2023 and my unexpected honor as 2023 Independent Patient and Health Care Advocate of the Year
Massachusetts Councils on Aging Fall Conference, October 2023: My Meeting the Needs Older Adults Navigating Solo presentation was attended by forty-five conference participants.
Hospice and Palliative Care Federation of Massachusetts Education Conference, October 2023: I am appreciative to the Hospice & Palliative Care Federation of Massachusetts (HPCFM) for the opportunity to present at their 2023 Education Conference. I'm grateful to the attendees of my session for their interest, questions, and feedback!
Community Education Talks: I am honored that I have offered over 120 presentations with Massachusetts based organizations and Organizations whose work has a national focus. This fall I had the opportunity to collaborate with:
DOROT, New York City, How to Create a 'Go Plan' in Case of a Medical (or Any) Emergency: I am appreciative of my ongoing collaborations with DOROT and grateful to them for inviting me to offer tips for compiling a "go plan!" What a robust and engaging conversation we had! Thanks to the more than 80 attendees who chose to join us!
Cambridge Public Library In-Person Navigating Solo: Planning Tools for Aging Well Series, October - November 2023, facilitated in partnership with Cambridge Neighbors, the Cambridge Public Library and sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. One hundred and eighteen participants joined us in person throughout the series. The in-person sessions brought in engaged and committed patrons from area neighborhoods eager to absorb the information and wealth of resources shared. I value my ongoing opportunity for collaboration with the Cambridge Public Library and Cambridge Neighbors.
MainStreet Financial Planning, Inc’s Chalk Talk: Creating Your Solo Aging Plan! It was a wonderful discussion!
In the Media: Over the last few months, I have been honored to be interviewed a podcasts, quoted in articles, and included in a newly revised book focused on planning for aging.
Podcast: HONESTLY AGING A Friends Life Care VigR® Podcast: Episode 16: Tackling the Challenges Facing Today’s Solo Agers
Book Inclusion: The Complete Eldercare Planner by Joy Loverde, 4th Revised Edition released October 2023, quoted on page 44 and included as a patient advocacy resource
Articles:
- Quoted in Forbes Health: How to Find the Best Senior Living Communities
-Featured in Brookline Patch: Brookline's Ailene Gerhardt Is Advocate For Patients, Senior Educator
Navigating Solo Network: I founded the Navigating Solo Network in the Fall of 2021. The Navigating Solo Network: The path to dynamic solo aging starts here!™ is a national network and online clearinghouse featuring resources specifically for Solo Agers!
Read about the Navigating Solo Network’s 2nd Anniversary, October 2023
Events: Navigating Solo Summer and Winter Gatherings, August and November 2023
Blog Post: Has Barbie Created Her Solo Aging Plan?
Connect With Us: When the complexity of your healthcare situation is too challenging to navigate on your own, working with an independent board certified patient advocate can help cut through the “red tape,” reduce complications, and offer peace of mind at an emotional time. Contact Ailene to learn more about the value of working with a private patient advocate.