Services

I will help you explore your treatment goals to guide you in preparing your Advance Care Directives, including developing a living will and choosing your medical decision-maker. 

Maintaining your quality of life to the end is most important. I  research hospice options & provide emotional & spiritual support through bedside vigils.  No one needs to die in pain or alone.  I can help locate estranged relatives to bring peace of mind to the dying & their family. 

Listening with compassion and empathy, I can help grievers face the challenges of coping with their "new normal" and living a life without their loved ones.  

Are you a solo senior & need a surrogate to advocate for you in a medical setting?  I will be your voice when you cannot speak for yourself due to a medical crisis. 

I am a trained mediator helping resolve disputes involving adult families, healthcare providers, and medical staff. I have experience in ethical decision-making at the bedside and can help you explore EOL options to avoid family conflict in an ICU.

PLEASE SEE EVENTS TAB FOR LINKS

"You're Suing Me BECAUSE I Kept your Mom Alive" Wrongful Prolongation of Life Lawsuits

"Who Will Speak for You? Tips on Choosing an Effective Surrogate"

"Becoming the Peacemaker,   A Mediator’s Strategies for Conflict Resolution In Clinical Settings"

"Ready to Go,"  Creating Advance Directives 

"Volunteering in the Valley of the Shadow of Death" positive aspects of Hospice Volunteering garnered through my 20+ years as a hospice volunteer

Sometimes, on-line zooming is the only way to bring a far-flung family together or counsel someone at the end-of-life. Please contact me about setting up a family conference or a personal meeting.  In family conferences, everyone has to have an open mind and listening ears. 

I do not provide legal advice or get involved in litigation...

I do not provide financial advisory services...

I do not provide any medical care or diagnosis...

I do not make decisions for you or tell you what to do...

If you need any of these services, please seek help from the appropriate professional.  The Ending Well Patient Advocacy, LLC  website is provided "as is" without any representations or warranties, express or implied.  

However, I will advocate for you like a bulldog!!!

Begin with an introductory telephone or email consult to discuss your circumstances.  Let's determine if my services can help you with your problem and lead you to the peace of mind you may be seeking. This introduction is on me for up to 45 minutes.

Professional fees vary & final cost will be determined by the client's individual needs.  Typically my services are on a per hour basis, but I will arrange a package price, if that is a better option for you.

I offer a compassionate presence to help the bereaved cope with their new circumstances. My experience is walking with the grieving to support them during difficult times.   

I provide medical surrogacy services to a few select clients. Professional fees vary, and the final cost will be determined by the client's individual needs.  

I will mediate with your health team at  "decision meetings" or in family conflicts. I can also weigh in on bedside bioethics consults & offer  options to help you make the tough decisions.  

Presentation fees are available upon request...

Unfortunately, health insurance does not yet cover the services of an Independent Patient Advocate. 

"I can never thank you enough for all the loving kindness you poured out on my sweet cousin and also your help to me.  Your phone calls while visiting her so thoughtfully caught me up to date.  I know she loved her time with you because we talked about the musicals, singing, and the treats you brought.  Also, your offer to shop and set-up for her Memorial was beyond my expectations.  Again, a million thanks."    Suzanne S. 2020

“You  have been so helpful and kind in our quest to take care of my mother-in-law.  You were such a great support and I know you will be able to help others too.  We appreciate the research you did and never would have been able to get as far as we did without the info you sent or know which resources we needed in our fight for Mom’s interests. Thanks for your support throughout our ordeal.  There needs to be more counselors like you that offer families a path to address problems and the best way to resolve their differences to benefit all."     Wendy T. 2020

“Thank you for being so available and supportive and for being present with me in this exploration - that in itself is very comforting and encouraging.  Your support has been instrumental in galvanizing me - my mother had a more peaceful attitude than I'd seen in a long while, and that in turn gave me peace of mind.  Your advice was very helpful and grounding, and it felt so good to feel heard and understood.  I’m grateful to have you to help facilitate communication."  Karen K. 2018

"It seems that every time I'm about to give up or give in to despair, you call with a dose of hope and practical info.  I am so grateful for all of your attempts on our behalf. You were the only professional who behaved professionally and with care and humanity in this whole sorry mess."   Juanita H. 2017

"Althea is deeply committed to any patient and family in her care.  She does all she can to promote their well-being. Her caring compassion, empathy, and ability to see and meet needs is remarkable.  She provided invaluable help to the lone relative of a patient who lived out of town and could not have accomplished death arrangements without Althea's coordination and cooperation.  We are blessed to have Althea on our team."   Ann T. 2020

"Althea demonstrates empathy and exceptional listening and communication skills as a mediator.  She is highly effective  in creating a collaborative, problem-solving environment and her skills have enabled her to help participants in disputes reach a satisfactory resolution.  Althea has demonstrated impeccable ethics and performs her duties with sensitivity and respect for all parties."  Joe J. 2005

"I wanted to take a moment to let you know how impressed I was with your ability to quickly grasp the facts and orchestrate a settlement.  You are to be commended for your excellent mediation skills.  It was a pleasure working with you."   W. A.  2008

"The path you have chosen to help people resolve their differences, will make our world a better place to live.   You make a difference!" Sharon M. 2013 

"Althea listens without judging, and is patient and creative in helping parties find solutions to their dispute.  Her experience, intelligence, and understanding of the problem-solving process benefits all concerned."  D.W. Dept Of Consumer Affairs, LA 2008

"Althea worked on our Bioethics Committee and participated in end-of-life consults.  I have been quite impressed with her motivation and fine critical thinking, adding a dimension of insight that always served the good of our patients.  She was always available and prepared to assist in helping guide patients and families when presented with ethical questions and moral conflicts.  She helped identify the values and beliefs of those involved and helped clarify what decisions needed to be made."  C. N. Kaiser  Permanente 2015 

"Althea displayed a high degree of integrity and responsibility.  She is definitely a leader and not a follower."  N.M. MedStar Washington Hospital 2013

"Althea is a self-starter and perceptive of other's roles and perspectives."   E.D. Washington MedStar Hospital 2013