Georgiana Saffle

As the principal associate of Advocacy Professionals, I have always had a passion and commitment for helping others, primarily the older population. When my career began twenty-five years ago, as Finance Director in a nursing home, I realized quickly the challenges that elders and their family members endure on a daily basis.  As my role in the senior health care industry grew, so did my compassion for helping others.  

 

In the midst of my health care career, I was faced with the untimely death of my mother at just 67 years of age.  She was a humorous, strong, hard-working woman that was the glue holding our family together.  Soon thereafter, I became my father’s power of attorney, advisor and caregiver thus, developing a more personal and emotional experience with our complex health care system.  He eventually moved into our home and, nine years later, moved into a nursing home, due to memory impairment. Again, I was reminded of the many choices and challenges encountered when a loved one(s) requires health care services.  

 

Then, early in 2012, my brother, an energetic, self-reliant, hard-working individual, was diagnosed with lung cancer at a young 60 years of age.   Once our family got through the initial shock of this devastating disease, it again became my mission to become his “quarterback”.  As his Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA), I accompanied him to all doctor’s appointments, coordinated the vast amount of various labs, x-rays and treatments to ensure insurance would cover such expenses and prevent duplication of testing since he had multiple medical practitioners.  Additionally, I accepted the appointment of Power of Attorney (POA) to handle his financial affairs, including an application for social security disability income because he was no longer able to work, Medicaid assistance and selecting the appropriate Medicare Part D plan once his Medicare Part A and B eligibility became active.  When the cancer returned, we researched options and helped him make the best treatment decision to maintain the highest quality of life based on his life expectancy.  Hiring a home health agency, arranging for 24/7 caregivers and planning his final arrangements and later transitioning to hospice.  He expired in a peaceful, comforting environment with our family by his side.  In honor of his wishes, I coordinated his life celebration services and the legal end of life tasks with minimal support of our attorney to maintain cost effective closing of those final affairs.

 

Through life’s experiences, I have gained invaluable knowledge that has driven me to assist others with any and all aspects of the health care system as we know it today.  It is my overall goal to relieve clients and their family members of the important but subsidiary matters thus, allowing them time to focus on wellness and cherished memories.  

 

It is an honor and a privilege to start an organization which focuses solely on helping others maneuver through this health care maze and ensuring that their rights and needs are met in the most cost efficient manner possible.  

 

Growing older should be worry free!