Aging Advisors

Article by Liisa Ogburn.

What is a Professional Healthcare Advocate?

Navigating mom’s recent hospitalization and skilled rehab stay, especially if you are an adult child living at a distance, is untenable. How can you guarantee she is getting the best care? A Professional Healthcare advocate can help.

Professional health care advocates are a new and growing profession in the elder care world, especially given how dispersed many families are. I recently reached out to Nancy Ruffner, President of Navigate NC, a local advocacy agency based in Raleigh to help answer common questions about this profession.

To read the entire article, visit: https://www.wral.com/what-is-a-professional-healthcare-advocate-/17384221/

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About the Author:

Liisa Ogburn is at the heart of Aging Advisors NC, bringing a rich blend of personal experience and global perspective to elder care. Raised in North Carolina with deep roots in Finland, Liisa has a unique appreciation for diverse approaches to aging, shaped by her life across different cultures including Finland, Estonia, Germany, England, Japan, and Costa Rica.

Her path into elder care consulting was deeply personal. While juggling her role as a Duke University educator and caring for her father-in-law and three young children, Liisa started sharing her family’s journey through articles for The New York Times and later, over 300 posts for WRAL Raleigh on everything from handling loss to choosing the right elder care options.

A teacher at heart, Liisa thrives on empowering others with knowledge. She offers her expertise in presentations to various groups—from churches to professional firms—and writes extensively, reaching audiences far and wide. Her credentials include certifications in geriatric care and a special certification from Brown University to teach Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, reinforcing her belief that calm minds make sound decisions.