An experienced advocate at every important conversation
A Unicity Care Management nurse or social worker attends appointments and hospital meetings, asks thoughtful questions and explains care options in clear, easy-to-understand language.
Support when medical decisions move quickly
- A hospital is preparing for discharge, and you want to understand the plan.
- It's hard to remember everything the doctor said after an appointment.
- Two doctors have given different advice.
- Work or distance makes it difficult to attend every visit.
- An important decision needs to be made in a short time.
A Unicity Care Management advocate makes sure everyone involved understands the plan before decisions are made.
Helping your loved one be heard
An advocate supports each person's own voice. When someone can speak for themselves, we help them do it. When more support is needed, we work with the family and anyone who holds legal authority, such as a health care proxy.
Goes to appointments
In person or by phone, then tells the family what happened.
Joins discharge meetings
Reviews the plan with the hospital team before discharge.
Asks about the details
Medication changes, follow-up visits and warning signs to watch for.
Explains the options
Explains care options in plain language so your loved one and your family can decide with the full picture.
Advocates for your loved one
Speaks up for their needs, preferences and best interests so their voice is heard and their wishes are respected.
Provides written summaries
Sends the family a written summary they can look back on.
Questions we ask before a hospital discharge
You can ask these yourself, whether or not you work with us.
- Which medications were stopped, started or changed, and why?
- Who is checking that the new medication list matches the pharmacy's?
- When is the first follow-up appointment, and who is booking it?
- Can my loved one get to the bathroom safely on their own, including at night?
- Will they need someone with them overnight?
- Is home the right next step, or would short-term rehab be safer?
- What warning signs mean we should call the doctor right away?
Three steps
- 1
Free consultation
Tell us about the appointment, hospital stay or decision coming up.
- 2
We get up to speed
A nurse or social worker reviews your loved one's history and talks with your family about their goals.
- 3
We're there
We attend the meeting or appointment, then send a detailed written report covering what was discussed, updates and recommendations.
How we support your family
- We provide written summaries of appointments we attend, so you can stay informed even when you can't be there.
- We review the discharge plan with the hospital team before your loved one leaves.
- We communicate your loved one's wishes and preferences during the conversations we're part of.
- Written summaries are shared with the family members authorized to receive them.
Patient advocacy questions
What does a patient advocate do?
A patient advocate attends medical appointments and hospital meetings, asks thoughtful questions and explains options in clear language. At Unicity Care Management, advocates are Registered Nurses or Licensed Social Workers. Hospitals have their own patient advocates who work for the hospital. A private patient advocate works for your family.
Can an advocate help with a hospital discharge?
Yes. Hospital discharge is one of many reasons families reach out to Unicity Care Management. An advocate reviews the discharge plan and asks about medications, follow-up care and safety at home before your loved one leaves the hospital.
Do I need to be there too?
Many families live out of state or have work and other commitments that make it difficult to attend every appointment. Your advocate helps keep you informed by communicating important updates, sharing relevant information and keeping your family involved in care decisions, even when you can't be there in person.
What's the difference between a patient advocate and a care manager?
At Unicity Care Management, the same Registered Nurses and Licensed Social Workers provide both. Patient advocacy focuses on appointments, hospital stays and medical decisions. Care management adds a full assessment, a written care plan and ongoing oversight.
Can an advocate go to doctor appointments with my loved one?
Yes. Your advocate can help prepare questions before the visit, attend the appointment and send your family a written summary afterward.
How much does a patient advocate cost, and does Medicare pay?
Patient advocacy is private pay, and Medicare doesn't usually cover it. We'll explain fees during your free consultation, before you commit to anything.
Schedule a free consultation
Planning for yourself or for someone you care about? A free consultation with Unicity Care Management is a good place to start.
During this conversation, we will:
- Look for any immediate safety risks
- Sort out your timeline
- Talk through your options
- Recommend specific next steps
You don't need a plan before you call. We'll help you create one.
Referring someone to Unicity Care Management?
Attorneys, advisors, physicians, discharge planners and agencies have their own page.
For Referral Partners