🌿 What Does an Elder Advocate Do?

By Susan “Lady Flava” Koshi

As our loved ones age, the systems around them become harder to navigate—from healthcare to housing to basic daily needs. That’s where elder advocates step in. But what do we actually do?

An elder advocate is more than a helper.

We are protectors, navigators, and most of all, listeners.

🗣️ We Help Seniors Feel Heard

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is listen. Truly listen. Many elders feel dismissed by fast-paced appointments, rushed care providers, or family members who don’t quite understand what it’s like to grow older in today’s world.

Elder advocates slow the moment down.

We translate medical language into human language.

We ask the questions others forget.

We notice when something just doesn’t feel right.

🧭 We Navigate Complex Systems

The healthcare system isn’t built for aging patients with memory challenges, hearing loss, or mobility issues. It’s overwhelming—even for professionals.

An elder advocate:

Schedules appointments and follows up Attends visits (in person or virtually) to take notes Keeps track of prescriptions and care plans Helps coordinate between family, doctors, and specialists Flags red tape, billing errors, or mistreatment

We don’t speak for our elders.

We speak with them, beside them, and sometimes, louder when they can’t.

💛 We Preserve Dignity

Too often, decisions are made about seniors, not with them. An elder advocate ensures their preferences and boundaries are respected—whether it’s choosing a provider, saying no to a procedure, or simply wanting a little more time.

Aging doesn’t mean disappearing.

It means evolving—and we’re here to make sure that happens with dignity and care.

🌼 Why I Do This Work

My journey began with caring for my own parents and later working with elderly clients in hospitals, homes, and rehab settings. I’ve seen how easily elders can be dismissed or overlooked.

But I’ve also seen how one calm voice, one well-timed question, or one act of kindness can change everything.

To be an elder advocate is to walk alongside someone with respect, patience, and love—especially when the world moves too fast around them.

📌 Elder Advocates Help With:

✅ Appointment reminders and prep

✅ Transportation coordination

✅ Medical visit support

✅ Insurance and paperwork

✅ Emotional encouragement

✅ Safety and quality-of-life decisions

✅ Helping seniors stay connected, informed, and seen

🌟 Final Thought:

If you’ve ever helped your parent, grandparent, or elderly neighbor feel a little less confused or a little more supported—you’ve already been an elder advocate. Now imagine doing it with purpose.

💛 What Does an Elder Advocate Do?

At its heart, elder advocacy is about ensuring older adults maintain their dignity, independence, and quality of life as they age. Elder advocates act as compassionate guides, protectors, and voices for seniors who may feel overwhelmed by today’s complex healthcare and social systems.

Whether working in a hospital, from a remote support role, or within the community, an elder advocate:

Listens with empathy to understand a senior’s needs, fears, and preferences. Explains medical processes or paperwork in everyday language that feels less intimidating. Coordinates care by helping schedule appointments, follow-up calls, or transportation. Speaks up when something doesn’t feel right, whether it’s a billing error, disrespectful treatment, or unmet medical needs. Builds trust through consistency, kindness, and attention to detail. Helps families navigate decisions about aging, caregiving, and support services.

Elder advocates don’t provide medical care—but they provide something just as essential: connection, clarity, and reassurance.

🛤️ A Personal Note:

As I write this, I’m exploring how I might step into this work professionally. After years of supporting elders through caregiving, medical systems, and emotional transitions, I feel called to turn this experience into a meaningful, sustainable path.

Becoming an elder advocate feels like a natural extension of who I am—and what I’ve always done: listen with compassion, show up with intention, and help others feel seen, heard, and supported.

If you or someone you know is seeking an elder advocate—or if you’ve walked this path yourself—I’d love to connect. Sometimes the best next step is simply having a conversation.

📧 ladyflavanews@gmail.com

Susan K aka Lady Flava

Advocating For Elders