Home-based care has become a lifeline for people managing chronic illnesses, especially older adults. But while the care may happen at home, navigating the system behind it, including insurance, medications, and care coordination, is anything but simple. For families already stretched thin, it can feel overwhelming, confusing, and at times, risky.
That’s why we spoke with Soojin Jun, a board-certified geriatric pharmacist, CDC Advisory Committee Member, and co-founder of Patients for Patient Safety US, to understand how patient advocacy fits into the home care landscape. She brings years of on-the-ground experience supporting both patients and caregivers, and her insights show just how essential advocacy is for keeping people safe, informed, and supported at home.
In home care, patient advocates help ensure that people with chronic conditions actually receive the care and resources they need to stay stable at home. The healthcare system is complex. It’s easy for things to fall through the cracks, missed treatments, misunderstood instructions, or insurance issues that delay care.
An advocate steps in to make sure care plans are clear and coordinated. They help with everything from managing paperwork and scheduling appointments to checking that medications are filled, affordable, and taken correctly. For patients juggling multiple diagnoses or providers, this support is crucial.
It’s not just about logistics. Advocacy reduces stress, confusion, and medical risks. It makes care safer and more consistent, especially for patients with long-term health needs.
Families and close friends are often the first line of advocacy, and they don’t need a medical degree to be effective.
Showing up to appointments, keeping records, and asking questions on the patient’s behalf can go a long way. Helping interpret care plans or keeping medications on track is another big area where loved ones can help. If someone has a background in healthcare, even better, but what really matters is knowing the person and being tuned in to changes in their health or mood.
Because family and friends know the patient best, they’re in a unique position to speak up when something feels off or when care doesn’t align with the person’s needs. Their role is personal, but it’s also powerful.
– Soojin Jun
Long-distance caregiving comes with its own set of challenges, but there are solutions.
Hiring a private patient advocate is one option that offers real peace of mind. These professionals often have clinical backgrounds and understand how to manage home care, communicate with providers, monitor progress, and handle issues as they arise.
They essentially become the eyes and ears on the ground. For families who can’t be there in person every day, having someone local and experienced coordinating care, flagging concerns, and supporting the patient directly makes a big difference. It helps the person at home feel secure and helps families feel less anxious about what they can’t control from afar.
Nonprofit and advocacy groups are often overlooked, but they offer critical support, especially for families managing complex, chronic conditions.
These organizations provide access to free or low-cost resources, caregiver training, emotional support, and sometimes even financial assistance. Many are disease-specific, so they understand the exact challenges a family might be facing and can connect people to clinical trials, treatment updates, or policy changes.
For caregivers, they’re also a lifeline. They offer community, validation, and practical tools to reduce the sense of isolation. In some cases, they help caregivers learn how to speak up more effectively during medical appointments or understand how to navigate difficult insurance decisions.
Advocacy groups help shift the balance of power, making sure patients and families are informed, supported, and not left to figure it all out on their own.
First, look for someone with a strong healthcare background, especially someone who understands chronic care, medications, and the home care environment. Experience matters, but so does communication style. This person needs to be organized, proactive, and able to build trust with the patient and family.
One important credential to check is the Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA). It shows the advocate has passed a national exam and follows a formal code of ethics. Not every good advocate will have it, but it’s a helpful benchmark.
Families should also ask for references and be clear about what’s included in the advocate’s services. Some focus more on care coordination, while others may specialize in navigating insurance or post-hospital transitions. Transparency around fees and expectations is key.
The right advocate can dramatically improve safety, comfort, and communication within the homecare process, but only if they’re the right fit for the family and the situation.
As Soojin Jun explained, patient advocacy in home care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity, especially for those with chronic conditions or families separated by distance. Advocates bring clarity to a messy system, protect patients from falling through the cracks, and empower caregivers with the tools and knowledge they need to provide steady, effective support. Whether it’s a family member stepping up, a nonprofit offering guidance, or a certified professional taking charge, advocacy helps make homecare safer, more personalized, and more humane.
Soojin Jun is a board-certified geriatric pharmacist and co-founder of Patients for Patient Safety US, where she advocates for equity and safety in care delivery. She also serves on the CDC's Advisory Committee and works as a community navigator at the HANA Center, focusing on culturally responsive healthcare for underserved populations. Through her work, she helps families and caregivers better understand the healthcare system and speak up with confidence, especially when caring for ageing or chronically ill loved ones at home.
Discover further wisdom from industry experts by exploring our curated collection of knowledge.
