Rose Kelley, MHA
As the CEO, Founder, and Patient Advocate at Lifeline Patient Advocates, LLC, I bring a unique combination of expertise and passion to empowering patients and their families to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system with confidence and ease. With a robust background in nursing and healthcare administration, I am dedicated to providing personalized support and advocacy to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care and attention.
I hold a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Colorado State University, which, combined with over 10 years of healthcare experience, provides a strong foundation for my advocacy work. I have worked in a variety of healthcare settings, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my role. My diverse background includes roles in:
• Hospitals for Acute Care
• Specialty Hospitals for Cardiac Care
• Orthopedic Surgical Hospitals
• Hospitals for Mental Health and Addiction
• Long-term Care (Nursing Home)
• Diagnostic Imaging Centers
• Specialty Pharmacies
My extensive experience across these varied settings has given me a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by patients in different healthcare environments. My commitment to patient advocacy is rooted in my belief that every individual deserves to navigate the healthcare system with dignity, respect, and the highest quality of care.
Why Use a Patient Advocate?
My Personal Story…
In 2021, my brother-in-law’s long-standing struggle with diverticulitis worsened, prompting him to seek medical attention at a nearby hospital. However, he was forced to wait days before undergoing surgery. By the time he received treatment, his condition had deteriorated, and he was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) on a ventilator. As I was living miles away, I contacted the hospital to get updates on his status. The doctor on duty informed me that my brother-in-law’s condition was critical, and that he would likely pass away that night. He also mentioned that someone needed to make decisions on his behalf, as he didn’t have a spouse or children to do so.
His closest sibling was his older brother, who was living with him, but due to COVID-19 concerns, the older brother was reluctant to visit the hospital. My husband and I made the three-hour drive to the hospital, where we were met with the gravity of my brother-in-law’s condition. The staff advised us to consider stopping his care management, citing poor vital signs. However, I refused to give up hope. Despite the dire prognosis, I believed my brother-in-law was fighting for his life and wanted me to fight for him as well.
I insisted that the hospital staff continue his care management and keep him on full code (meaning that if his heart stopped beating or if he stopped breathing, all resuscitation procedures would be performed to keep him alive). The hospital was quick to consider pulling the plug, but I held onto hope. My brother-in-law held on for ten more days before passing away.
This experience was a stark reminder of the critical role a patient advocate can play in such situations. Having someone who can communicate effectively with healthcare providers, understand medical terminologies, and advocate for the patient’s wishes can make a significant difference. My brother-in-law’s ordeal highlighted the necessity of having a dedicated advocate to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, especially in times of crisis. It inspired me to become a patient advocate, ensuring that no family has to face such challenging circumstances alone and that every individual receives the dignified care they deserve.
Mental Health Advocacy – Fighting For Patient Rights
As I pursued my graduate studies, I was fortunate to secure an administrative internship at a behavioral health hospital. This experience not only deepened my understanding of the hospital’s Quality Program, which focused on incident reports and patient safety, but also gave me a unique perspective on the emotional and socioeconomic factors that affect patient safety within mental health and substance abuse facilities.
Listening to patients’ concerns and those of their families, I gained a profound appreciation for the importance of mental health advocacy. This experience transformed my professional obligation into a personal commitment to ensure that every individual who walked through the facility’s doors received high-quality care that respected and upheld their fundamental rights and dignity without compromise.
With this newfound passion, I set out to create an environment where patients felt safe, valued, and empowered in their journey towards healing and recovery. I aimed to foster a culture of compassion, understanding, and respect, where individuals could receive the support they needed to thrive.
This commitment to mental health advocacy is at the heart of my work with Lifeline Patient Advocates. By providing personalized advocacy services, I strive to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that patients’ voices are heard and their needs are met. My goal is to empower individuals and their families, offering guidance and support through the complexities of the mental health care system. Together, we can work towards a future where everyone receives the dignified and comprehensive care they deserve.