Why Every Family Needs an Unrelenting Problem Solver in Their Corner
By: CarolAnne Dube, MS, BCPA
When a medical crisis strikes, time is short, emotions run high, and clarity is often the first casualty. For many families, navigating healthcare becomes a full-time job they never trained for. In those moments, what they need most isn’t more information – it’s a guide, a strategist, and above all, someone who won’t stop until they have answers.
That’s the role of an unrelenting problem solver. That’s the role I play.
The Cost of Inaction in a Complex System
Healthcare systems aren’t just complex – they’re fragmented, rushed, and often overwhelming. Without a clear plan, patients can easily fall through the cracks. Missed diagnoses, unsafe discharges, medication errors, and provider miscommunication can derail recovery.
As a Board-Certified Patient Advocate, I am called in when things don’t feel right. And I stay until we find a path forward.
What “Unrelenting” Looks Like in Action
Being unrelenting doesn’t mean being aggressive.
It means being focused, calm, strategic, and unwilling to settle when a loved one’s safety or outcome is on the line. It means:
· Asking the questions no one else is asking
· Catching discrepancies in discharge plans or medication lists
· Tracking down missing referrals or delayed diagnosis
· Coordinating between specialties and providers who aren’t speaking.
· Ensuring the client (patient) and family understand what’s happening – and what comes next.
It’s about bringing order to chaos, compassion to confusion, and results to a broken process.
What Families Really Want
Families don’t use the word “advocate.” They say
· “I don’t know who to call.”
· “I can’t keep up.”
· “I feel like no one is listening.”
What they’re really asking for is someone they can trust to lead the way. Someone who will go the extra mile when things get hard – and stay in the room when others walk out.
Why It Matters More Than Ever
With healthcare becoming more transactional and less relational, the presence of a skilled, determined advocate can change everything. Especially for:
· Medically complex patients
· Older adults navigating multiple providers
· Families dealing with a sudden diagnosis or urgent care transitions
When someone unrelenting is in your corner, the system looks different. Decisions are clearer. Stress is lighter. Outcomes are stronger.
A Message to Families
If you are overwhelmed, confused, or just know that something isn’t right – you’re not alone.
You don’t have to figure it all out. You need someone who will.
Someone who knows what to ask. Someone who knows where to turn. Someone who won’t stop until your healthcare journey makes sense again.
That’s the power of unrelenting advocacy.
CarolAnne Dube, MS, BCPA, founder and senior managing director of Patient Advocates of Southwest FL, LLC. Helping individuals and families navigate with clarity, confidence, and calm.
Need help now? Contact CarolAnne at carolanne@patientadvocatesofswfl.com or (941) 267-7109
