Today we’d like to introduce you to Belynda Montgomery.
Hi, Belynda; we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always enjoyed helping people navigate the healthcare system from illness to wellness. I have over 25 years of experience in Healthcare. I began providing home health care for a quadriplegic patient while attending school to become a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in Texas. I worked at a Neuro Rehab Center in Austin for most of my career. Many patients have experienced both physical and neurological trauma. This involves a wide range of medical care, including complex behavioral issues, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), strokes, and dementia. My work requires a team approach with Physicians, Nurses, Wound Care Specialists, Physical Therapists, Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Respiratory Therapists, Social Workers, Case Managers, and Chaplains. My experience illuminated the need for Patient Advocacy. I have witnessed first-hand the frustration, anxiety, and confusion of patients, families, and friends. Over the years, I have served as a Patient Advocate for her family and friends. This has reinforced the need for and the best ways to approach each patient’s unique situation.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My most complex challenge is acknowledging the struggle of caregivers and encouraging them to continue. This is the most challenging work in the world. There is little support and respite for the ongoing care families provide for their loved ones. They voice frustration and exhaustion that they don’t know when the extreme need for caring for their loved one will end. If you know someone caring for a loved one, offer help or a listening ear. Additionally, each client presents in a unique way that they prefer to be cared for. Listening to these preferences and doing my best to advocate that these wishes are met is also a challenge.
Thanks for sharing that. What does your business offer?
- Attend Medical Visits • Pre-medical appointment.
-Meet with the client to discuss the scope and appropriate questions for the upcoming medical specialty appointment
– Go into the exam – take notes and record the session
– Record answers to questions we have composed together
– Bring past medical history documents if needed
– Give recording and transcription of appointment to client - Post Medical Appointment
• Meet to process information presented at the appointment and discuss the next steps
* Home Assessment to prepare for coming home after hospitalization.
* Driving Services to appointments - Attend Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) or Individualized Education Program (IEP)
• Listen to students and family
• Assist with making a plan to meet needs
• Meet with school Special Education team to express students needs
• Follow up with student, family, and team
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bbmadvocate.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/bbmadvocate
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbmadvocate
Image Credits
www.barbaralegerephotography.com
