I am a Volunteer Patient Advocate available in NYC

Image source: www.ifs.tuwien.ac.at

In my opinion,

A patient advocate assists a patient through diagnosis and treatment of disease, as well as everyday wellness and preventative options.
- navigates the healthcare system
- communicates with medical professionals
- getting a medical second opinion  
- filling out forms for care and insurance


A patient advocate understands the medical system, billing, medicaid and medicare, managed care options and local wellness resources.


A patient advocate has good communication, gives and commands respect, and is politely assertive in navigating the healthcare system.


A patient advocate is people oriented and has plenty of PATIENCE!


Being a patient advocate for me combines sympathy and empathy for those going through the healthcare system with creative problem solving skills.


Guiding a person or family through a health crisis or achieving an overall state of well-being reflects a personal mission, life experience and familiarity with some of the pitfalls and challenges in the U.S. healthcare system.


Patient advocates have a strong desire to help patients and families achieve the best possible results no matter what.

As a volunteer patient advocate I stay up to date on healthcare news and information, community resources and changes to NY city and state care systems.

The skills I will also be developing:

Language and Effective Patient-Doctor communication
Patient Case studies
Wellness leadership
medical billing + insurance; Medicaid + Medicare; 
Managed Care Options
Elder sensitivity, disability, chronic illness, mental impairment sensitivity
caregiver support (for family members and aides)

My volunteer services are currently available through

NAB Design Volunteer Concierge Services - caribnaildesign.wordpress.com
JNJ Home Healthcare Inc. - www.jnjhomehealthcareinc.com
IMCEE- Intergenerational Multicultural Coalition - www.facebook.com/imceenyc
TIMEBANKS NYC - www.timebanksnyc.org

email nikkibcommunity@gmail.com

KEKES MISSION STATEMENT 2013

'Stand in your purpose." KRS-ONE speaking at Temple University

I have always loved helping people and have been considered very sensitive since I was a small child. Throughout my life I have been blessed with MANY CHALLENGES, and yet have always known that there are others that still have it worse than me. The feeling always has gone beyond awareness, to empathy. I have always felt other people's problems to be very close to my own, and so participated in community service throughout my life and kept my own friends close like family. 

"You know that tenderness comes from pain. Its amazing how you love. Love is kind, love can give and get no gain. " Sade

I AM AN OPEN BOOK. You can ask me anything. In fact I have always been offering my unique truth in honesty to anyone that wants to hear it. I have always been wearing my heart on my sleeve, and put myself out there vulnerable as an artist and spoken word artist. The truth of my life is that my own personal challenges have beaten me like a meat tenderizer on my mind and spirit for years, till I was READY, ABLE TO COME OUT STRONGER AND BETTER.  Without disclosing all at once what I've been through personally, This new year, I feel very grounded in my spirituality and lifestyle, which has developed over the years of soul searching, career changing and having a child. I love to bask in the wisdom of my elders and the laughter of my child and I am blessed to offer what life has given to me through my struggles: TRUTH, JUSTICE AND LOVE, all in a very personal way. 

I believe in working together to achieve unified collective and agreed upon goals.

I believe that PEACE and LOVE are not just words but carry a spiritual essence, and that everyday beauty can be shared if we choose.

And I believe in starting small and dreaming big. My dream in life has always been true peace and happiness, and to choose that for myself means to “be the change I wish to see in the world” (Ghandi) because “if you wanna reach the nation.. start from your corner” (Andre 3000).

SO as an individual, in my work, and working in conjunction with my budding non-profit and other individuals and organizations, I dedicate my life to the spirit of LOVE, giving my WILLINGNESS to commune with and help others through the skills I have and the tangible resources that I’ve gotten over time.

ASK ME ANYTHING, AND LETS COLLABORATE TO BUILD BETTER COMMUNITIES FOR OUR CHILDREN AND FOR MOTHER EARTH TO CONTINUE WITH LOVE.

ELDERCARE: Have a Happy, Wholesome, and Inclusive Holiday Season!

Have a Happy, Wholesome, and Inclusive Holiday Season!

For caregivers and families newly caring for their elderly members, the holidays can be as much a stressful and trying time as it is a joyful one. The beauty and colors of the season stir the mind to family values and togetherness, which often reminds us of lost loved ones and, after Hurricane Sandy, many lost treasures.

Lets make an effort this year to enrich our families and communities with the gifts of kindness, inclusivity, and Love.
I have looked into ways families can adapt and support the needs of their elderly loved ones, and gained some insights I’d like to share...

COPING WITH LOSS

With a death in the family, the holiday season can magnify that feeling of loss or isolation. This is an opportunity for family members to connect. Sit down with family and decide what each family member would like to do this season. Acknowledge the loss of the loved one, honor them together or visit a memorial site.

“Engage in spiritual activities that are comfortable for you. All wounds take time to heal, realize you will feel sad at times. Don’t be afraid to cry or smile. Enjoy the gifts of the season found in special memories.1”

COMFORT IN CHANGING ROLES

The passage of time and process of aging can leave our elders feeling awkward at holiday time. Elders who were once the lively and capable hosts of family events turn into the guests at family events. Other elders can be left alone during the holidays, due to deaths or family breakups. Taking the time to include our elderly family members and even family friends can be extremely rewarding for all members of the family. Here are a few tips to keep in mind for the best response at holiday parties.

1.  Clean appropriately for all ages and clear pathways of small objects, making the home accessible to your elders.

2. Cook special dishes low in sugar and salt especially for your elders.

3. Prepare the home with special comforts like photos of elders from over the years and place them around the space.

4. Be ready to greet everyone cheerfully and welcome them whatever their role in your family.

5. Document your good time with holiday crafts shared between children and elders and treasure the memory of the bonds you have created and strengthened!

* Note * The holidays can be a wake up call that a family member needs additional support. Be aware of the signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s by visiting the Alzheimers Association  @ www.alz.org

COOKING TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS

To avoid weight gain, or worsening the stresses of the season with excessive eating and drinking, moderation is recommended for family members of all ages. A great place to start would be healthy food preparation alternatives for favorites, especially in the case of cultural foods that will be expected. For instance, Soul Food lovers can emphasize baking instead of frying chicken, emphasizing roasted veggies on the plate instead of meat, candied yams and plenty of fruit instead of heavy pies. In Jewish cooking, cooking spray is recommended when preparing latkes, instead of oil, to make the light potato pancakes. Try to include foods like cranberry which is an acid and a disease fighter, and squash which is high in Vitamin A and Beta Carotene. Check out these suggestions from lowsaltfoods.com for special dishes and preparation ideas this holiday season!

The Best Viniagrette
Rib-Eye Steak with Brandied Mushrooms
Light Apple Tart

http://www.lowsaltfoods.com/food_center/recipes/dir_recipes.htm

Sources
www.voices.yahoo.com/celebrating-holidays-elderly-friends-family-702691.html
www.meredy.com/nursetips/holidayhealthtips.html
www.chowhound.chow.com/topics/850749
www.alz.org
www.womensday.com/sex-relationships/family/caregiver-elderly-parents
http://www.lowsaltfoods.com/