Linda Adler, MPH, MA

About

Linda Adler received graduate training in both health education and health communication. As the manager for the Shared Decision Making Project at Kaiser Permanente, she learned the value of assisting patients in designing treatment plans that reflect their personal values and preferences. Her extensive training in decision support while working at Stanford University helped her understand that every person undergoing a healthcare challenge and every caregiver who supports them must find their individual way through the crisis.

WHY I CARE

"The longer I work within the medical system, the more passionate I become about helping people navigate their way through it. I've seen the fear and anxiety that often accompany a medical diagnosis and the caregiving experience, and I understand the benefits that compassionate support can provide to both the patient and the family. I believe that when people are thrown into the unfamiliar waters of a medical crisis, the most important thing I can do -- to use the familiar metaphor -- is help them to find a boat and a good set of oars so that they successfully stay afloat.

"I've been a caregiver to my elderly parents, so I also understand, on a personal level, the challenges that accompany this responsibility. I strive to hold my personal experience alongside my professional training in order to be offer the best support possible to each and every client."

WHERE TO FIND MORE ABOUT THIS EXPERT

Please learn more about Pathfinders at http://www.pathfindersmedical.com/.

Links

Recently Published on Caring.com

  1. Tuesday December 06, 2011

    1. My wifes dad has no patients at all

      Answer - This does indeed sound like a frustrating situation, but there may be some simple solutions that will help to improve things.

  2. Friday November 25, 2011

    1. What is it that could be done to get my extended and immediate family together again?

      Answer - Dear Just Being Me,

  3. Friday November 11, 2011

    1. Sometimes caregiving for mom is just too much and just don't know what way to turn anymore, what can I do?

      Answer - This does sound like a difficult situation. So it’s time to take some action, not only to help your mom, but also to reduce your stress. I know that you’re feeling as if the situation is hopeless, but if you use the resources that are available to you and make some changes, you’ll find that things rings really can improve...

  4. Monday August 29, 2011

    1. How can I get my mother with Parkinson's Disease to see that being her caregiver isn't easy?

      Answer - Hello smilebhappy,

  5. Thursday August 11, 2011

    1. Are there any tips to help ease the hospital to home transition?

      Answer - That’s a great question, because thinking about this before bringing your loved one home will make the transition easier and more successful. I think of the hospital to home transition in three stages:

    2. How can I resolve the conflict with my sisters around mom's care?

      Answer - My sympathies, as it sounds like this is a difficult situation and one that is placing a lot of stress on you. However, I believe there are some good solutions that are relatively easy to implement, and are one’s that will not only address your mom’s needs, but will also minimize the wear and tear oar on you...