Hot, Hot, Hot in Los Angeles. First, it was the wettest winter and now it’s a scorching summer. Rain or shine, Wellness on Wheels is always there to provide quality services to our community both in person and virtually. We also take care of our own team members when they need care management/ advocacy. Even if you think you are strong and can handle most of life’s problems, when it comes to your health and hospitalization; there is no way you can manage on your own. It takes a team to help support you through the process and continual advocacy during your hospitalization to smooth out the various bumps that are inevitable. No one can have a clear head to interpret the various medical professionals coming in and out of your room when you are in pain and drugged up on pain meds. I am honored to support one of my team members and best friend as she endures post-surgical angst during her hospitalization. While a surgery may have been a real success, the key to recovery is the flow of communication from the day to day staff and covering physicians. You as a patient almost always have to keep everyone posted on your care plan and your ability or lack thereof to move. Everyone is almost always on auto pilot and overwhelmed on the hospital floor so details and coordinated communications may not always be a priority. Mistakes are made and risks are taken unless the patient or their advocate are on top of the situation hands on. So, the moral of the story is to always assign someone as your advocate and be sure they know how to conduct themselves in a hospital setting. There is a specific language to use and a manner in which to use it. After forty years of experience in this field, I know how hospitals operate and what goes on behind closed doors so as to be sure I get things done through the right people.
As a Care Coordinator, I receive calls from families concerned and confused about issues ranging across the board from medical billing, proper home care, options for placement to assisted living and request for referrals to geriatricians and various other specialists. Over the years, I have been able to create an amazing quality network of sources both in the Medical and allied medical community. Possessing the ability to call on consultants to provide concierge services in the home such as optometry, dental hygiene, psychology, podiatry and even dermatology. Our Allied services include in-home caregiving support, home health, hospice and placement to assisted living facilities.
Keep Cool and focus on your mental and physical health.
Cheers.
Gigi
Several of our Wellness on Wheels team members are offering free or discounted consultations and online exercise classes. Here is just a short list of how we can help you and your family both in person or virtually.
Gigi DeSouki, MHA– Free half hour telephone consultation on care planning.
Dr. Andrea Renee, DACM, MATCM, LAc. (Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Primary Care Physician specializing in pain control, stress management and weight loss) – telemedicine virtual consultations by appointment.
Chef Claudine Marshall – Free virtual half hour consultation.
Nico Capurro Free virtual and initial one-on-one assessments.
Michaell Patinelli , Esquire – ( Free telephone or virtual consultation on trust estate planning )
If you are interested in connecting with any of these professionals or have questions on any of the many services we provide through Wellness on Wheels or its exclusive network of community agencies, please feel free to contact Gigi directly.
Gigi DeSouki
Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Social Policy from Northwestern University and a Masters in Health Services Administration from George Washington University.
As published in Wellness on Wheels Newsletter by Gigi DeSouki, MHA
Gigi DeSouki has a strong background in Health Care Management, with over thirty five years of experience in various areas of domestic and international health care delivery systems. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Social Policy from Northwestern University and a Masters in Health Services Administration from George Washington University.
Several of our Wellness on Wheels team members are offering free or discounted consultations and online exercise classes. Here is just a short list of how we can help you and your family both in person or virtually.
Contact us about our telehealth services.
Dr. Armin Behel
Owner of Grand Specialty Pharmacy available for one on one consultations with an objective analysis of the various medications they are prescribed.
Dr. Andrea Renee Rivera
Doctoral and Master Degrees in Acupuncture with Orthopedics and Chigong specializations, certified Asian Body Work Therapist
Dr. Roni Maccabee
Dr. Roni Maccabee is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health.
Chef Claudine Marshall
A Private Chef and owner of a Catering Company, Chef Claudine serves as the Chief Culinary Director for Wellness on Wheels.
Michael Patinelli, Esq.
Michael Patinelli has been focused on building a welcoming, friendly, and trusted practice. Free telephone consult available.
Nico Capurro
Nico is a nationally certified personal trainer and massage therapist with over 16 years of experience in Kinesiology/ restorative exercise and physique competition.