Former Baltimore Fireman Continues To Earn Trust Through Client Advocacy
The National Association for Home Care and Hospice, a national nonprofit organization, represents the 33,000 home care and hospice organizations currently in the U.S. Additionally, they advocate for the more than two million nurses, therapists, aides and other caregivers who provide in-home services to over 12 million adults and children each year who require services because of disability, chronic illness or other infirmity.
Paul Shoemaker, saw first hand, through his 25 year-long career with the fire department, just how many of those whom he responded to needed help with coordination of services because of all kinds of needs. He recalls, "In the fire department, we run on calls to people living in their homes with no one helping them.
Sometimes they may have a medical or psychological issue, other times it may be financial, but they're lacking in something and their situation has deteriorated to the point where they've had to call 911. Being in the fire department, the only thing I had access to was the Department of Aging to possibly get some public help for these people and they're limited in what they can do."
This describes what brought him, upon retirement from the fire department, to the position of Managing Director of IKOR of Central Maryland, a company which provides medical and financial advocacy and guardianship to seniors and people with special needs.
To prepare educationally, Shoemaker obtained the Certified Senior Advisor and National Certified Guardian) certifications.
So, did you have an educational background which relates to your current role as an advocate?
"My vocational background lends itself very well. A large part of being a fireman is problem solving; and that's something I can do - coming up with a creative solution. I have a great track record of earning people's trust."
"With IKOR, these people don't know us; but we are instantly asking them personal questions, and there's a trust established quickly. So I'm used to coming in and doing an assessment. That's how my background helps."
"Additionally, throughout my time in the fire department, I've taken many leadership courses which help me in business."
How has your education helped to further your career and contribute to your success?
"The education I've received since making my career shift is really what has helped me succeed. These include: IKOR corporate training; annual conference: best practices; certification programs; and local meet ups and networks"
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into patient advocacy?
"1. Know your customer, speak their language. Know how to show the value of your product. 2. Get certified. Becoming a Certified Senior Advisor and Certified National Guardian were invaluable to me. 3. Don't try to handle all of this diverse type of business on your own. Network with other business owners and rely on corporate support systems when you can."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years. Her current interests, in which she has several certifications, are metaphysics and the healing arts. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times.