My mom needed knee replacement surgery in 2022. Cases of COVID had just surged again, so in-home physical therapy wasn’t an option. She carefully planned her post-operative care and selected an inpatient rehab facility for her recovery and physical therapy.

The surgery went smoothly, and later that evening, she was transferred to the rehab facility.

Early the next morning I sent her a text message to check in, “Good morning! I hope you slept well. Please call me when you get up.”

Her response came back instantly, “Mary, please don’t ever put me in a place like this.” 

I was mortified. I called her immediately. She explained that she hadn’t seen a staff member since she arrived in her room. Overnight, she needed to use the bathroom and pressed the call button. No one responded. She called again and waited for over two hours. No one ever came. So my 68-year-old mother walked to the bathroom on her own, just hours after having her knee replaced. To make matters worse, she hadn’t been given any of her prescribed medication since she was discharged from the hospital earlier that evening. She was frustrated, scared, and in pain.

This was unacceptable. I tracked down the facility’s executive director and floor supervisor to ensure she received immediate attention. Then I used my network to find a new facility, secure a room for her, and arrange travel. Within hours, my mom was transferred to a far better facility where she received the care she needed and deserved.

I’m grateful that I had the knowledge and connections to act quickly. Many patients don’t have these advantages, which inspired me to start Avoa Health. 

Our healthcare system is broken, and navigating it can be overwhelming. Avoa Health delivers highly personalized concierge services for patients with chronic illness. We guide our clients to give them a greater sense of agency, reduce emotional burden, and advocate so they receive the exceptional care they deserve. At Avoa Health, we recognize that behind every diagnosis is a person deserving of dignity, respect, and unwavering support.