If your family sent you this page, here's who I am.

"I don't want a nurse watching me."

Of course you don't. Who would? I'm not going to be some nurse just watching you. I'm partnering with you and your children, to keep an eye on your health and help you keep things straight.

And if you're skeptical, good. I respect anybody who pushes back. So would I.

You're in charge

I work for you, not around you. Your decisions about your health stay yours. I won't tell your doctors or your family anything you haven't agreed to, and you decide what goes in the monthly update to your children.

What I can help with

• Keeping your medications straight, and making sure every doctor has the same list
• Getting answers when a doctor's office is hard to reach
• Getting ready for appointments, and making sense of them afterwards
• Explaining test results and instructions in plain language
• Support for you, too, if you're also looking after your husband, wife or partner

How I explain things

First I'll ask what you already know, and what your doctor told you. Then I'll put it in plain words. Say your doctor starts you on a water pill:

"Think of your body like a bunch of little pipes carrying water around. Sometimes extra water collects outside those pipes, in places it doesn't belong, like your feet and ankles. Your kidneys are like your body's filters. A water pill helps those filters send the extra salt and water out when you pee. Pretty clever, huh?"

Then I'll ask you to tell me in your own words, so I know I explained it well. And I don't expect anyone to remember everything after one conversation. We'll go over it again next time.

How it works

We talk by phone or video, at times that suit you. I don't come to your home. If you'd rather start with a phone call than a video call, that's fine. I'll want to hear how you've been, not just how your blood pressure has been.