Frequently Asked Questions About Our Services

Peace of Mind Care Visits (PMCV) is a private-pay healthcare advocacy and nonmedical support company based in Bradenton, Florida. Our services include Patient Advocacy & Healthcare Navigation, Professional Healthcare Surrogacy, Life Coordination, Wellness & Companion Services, and Home Essentials Packages. We help adults and families make informed decisions, stay organized, and find practical support.

Yes. Founder Alison Stohler, M.S., RT(R)(CT), BCPA, is a Board Certified Patient Advocate with professional experience in healthcare and medical imaging. The BCPA credential is awarded through the Patient Advocate Certification Board following eligibility review and successful completion of its certification examination.

A BCPA has demonstrated knowledge in areas such as healthcare navigation, communication, patient rights, and ethical advocacy through a professional certification process. Certification can help you evaluate an advocate's qualifications. It does not authorize an advocate to diagnose conditions, prescribe treatment, or replace a licensed medical professional.

PMCV emphasizes independent healthcare advocacy, decision-making support, life coordination, companionship, and limited household essentials. We do not provide hands-on personal care such as bathing or dressing, administer medications, deliver skilled nursing care, or perform major home repairs. Services and geographic availability vary by category.

No. We serve adults of different ages who need support with healthcare appointments, medical information, advance planning, daily organization, companionship, or simple home essentials. Families and caregivers may also contact us to discuss support for a loved one.

A private patient advocate helps you prepare for healthcare visits, organize questions and records, understand information provided by your care team, communicate concerns, and coordinate next steps. An advocate supports your decisions rather than making medical decisions for you.

Yes. When scheduled and appropriate, PMCV can accompany an adult to a medical appointment, help prepare questions, take notes with permission, and share an organized summary with authorized family members. This can be especially helpful when relatives live far away or cannot leave work.

We can help you organize the information your clinicians provide, identify questions to ask, clarify unfamiliar terminology, and compare the practical considerations of options presented by your healthcare team. We do not interpret test results as a treating clinician or recommend a specific medical treatment.

Depending on the situation and availability, we can help clients and authorized families prepare questions for the care team, track discharge instructions, organize follow-up appointments, and identify community resources. We do not replace hospital case managers, medical staff, or emergency services.

Many advocacy and healthcare navigation tasks can be completed virtually, including appointment preparation, record organization, and care coordination. In-person availability depends on location and scheduling. Contact us to discuss whether your needs can be supported remotely.

A healthcare surrogate is a person designated to make healthcare decisions when legally authorized to do so under Florida law. A professional healthcare surrogate is someone engaged to serve in that role rather than relying on a relative or friend. The surrogate's authority depends on the designation, applicable law, and the individual's circumstances.

These terms can refer to different legal roles. In Florida, a designated healthcare surrogate is named through a healthcare surrogate designation. A healthcare proxy may be authorized under Florida law when no suitable designated surrogate is available. A power of attorney typically addresses authority granted through a separate legal document, often for financial or other matters. An attorney can explain which documents fit your situation.

Yes. Adults may consider naming a qualified, willing professional when they do not have an appropriate family member or friend to serve, or prefer an independent person. We discuss the role, your wishes, communication preferences, and the legal documentation needed before accepting an engagement.

Yes. With appropriate authorization, PMCV can coordinate with your attorney, trustee, and other relevant professionals to clarify responsibilities and help ensure your healthcare wishes are documented and understood. A healthcare surrogate's role is distinct from a trustee's financial responsibilities, and potential conflicts of interest must be addressed.

Not necessarily. The timing and scope of a surrogate's authority depend on the wording of the designation and Florida law. Many people continue making their own decisions while they have capacity. We encourage clients to review their documents with a Florida attorney so the intended authority is clear.

Visits may include conversation, social engagement, general check-ins, and companionship tailored to the client's preferences. These are nonmedical services, not nursing or personal care. In-person Wellness & Companion Services are offered only in our approved Manatee and Hillsborough County service areas, subject to scheduling.

In eligible service areas, PMCV can arrange nonmedical wellness and companion visits and provide updates to authorized family members. Visits can offer connection and an additional point of contact, but they are not medical monitoring, emergency response, or a substitute for hands-on care when that is needed.

Life Coordination helps adults and families organize everyday responsibilities, such as scheduling appointments, managing paperwork, coordinating resources, keeping track of important tasks, and getting help with technology or administrative needs. The goal is to reduce logistical stress while respecting the client's independence.

Home Essentials Packages focus on selected simple household upkeep tasks, such as replacing accessible air filters and other routine essentials described in the package. They are not handyman, electrical, plumbing, or major repair services. Package scope, home-size limits, and service availability are confirmed before scheduling.

No. Home Essentials Packages are limited to agreed-upon household tasks. They do not include bathing, dressing, medication management, skilled healthcare, or services requiring a licensed trade professional.

PMCV is a private-pay business. Services are not presented as covered Medicare or insurance benefits. Depending on your plan and the nature of the service, certain expenses may be eligible for HSA or FSA reimbursement; eligibility is determined by your plan administrator. Please contact us for current payment options.

Pricing varies by service. Patient Advocacy & Healthcare Navigation, Life Coordination, Wellness & Companion Services, Professional Healthcare Surrogacy, and Home Essentials Packages may have different hourly rates, package prices, setup fees, or travel charges. We explain the applicable fees before services begin. Contact us for a current quote.

In-person Patient Advocacy & Healthcare Navigation and Professional Healthcare Surrogacy may be arranged across West Central and Southwest Florida, depending on location and availability. In-person Wellness & Companion Services are limited to Manatee and Hillsborough counties under our current registration. Other services, including Home Essentials, have their own scheduling and geographic limits. Many appropriate advocacy and coordination services are also available virtually.

Yes. Family members often contact PMCV to explore options for a parent, spouse, or another adult. We discuss the person's preferences, consent, privacy, and any legal authority needed before services begin. The client's wishes and appropriate confidentiality protections remain central to our work.

Start with a free 15-minute consultation to tell us what you need. We'll discuss the service that may be a good fit, availability, pricing, and next steps. You can also call or text us at 941-233-1874.