Carrie Rubin, founder of Perfect Advocate, has dedicated her career to ensuring seniors, particularly those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, receive the care, dignity, and respect they deserve. Based in Palm Beach Gardens, her firm goes beyond traditional caregiving to address the deeply personal needs of her clients.
For Carrie, advocacy is more than a profession; it’s a lifelong passion. “As a child, I always respected our seniors and enjoyed being around my elderly relatives and neighbors,” she recalls. Over time, this admiration grew into a commitment to help vulnerable adults navigate a healthcare system that often leaves them feeling isolated and overwhelmed. “Seeing their fear and isolation saddened me, and I felt compelled to step in and ensure seniors receive the dignity and care they deserve.”
At Perfect Advocate, Carrie and her team provide a personalized approach. They carefully match caregivers to clients, attend medical appointments to ensure clarity in physicians’ instructions, and keep families informed. “Just calling an agency and requesting a caregiver is a mistake—you get what you get. We go way beyond that,” she emphasizes.
The Qualities of Advocacy
Carrie believes successful advocacy is rooted in ethics, communication, and problem-solving. “We must always do what is true and right,” she insists. Her team’s creative problem-solving ensures each client’s unique needs are met with compassion. “Solutions don’t come easily, but we find ways to keep our clients safe while respecting their independence.”
One powerful example involved Mrs. P., who felt pressured by her daughter to move into a retirement community. Mentally sharp and deeply attached to her home, Mrs. P. confided in Carrie about her desire to stay where she felt most comfortable. Carrie helped her navigate a compassionate conversation with her daughter, empowering her to assert her wishes while preserving their bond. In the end, Mrs. P. spent her final days peacefully at home, surrounded by love. “Her voice mattered most,” Carrie says.
A Holistic Approach to Wellness
Perfect Advocate focuses on emotional and mental well-being alongside physical health. From engaging clients in arts and crafts to introducing therapies like chair yoga, Carrie ensures every aspect of her clients’ lives is considered. “Each client is unique, and we tailor our care to reflect that,” she explains. Her team collaborates with specialists to address mental health needs and provide a comprehensive approach.
Lessons from the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of patient advocacy. Telehealth became a valuable tool, particularly for seniors with mobility limitations. However, Carrie cautions against over-reliance on virtual care. “Telehealth is a tool, not a crutch,” she notes. The pandemic highlighted the need for advocates to bridge communication gaps between care teams. “Coordination is key, and patient-centered care with a strong team yields the best results.”
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As a new year begins, Carrie reflects on her journey with gratitude. She values the trust her clients and their families place in her team and draws inspiration from her staff’s dedication. “I’m thankful for the amazing people I’ve met—our clients, their families, healthcare professionals, and my incredible staff,” she shares.
As she looks ahead, Carrie embodies the wisdom of Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” For Carrie, advocacy is about ensuring every client feels valued, respected, and heard—a testament to the profound power of compassion.