Services

Medical Services

Primary Care for Women Over 50 and Seniors, both Men and Women

Whether you are healthy and want to focus on prevention or chronically ill with multiple health issues, we want to be a part of your care. We schedule appointments based on the amount of time you need. Whether it is a brief visit for a sore throat or a longer visit for diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, for example, we give you the same emphatic and proficient treatment.

Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment

Aging is often accompanied by health problems. For the woman suffering memory loss or other age related illnesses, we offer a thorough evaluation of your medical, social, and functional situation. Geriatric Assessment generally takes 1-2 hours.

Caregiver Counseling

Women are frequently the primary caregivers for elderly parents. Very often they are also caring for children and family as well as working outside the home. Along with these roles comes a certain amount of stress and self-sacrifice. We offer counseling for the women in the "sandwich generation" to help them maintain their own personal wellness and pursue growth during their caregiving experience.

Family Meetings

Often in caring for an aging or infirm loved one, family members want to discuss the patient's care and treatment. Dr. Hooyman facilitates family meetings so that all involved can ask questions, learn about their loved ones condition and care, and sort through any concerns or differences individuals may have. Caring for a loved one can be complex, stressful and gratifying and it often helps to make sure everyone is "on the same page". While it is best to arrange family meetings face to face, they can also be set up via an individual or conference phone call by appointment.

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Spiritual Companionship

Spiritual companionship has a long tradition in the Catholic Church. Once a component of the spiritual formation of professed religious men and women, this practice is now available to lay persons as well. Also known as spiritual direction, guidance, or mentoring, spiritual companionship is a holy friendship. It provides a connection between two individuals to hold that most intimate of conversations, God in our lives. The dialogue is safe, nonjudgmental and confidential. In addition, our time together is comfortable, fun and sacred. I welcome women from all faith experiences.

Why Might You Consider Spiritual Companionship?

  • When you need guidance during a process of discernment
  • When you want someone to tell your sacred story to
  • When you are developing your prayer life
  • When you need accompaniment during a spiritual growth
  • When you want to be challenged in your spiritual growth
  • When you desire greater closeness to God
  • When you become an empty nester and you are seeking your life's purpose
  • To continue your spiritual formation after RCIA

What takes place in spiritual companionship is blessed by God. I listen to you intuitively, observantly. I honor your story and tease out the meaning and implications that will help to clarify and define your needs and desires. And while I may offer suggestions based on my studies and experiences, the Spirit of God is present in our interaction and leads us both. I often use tools such as prayer techniques, scripture, journaling, art, reading, guided imagery, and personality inventories to help you along the way.

What Happens During a Typical Session?

Usually we set up a time to meet to see if we are a good match, that is, if you are comfortable with me and I sense that this is the appropriate place for you to be. Then we meet periodically, usually once a month for about an hour. I provide refreshments and a light snack. You decide what we are going to talk about. It may pertain to something that is going on in your life, it may revolve around a question you have about your faith, or it may simply be a discernment process of where God is in your life. As a rule I suggest some activity or readings for you to do at home which you then may choose to do or not. There are no penalties for not doing your homework. Sometimes you discover what it is you need to do next and I serve simply as your mirror or witness.

Confidentiality

Our time together is sacred and private. You may discuss anything with me, don't be embarrassed or shy. We will hand any burdens over to God. All of our conversations, in both spiritual companionship and Women's Circles are held confidential. The only exception to this rule is if you tell me anything that might indicate harm coming to yourself or to others, including suicide or murder. In this cast I have an ethical obligation to seek help for you from the appropriate resources and notify the proper authorities. At all times I want to hold your trust and will respect your needs.

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Speaking

I am available for speaking engagements to small and large groups. I have over 25 years of experience both locally and nationally. I am equally comfortable with small faith sharing groups as I am with large conventions. I love doing keynote addresses as well as breakout sessions, panels and informal gatherings.

Topics include but are not limited to:

  • Finding meaning in caregiving
  • The care giver survival kit
  • My journey as a caregiver
  • The necessity of knowing your true self
  • Be still and know: treasuring silence in a busy world
  • Medications and the Elderly
  • Living with Chronic Disease
  • Understanding Dementia and Memory Loss

I will happily create a talk that is customized to your group or association.

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