Meet Patient Advocate: Laura Finnelly, RN, BCPA, CSCM
Laura Finnelly is a Registered Nurse (RN), Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA), and Certified Senior Care Manager(CSCM) with more than 30 years of healthcare experience. As an Umbra advocate, she helps older adults, veterans, caregivers, and families navigate Medicare, complex medical situations, and care transitions with clarity and confidence.
An Air Force veteran herself, Laura brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and firsthand knowledge of the VA system. She believes no one should have to navigate healthcare alone, and she is dedicated to turning confusion into clarity during life’s most challenging moments.
Why Laura became a patient advocate
Laura spent more than 25 years working inside the healthcare system as a registered nurse. At the bedside, she saw how overwhelmed families become when they face rushed appointments, fragmented communication, and complex medical decisions. Too many people felt unheard, confused, or alone at the moments they needed support most.
Her own family lived it, too. Her mother struggled with a delayed diagnosis and poor care coordination. That experience showed Laura how much it matters to have someone knowledgeable at your side. She learned that true healing requires more than treatment. It requires guidance, protection, and someone who can translate the system for you.
Today, Laura serves as a bridge between clients, families, and providers. Her goal is simple: every client should feel heard, informed, and supported.
How she can help you and your loved ones
Laura provides nurse-led support for clients and families facing new diagnoses, chronic illness, cognitive decline, or overwhelming healthcare decisions. Through Umbra, she helps with:
- Medicare navigation, including Medicare Advantage coverage issues and appeals
- Hospital-to-home transitions and discharge planning
- Care coordination across hospitals, specialists, rehab centers, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies
- Attending medical appointments, in person or virtually
- Translating medical information and reviewing treatment options
- Medication review and chronic disease education
- Medical record access and communication with care teams
- Vetting hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and providers using CMS quality and safety data
- Preventing medical errors and advocating for safe, timely care
Specializing in senior care and veteran support
Laura’s clinical background covers complex care navigation, mobility issues, cardiac and pulmonary concerns, cancer evaluations, pain management, and multi-provider coordination. As a Certified Senior Care Manager, she has deep experience supporting older adults and the family members who care for them.
Laura also offers specialized support for veterans and their families. As an Air Force veteran, she understands VA healthcare from the inside. She helps clients navigate VA benefits, coordinate community resources, and manage care across both VA and civilian systems. She also has a strong understanding of TRICARE and private insurance.
Work with Laura Finnelly
Laura works with clients in person in the North Chicago area and surrounding suburbs. She is also available to clients nationwide through virtual advocacy.
Laura’s services are available through Umbra with coverage by Medicare or through private pay. To get matched with Laura or another Umbra advocate, call 332-699-6778 or visit our get started page.
