How to Become an Elder Care Advocate

by Joe Stone

Elder care advocacy covers a broad range of services, such as assisting seniors to apply for government benefits, such as Medicaid and Social Security disability, reviewing medical bills and insurance claims, and providing support after a hospital stay. Becoming an elder advocate does not require a license or certification, nor is there a specific education level. However, elder advocates must be knowledgeable regarding the needs of seniors in the areas of health care, financial assistance and resources for day-to-day living.

1. Determine what kind of elder advocacy services you want to offer seniors, such as patient advocacy, caregiver or obtaining government benefits.

2. Identify knowledge gaps in your education or work experience regarding the type of elder advocacy services you want to offer seniors. For example, do the types of services you want to offer require any medical training; do you meet the minimum requirements to act as a non-attorney advocate before the Social Security Administration regarding benefit applications or appeals; or do you have experience dealing with the health care system?

3. Enroll in a certification program at an accredited college or junior college in a subject related to elder advocacy that will fill the gap in your education or work experience. For example, a patient navigator program will teach you how to navigate the medical system so that you can to assist seniors obtain information and resources to meet their medical needs.

4. Attend seminars and programs offered by professional associations for elder advocates that will fill the gap in your education or work experience. For example, the Society of Certified Senior Advisors offers courses and a program to obtain the designation certified senior advisor.


  • Being an elder advocate requires good research and communication skills for problem solving and locating resources.
  • Volunteering at a senior center, nursing home or hospice will give you experience working with seniors and help determine the type of elder advocacy services you are most interested in providing.


  • If you plan to operate your own elder advocacy business, you should either have prior experience running a business or take educational courses in basic business practices. A lack of basic business knowledge could hinder your success, even though your advocacy skills are well developed.

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