John

John is retiree who lives with his wife of over 50 years in the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities.  Except for a brief period for military training, he has spent his life in Minnesota.  John has a B.A. from the University of Minnesota and was employed for over 30 years at a public utility.  Two daughters and five grandchildren comprise the rest of his family.

John came to know MAPS through his volunteer work as a Medicare Counselor and Presenter with Trellis (Senior Linkage Line) and participation in Stratis Health committees. Patient safety is important to John, not only because of the age and health of his wife and himself, but his experiences over many years of being a part of the care for his parents and relationship with other elderly relatives who were hospitalized as well as several who lived in nursing homes-sometimes for many years.  Patients, along with their family and friends who are caregivers need to have a voice in medical care and safety.