Project Sherpa

Helping Families Navigate the Healthcare Journey

When a loved one is facing a serious illness, families often find themselves navigating unfamiliar and overwhelming terrain. Doctor appointments. Specialists. New diagnoses. Treatment decisions. Medical terminology. Care plans. Many caregivers leave appointments wishing they had asked different questions—or feeling unsure they fully understood what was discussed.

Project Sherpa was created to help.

Like the experienced guides who help climbers navigate difficult mountain terrain, Project Sherpa helps family caregivers navigate the complexities of healthcare with greater confidence, preparation, and understanding.

As part of the Edel Caregiver Institute and Georgia Care Innovators, Project Sherpa empowers caregivers to become informed, confident advocates for the people they love.

Why Project Sherpa Matters

Healthcare is more complex than ever. Families are often expected to:

Coordinate care among multiple providers
Understand complicated medical information
Track medications and treatments
Ask important questions
Make difficult decisions
Advocate for their loved ones

Yet few people are ever taught how to do these things.

Project Sherpa helps bridge that gap.

Preparing for Important Conversations

One of the most valuable things a caregiver can do is arrive at appointments prepared. Project Sherpa helps caregivers learn how to:

Organize important medical information
Prepare meaningful questions
Understand treatment options
Clarify goals of care
Communicate concerns effectively
Advocate for their loved one’s wishes and preferences

When families feel informed and prepared, healthcare conversations become more productive and less stressful.

Questions You May Want to Ask

Project Sherpa encourages caregivers to become active participants in healthcare conversations.

Questions may include:

What should we expect moving forward?
What symptoms should we watch for?
What are the benefits and risks of this treatment?
What alternatives are available?
How will this affect quality of life?
Who should we call if problems arise?
What community resources may be available?

Sometimes the right question can make all the difference.

Supporting Caregivers Through Difficult Decisions

Many caregivers find themselves making decisions they never expected to face.

Project Sherpa helps families better understand:

Serious illness progression
Healthcare options
Advance care planning
Community resources
Long-term care considerations
Support services available through Georgia Care Innovators

Our goal is not to make decisions for families.

Our goal is to help families feel informed, supported, and empowered to make decisions that align with their values and goals.

Part of a Larger Caregiving Journey

Project Sherpa works alongside the other programs offered through the Edel Caregiver Institute.

Families often combine Project Sherpa support with:

Caregiver Support Groups
Dementia Education & Support
Individual Caregiver Consultations
GUIDE Dementia Program
Caregiver Resources and Education

Together, these services create a comprehensive network of support for caregivers throughout their journey.

A Georgia Care Innovators Story

Project Sherpa was created in response to a simple observation: Many caregivers feel overwhelmed by the healthcare system. Rather than expecting families to navigate that journey alone, Georgia Care Innovators developed a program designed to provide guidance, education, and support along the way.

Because every caregiver deserves a trusted guide.

Learn More

If you are caring for a loved one and would like assistance preparing for healthcare conversations or navigating complex medical decisions, we are here to help.

Contact the Edel Caregiver Institute
Because no caregiver should have to find their way alone.

Call 912-629-1331