My mother should not have to lose her mind while policy gives her nothing to gain, only consequences.

As a U.S. Navy veteran, investigative journalist, public policy professional and advocate for aging populations, I have spent years asking difficult questions about systems, accountability and equity. Journalism taught me to investigate. Public policy taught me to question institutions. Military service taught me resilience. Together, they prepared me to recognize patterns long before I understood the academic discipline devoted to studying them.