About us
Caring for an aging adult means caring for the people who love and support them, too.
Caring for someone you love while balancing work, family, and everyday life isn't easy. There are appointments you can't attend, information you piece together secondhand, and the constant worry that an important question went unasked.
No one should have to navigate those challenges alone. Having the right guidance and practical support can make all the difference, not only for the person receiving care but also for the people walking alongside them.
That's why CT Health Advocate exists.
Meet Ria Irons LPN, CDP, CCHW
I'm a nurse, elder care advocate, wife, and mother. Like many people caring for someone they love, there was a season when I was trying to balance work, a family and the needs of caring for a sick family member.
There were appointments I couldn't attend because I had patients depending on me and children who needed me. When someone else stepped in, I found myself piecing together information afterward, wondering whether the right questions had been asked and worrying that something important had been missed.
Even with my nursing background, I learned how overwhelming healthcare can become when the person needing care is someone you love.
That experience changed the way I thought about caregiving. I realized families don't just need medical information. They need someone who can help them understand their options, think through decisions, and feel confident about what comes next.
Founder, CT Health Advocate
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Older adults are part of my life outside of work, too. You'll often find me at my local senior center, working on craft projects and spending time with some of my favorite people. Beyond that, my greatest joy is time with my family, and I love creating handmade earrings and exploring thrift shops throughout Connecticut in search of hidden treasures.
So I created CT Health Advocate, the kind of support I wish my own family had during that season of life.
"When an aging adult feels safe, seen, and heard, and the people who love them feel that way too, everything else starts to fall into place."
- Ria Irons
My Professional Experience
Over the past 12 years as a nurse, I've cared for older adults in skilled nursing, memory care, home care, and community-based settings.
I've also worked as a clinical liaison, helping families navigate the transition from the hospital to rehabilitation and skilled nursing. Later, as an admissions director overseeing 15 skilled nursing facilities throughout Connecticut, I gained firsthand insight into how referrals, admissions, insurance, and care coordination work.
Working in these different roles has given me an insider's perspective on how the healthcare system works. That perspective helps me anticipate challenges, ask the right questions, and help families address small issues before they become bigger ones.
My credentials:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
My nursing background helps me translate complex medical information into practical guidance. I help families better understand diagnoses, treatment plans, medications, and the questions they may not know to ask so they can make informed decisions with confidence.
Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP)
Memory loss affects far more than the person living with dementia. My training helps families navigate changing behaviors, communication challenges, safety concerns, and future planning with compassion and practical strategies.
Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW)
Health extends beyond medical care. Transportation, financial concerns, caregiver stress, and access to community resources all influence a person's well-being. My training helps me connect families with resources while considering the whole picture, not just the medical diagnosis.
“Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God.”
— Leviticus 19:32
To me, this verse is a reminder that older adults deserve to be valued, respected, and treated with compassion.
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"I have come so far since I began working with Ria, that it is just remarkable!"
I am so very grateful for her help and guidance. I truly cannot express how much that means to me, not just on a personal level but also, just knowing that Ria cares that her clients get the best critical thinking she can manage.
"Ria is personable, insightful, listens carefully then gets busy!"
When we contacted her, she stepped right in. Ria was persistent and professional in identifying problem areas and working to solve the issues. In addition, she spent one on one time with our daughter in the hospital and kept the family updated along the journey.
"Thank you so much for your incredible work. You far exceed my expectations."
From that first visit in Southbury, where our future seemed unnavigable, you rolled up your sleeves and jumped in with both feet and that big loving heart of yours to effect real and lasting change in Dad’s life. He hasn’t looked this good in years.
You don't have to do this alone.
Whether your loved one is facing a new diagnosis, a sudden hospital stay, a difficult care transition, or you’re feeling the daily weight of caregiving, I'm here to help you feel informed, supported, and confident every step of the way.
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Support for the people caring for aging adults.
Practical guidance, trusted resources, and tips you can use right away.