- Nationally Board-Certified Spiritual Care Provider (BCC)
- Director of Spiritual Care, SSM Health, St. Mary’s Care Center
- Led palliative care initiatives with nurse practitioners in a cardiac clinic and in a rehabilitation and long-term care facility
- Palliative Care Chaplaincy Training, California State University
- Master of Arts in Theology, Drew University
- Trained in mindful self-compassion
- Court mediation training
Everyone deserves clarity and calm.
Our mission is to help individuals and families find peace with what life presents. We believe that everyone possesses the strength and wisdom within to face profound change but that no one should have to go through a major life transition alone.
Finding strength through wisdom.
Sagesse (pronounced "say-jess") is French for wisdom, foresight, and good sense. We believe every individual has the potential to access this inner wisdom and make informed decisions about their health. We founded Sagesse Advocacy to empower individuals and families to tap into this wisdom by drawing on our experience in healthcare, mediation, and theology. By working together, we can help you navigate the healthcare system and make decisions that align with your values and goals.
“I am passionate about finding the highest quality of life for each person’s unique situation.”
-Kim Beuerman, founder of Sagesse Advocacy
Our Founder
Kim M. Beuerman, MA, BCC
Credentials
Approach
Personal
With 18 years of experience as a spiritual care provider in medical settings, I have worked with individuals and their families at various stages of acute and chronic illness.
As a trained palliative care specialist, my expertise allows me to offer an informed and compassionate approach to those I serve. My comprehensive training in advance care planning, legacy therapy, and interdisciplinary palliative care enables me to provide guidance that is tailored to each individual's unique needs and preferences. Additionally, my intercultural perspective allows me to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life.
Above all, I am committed to supporting my clients through difficult times with empathy, expertise, and respect for their values and beliefs.
Born in Buffalo, NY, (where it snows almost year-round), I then lived in Africa, Canada and England. After the international stint, we resided in more than eight U.S. states. Given this informed perspective, I can say that my home of the past twenty years, Madison, WI, is a fantastic place to live.
When I have free time you’ll find me outdoors on my bike, speed walking through the woods, or cross-country skiing, if it snows. I also love to read and usually have 12 or so books out from the library.
My three grown children find me full of great advice and many stories of our past adventures. Well okay, maybe just advice, but I think it's great!
My heroes include Joan of Arc, Eleanor Roosevelt, Whitney Houston, Tina Fey, and my Mom, Diane.
We are frequently asked
General Information
Pricing
Services
Getting Started
For Family Members
Ongoing Care
Can you help me with my insurance billing or making doctor’s appointments?
While our services overlap somewhat with those of a traditional patient advocate or patient navigator, our focus is not on resolving insurance billing issues, making medical appointments, or communicating with healthcare providers. We are happy to make referrals if you are in need of these services.
Where are you located?
We are based in Madison, Wisconsin, and we primarily serve the southwestern Wisconsin area. We work with families who are outside the area and can meet via videoconference if necessary.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with serious illnesses. The goal of palliative care is to improve quality of life for both the patient and their family by providing relief from symptoms and addressing their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Unlike hospice care, palliative care can be provided at any stage of illness and can be given alongside curative treatments. We find that many of our clients first reach out to us when they qualify for palliative care.
Are you a death doula?
We do not offer death doula services, but we can assist in providing information and resources for end-of-life care, including referring clients to a death doula who can offer support and guidance during the very last stage of life.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes, we offer a complimentary consultation to help us determine if working with Sagesse would be a good fit.
What do you charge for your services?
We find that most people can benefit the most by utilizing all four of our interconnected services: Advance Care Planning, Palliative Care Advocacy, Life Review, and Emotional & Spiritual Support. Our Comprehensive Package is $2,500 and offers significant support in all four of these areas.
Can I utilize your services a la carte?
Yes, we are happy to custom tailor a more focused package to meet your unique needs. For example, we offer a Basic Advance Care Planning Package ($500), a Life Review Package ($750), a Life Celebration Event Package ($500), and a two-session Spiritual Guidance Package ($200), among other offerings. We can discuss what best fits your need in our initial consultation.
Do you have an hourly rate?
For clients who have completed one of our packages and need additional support, we can arrange for hourly billing, which varies by the task required. Please inquire for details.
Do you offer financial assistance?
We believe that no one should have to face a life-limiting illness alone. Depending on our availability, we can sometimes offer our services at a reduced rate to those in need. Please reach out to us to discuss your situation.
How do I know if your services are appropriate for my situation?
At our initial consultation, we will encourage you to share a summary of your situation. Then we will offer you suggestions on how our services can provide support, help you to find a higher quality of life, and live with a greater sense of control and ease.
Do I need to utilize all of your services or can I pick just one or two?
Although the comprehensive package is designed to meet many people’s needs as they face a life-limiting illness, it’s your choice as to which services you wish to explore. We encourage you to look for whatever gives you comfort, meaning, and purpose.
How do we schedule an initial consultation?
Click on the “Get Started” button on the website, which will take you to a contact form where you can request an initial consultation call. You may also choose to email us with some questions prior or instead of a call.
Are there forms we should fill out ahead of time?
When you request a consultation call, there’s a short form for your contact information. We ask if there is anything in particular we can help you with and if there’s anything we should know before we talk. If we establish that Sagesse is a good fit for you, we will send you several intake forms that will allow us to best serve you.
What are your hours?
Our schedule is flexible with daytime and early evening hours available.
Are the visits virtual or in person?
The consultation call will be either a virtual or phone call, depending on your preference. We prefer to meet in person at our first session, where we will assess your needs and create a plan of care going forward. This can be in the comfort of your own home or at some other meeting spot. Follow-up visits can be virtual or in person.
Are family members included in these services?
Absolutely! Family members are encouraged, with the client’s invitation, to participate in all levels of services. Often family members play an integral role in the decision making process. Your support of your loved one’s values and wishes is essential for positive outcomes.
Can family members hire us to help a loved one?
Yes! Frequently we find ourselves busy with work, children and other life circumstances, such as living away from our aging parents. With Sagesse, you can be assured that we are watching out for their best interests and helping to identify all supportive options for care and optimal quality of life.
Is Sagesse Advocacy a one time service or can it be ongoing?
Depending on the situation you find yourself, it may be appropriate to use our services over an extended period of time. We can provide support and advocacy through the stages of an advanced illness, helping you and your family prepare for changes in an informed and proactive manner, with the intent to avoid unnecessary suffering.
What if I need a service you don’t offer?
We have a comprehensive network of other healthcare professionals and will be happy to make a referral for you. They include: Patient Advocates, Dementia Specialists, Home Health Companions, Psychotherapists, Complementary medicine providers such as Acupuncturists, Naturopaths, Massage Therapists and Dietary Consultants.