About Us
Meet Joe
Joe Hess PhD, MHA, MS, RN brings 25 years of nursing experience spanning acute care, leadership, operations, and elder care. Beginning his career in the Army Nurse Corps, Joe developed a deep understanding of patient advocacy, healthcare management, and evidence-based decision-making.
His expertise extends beyond direct patient care into research, academia, and leadership. As a former college professor and researcher, he has contributed to advancing healthcare knowledge while mentoring future professionals. Joe’s approach integrates practical experience with a philosophy rooted in clarity, emotional efficiency, and authentic communication, helping families navigate caregiving with confidence and purpose.
Through SummitCare Connect, Joe leverages his extensive background to provide consulting, structured care planning, and educational resources, ensuring caregivers have the tools to make informed and intentional decisions. His mission is to challenge conventional caregiving norms while fostering solutions that balance dignity, practicality, and trust.
Joe’s work is deeply rooted in his foundational principles—Presence, Connection, Experience, Authenticity, and Bliss. These principles guide both his personal and professional approach to elder care. These pillars shape his commitment to creating meaningful interactions, fostering trust, and ensuring that every decision honors dignity and clarity.
Beyond these guiding principles, Joe upholds Honor, Integrity, Honesty, Truth, Justice, and Equity as core life values. His dedication to ethical caregiving and compassionate advocacy reflects a belief in fairness, transparency, and intentional action. Through SummitCare Connect, he translates these values into real-world strategies that empower families to navigate elder care with confidence and purpose.