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by Rona S. Bartelstone, LCSW, BCD, CMC, C-ASWCM
At the end of the day, no matter how concerned we are about money, health comes first. The current economic crisis affects
everyone in some way. Families with aging relatives find themselves distracted by their own problems, such as the declining
value of homes and investments, concerns about reduction in retirement plans, and even loss of jobs. While the professional
legal and financial communities are working to discover how to help people through these trying times, we at SeniorBridge can
help each other and our clients by practicing preventive health care, opening our eyes to unpleasant realities, and planning
for, rather than waiting for, health care crises that become costly to individuals, companies, and society. The tenets of care
management and life care planning can be very instructive in these times. Adults need to think in terms of their own aging and
put a financial plan in place to address their possible needs for long-term custodial care. The elderly and their families need
to think in terms of tools, or safety nets, to prevent avoidable health care crises, which lead to physical decline and disability.
The following are some ideas that eldercare professionals recommend to prepare for and minimize the effects of financial and
health crises:
Survival Tips for All Seasons:
- Make sure that you and everyone you care for have advance directives that allow someone trustworthy to make health care decisions
and handle money. Guardianship proceedings, especially if contested, are extremely costly.
- Have, and recommend to anyone you care about, a thorough home environment assessment. Accidents, falls, and other incidents can
lead to hospitalizations, long-term disability, or worse. This adds costs to the individual and drains the Medicare coffers that are
already very depleted.
- Make sure you and/or your loved one understands medications and is taking them appropriately. Medication errors can cause problems
and even be life-threatening.
- Invest in a personal response device; having someone come to your aid quickly is not only critical to your well-being, but can save
the cost of necessary rehabilitation from injury.
- Even though community services and government programs will become more limited, learn about what is available, take advantage, or get
help in accessing services.
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About SeniorBridge
Why put the care of your loved ones with SeniorBridge?
Our company’s unique approach addresses the total well-being of clients and their families through a comprehensive program that includes assessment, planning, service coordination, advocacy, and direct care by an interdisciplinary team led by a geriatric care manager.
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