REVERSED ROLES
Plan Ahead Now
W
hen people say "Senior
Planning" most of us
immediately think of
financial planning and
investment strategies. When we
hear "emergency planning" we
often think of inclement weather,
evacuation plans or stocking
supplies to endure a less than
ideal situation. While both
strategies are an important part of
our lives and vital to helping our
parents age, neither address the
preparedness that a family will
need to help their loved one
through an illness or an injury.
We Hoosiers are well seasoned
when it comes to preparing a list
of "must have" items and stocking
our pantries to endure the wrath
of Mother Nature, but we're
grossly unprepared when it comes
to understanding what will
happen if our loved ones become
ill or suffer an injury. It is ten
times more likely that a senior
will become ill or suffer an injury
that requires hospitalization and
likely some form of post-acute
care than to experience a fire or
severe weather, and we're just not
prepared.
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care and in home medical
equipment. Patients are also
discharged home with more
progressive conditions, are able to
access outpatient services, and
are demanding more support
from their families. Emergency
situations are difficult on a family
and that's no time to start
learning about options or the lack
thereof. So how can you be
prepared? Start by having a
discussion.
In the past, a medical condition
that required hospitalization was
addressed in the hospital and the
patient would remain there until
they were well enough to return
home independently. With the
changes in healthcare and the
regulations imposed on hospitals,
the average length of stay is now
much shorter, and patients are
requiring alternate forms of care.
Traditionally, nursing homes were
a place to live when our parents
were unable to stay in their own
home. Today these facilities focus
on rehabilitation & post-acute
care. Patients have more
frequent stays, averaging 2-3
weeks and are then discharged to
their homes with home health
What does your loved one want
and how much do they know
about their current care and
support options? Preconceived
ideas can grossly limit our
understanding. Talk to your
physician and ask around about
the best skilled nursing facilities
or home health options. Take a
visit and meet with the
management team. There are
very knowledgeable providers
right in your back door. They can
answer questions about coverage,
services and even provide
information on how to prevent
hazards in your own home. Be
connected with post acute
providers in your area, as they are
great allies.
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