07/25/2024
Don't Pay for more then what you need: 2 Tips for navigating your health care options
1. Don't wait until something happens.
Preparation and information are key to saving money, time, and horror stories in healthcare. I don't know about you but I know it's hard for me to think and make good decisions when I'm overwhelmed and not feeling the best. I also know the feeling of pushing off things until later because there are so many other things to do and it's not urgent need right now. Please don't wait if you want to save time, headache, and money. Start by assessing and improving the safety of your home so you can prevent falls and Incidental injures that are the leading cause of health decline and death in adults 65 and older. Next step is to put neccesary legal documents (wills, trusts, advance directives etc) in place and start reviewing/asking questions concerning savings, health benefits, life/ longterm care insurance, and government benefits. When you are equipped with these tools and information you not only have a better idea of what services you can afford but also you won't be surprised by policy cut offs and unexpected bills when an emergency or change of condition does occur and you have to make quick decisions.
2. Don't limit yourself
When looking for Healthcare options its good to have the understanding that you have got the power. This means you can add, subtract, change, and discontinue any services at any time as your care needs change. This is why looking ahead and having the knowledge that we talked about in tip 1 is so important because you cant use your power effectively if you dont know you have it and where you can use it. With that being said it's important to note that there is a range of services and pricing that can suit your needs and support you no matter where you or your family maybe in your health care journey.
* Community Service organizations: these are free or low cost volunteer run organizations that help deliver food, put together activities, provide external home maintenance, provide companionship, rides to appointments, light house keeping etc. They are not licensed to do hands on care, so if you need more hands on care management this would not be the best fit, but it could be a great supplemental resource.
* At Home Services: these are broken up into basic (non medical- homecare) and comprehensive (medical- home health care, hospice/pallative, private duty nursing etc) these services are licensed to offer a range of care mangement options for you If you desire to stay home and make sure you and your family are supported through that decision. When assesing which agency would best suit you or loved ones needs be sure to ask about hourly service minimums, pricing, restrictions, and payment options because these do vary.
* Community Living Services: these are community spaces that range from small residential spaces to large sprawling complexs these include Co-op living, 55+communities, Independent living, Assisted living, Memory care, and Skilled nursing. The level of assistance needed, payment options, and location desired will determine which community would suit you and your loved ones best for payment and support.
For more individualized guidance on what resources maybe avaliable in your community to help you increase the safety of your home and give you what you need to wield your power in choosing and paying for the best options for you or your loved one shoot us an email at kingdomsupport@khssllc.org to set up a time to chat through your concerns and see what we can do to help get you the help you need for free.
