From time to time, we invite guest bloggers to share their wisdom with our Noble community. The following is written by Art Mulligan of Senior Advocate Services.
Navigating the world of health care is daunting especially when you are considering long-term care options for a loved one. Health Care Advocates are trusted advisors who help support you and guide you and your family through the tangled web of medical services, appropriate living accommodations, personal care assistance, and the Medicare/Medicaid system.
It can be overwhelming for families who are faced with the task of moving a parent or loved one out of their home into a strange and foreign place. Finding the right place, the right medical care that not only suits the needs of the family, but also fits into their budget takes someone who understands and knows the system. As someone who has been connected to this world for most of my career – I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. That experience helps save families not only time, but often dollars and a lot of heart ache along the journey.
What are some of the specific roles and Advocate plays?
Hospitalization Advocacy
Advocates can be the liaison between you and the care management team if you are a loved one are hospitalized. This may include coordination and communication between hospitalists, specialists, doctors, case managers, discharge planners and after care support.
Financial Support
Perhaps the most overwhelming part of our health care system is the financial piece. With the myriad of bills coming in, trying to reconcile with insurance carriers, determining out of pocket expenses and more is often too much for someone who understands it all and has the time! Advocates can take this piece off your plate – they know the billing codes, estimated costs, co-pays and more.
Advisory Liaison
Advocates can support you in communicating with your various advisors – lawyer, accountant, financial advisor etc. He/She will ensure you have all of your affairs in order – will, health care proxies, power of attorney and any other legal, financial documents that should be on file. They can also coordinate communication between them if indeed you or your loved one need to have trusts set up to pay for long term care.
When is it time to hire an Advocate?
Often clients find an Advocate when they are in the midst of mayhem and are distraught. Perhaps Mom or Dad have had a major stroke, can no longer live alone and children are overwhelmed with guilt and at need reassurance and guidance – they just want to make sure their parents are well cared for and happy.
Typical services Health Care Advocates offer:
- Convincing parents that they need a home care provider
- Assisting with the procurement and oversight of a home maintenance services
- Evaluating a visiting nurse agency (VNA) when services are required
- Mediating between you and your siblings when you have a parent in failing health and are unable to agree
- Explaining VNA services, Medicare/Medicaid coverage, assisted living, skilled nursing home care, home health care, hospice, and hospice facilities
- Assisting in the coordination of care when you do not live close enough to do so
- Monitor medical billing statements to ensure they are accurate before payment is rendered
- Explaining Medicare, Medicare supplemental and Plan D insurance coverages
- Remote communication with adult children or designated family member so they understand what is occurring with their parents
Hiring a health care advocate may be a great solution for anyone who has questions about managing the medical, nursing home or home care system or needs some extra support for themselves or a family member.