Planning for the Future

June 9, 2010

No one ever plans to be sick or disabled; however, effective preparation can make all the difference in an emergency. A study in 2008 by the National Association of Home Care revealed that nearly 6 million people over the age of 65 received home health services. Many older home care patients have overlapping medical conditions requiring continuous or complex services. The following steps can ensure that your family and caregivers are well prepared to help when an unexpected injury or illness occurs.

Steps for getting your affairs in order:

Put your important papers and copies of legal documents in one place. You could set up a file, put everything in a desk or dresser drawer, or list the information and the location of papers in a notebook. If your papers are in a bank safe deposit box, keep copies in a file at home. Check for updates each year.

Tell a trusted family member or friend where you put all your important papers. You don’t need to tell this friend or family member about your personal affairs, but someone should know where you keep your papers in case of an emergency. If you do not have a relative or friend you trust, ask a lawyer to help.

Provide your doctor or lawyer with consent to talk to your caregiver as needed. There may be questions about your care, a bill, or a health insurance claim. Without your consent, your caregiver may not be able to get needed information. You can give your okay in advance to Medicare, a credit card company, your bank, your doctor, or your lawyer.

Source: National Institutes of Health
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Family members and other informal caregivers are often unprepared to manage complex treatments and coordinate care that frequently involves many different providers and services. Being prepared will assist your family members or caregiver in providing the support you may need. Please feel free to contact Trustworthy Staffing Solutions, LLC at 410-356-8841 for additional information.


By Pam McMichael's, Trustworthy Staffing Solutions, LLC, Client BusinesSuites Owings Mills

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