Do you Wonder?

Everyone wants their loved ones to be independent and at home as long as possible. But what if changes in health and/or memory lead you to worry that someone you care about may not be safe at home? Worrisome questions can arise such as, “Is mom still able to use the stove safely?”, “Can dad get in and out of the shower without falling?”, or “Can my grandmother still take her medication as prescribed?” Only a comprehensive Evaluation of your loved one’s unique situation can answer all your questions and provide your family with peace of mind.

Making the decision that a loved one can no longer be cared for at home is an emotional as well as difficult process. How do you know which facility is best? SSC can help you sift through all the information and options. Additionally, we will accompany you when interviewing nursing homes so that you find the best “fit” for your unique family situation. Some important factors to consider are proximity to home, religious affiliation and things like decor and menu. Less obvious things that affect the quality of care include the facility’s staffing patterns, financial stability and state survey compliance ratings. As impartial experts, SSC will give you an insider's perspective when Choosing a Care Facility.

Paying for care is always a complicated issue. There are many misconceptions about the Medicare and Medicaid programs, as well as the costs covered by long term care insurance. Because mistakes made today can lead to a loss of hard-earned savings in the future, it is important to understand the financial aspects of long-term care. SSC’s comprehensive Evaluation will focus on the level of care needed, the insurance(s) and assets available to pay for care, and the wishes of the client and family. We can help you to put together an individualized plan, and will educate everyone involved about the present and future costs of that plan.

Let’s face it, health care today is big business. Hospitals, nursing homes and home care agencies are all feeling the constraints placed upon them by insurance companies. This could translate into an HMO patient being discharged too soon after major surgery or a nursing home working short-handed. Your family member has the right to, and should be afforded, the highest level of care possible and SSC will help you Advocate for good care no matter who is paying for it.

Who will speak for and carry out your loved ones’ wishes should they become incapacitated? Essential tools like a Health Care Proxy, Durable Power of Attorney and Wills all serve important functions in the eldercare planning process. It is important to understand how they work so that family members and health care providers can carry out your loved ones’ wishes. SSC’s Evaluation process will uncover the need for these documents and make referrals to reputable eldercare attorneys if needed.

Care for an elder who has lost the ability to live independently costs money. Expenses can range from a few hundred dollars a month for added help around the house, to $6,000 or $7,000 a month for skilled nursing home care. Early Evaluation of a client’s financial situation will protect family assets and maximize options down the road. By understanding long-term care insurance, gifting strategies, and the use of wills and trusts, the family can remain in control of assets and quality of care.

When a loved one’s health begins to fail, it is an emotional hardship for the entire family. It is hard to know what to do and who to trust when making difficult decisions that often must be made in a matter of days. Few people are experts, or have the time to become experts, in Medicare law, geriatric medicine or estate planning, etc. SSC can provide Care Management and oversight to ensure that your loved one is being cared for with the highest standards, whether you live next door or across the country.