Yes, You Can Limit Financial Decisions As we age, we are faced with issues that need our attention. We know that our wills and health care directives need to be in place. We need to have all our important documents available to our loved ones to avoid problems that we can no longer address ourselves. One of the easiest documents to provide is the Durable Power of Attorney … [Read more...]
Caregiving is an Emotional Journey
Not all the emotions are pretty. When I started on this caregiving journey, panic was the overwhelming emotion. Panic was soon joined by feeling overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by all the decisions that had to be made and all the choices in front of us. Which one was best? Was it the right one physically, emotionally, financially for mom? At that point what I needed didn’t even … [Read more...]
The Medicare 100 day Rule Impacts Post Hospital Stays
How does it work? Medicare and Medicaid formularies influence your discharge plan For insurance to pay for an acute care hospital stay, a post-acute care facility or a long-term care facility, there must be a “skillable” need. (e.g. Care requiring the skill of a licensed physician, nurse, physical and/or occupational therapist.) It can't be over stated that Medicare only … [Read more...]
Hospital Discharge – How Does It Work?
What does a hospital discharge planning team do? Every hospital has a discharge planning team made up of nurse care managers and social workers. Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Registered Nurses and Pharmacists are brought in as needed. This team is responsible for the documentation that proves you require the care/treatments given by licensed nurses or … [Read more...]
Rehabilitation after Surgery, Stroke or Hospital Stay
What happens if you still need help after a hospital stay? It is common to need help to regain strength, manage a chronic illness, or re-learn activities of daily living after a hospital stay. But who determines what type of rehabilitation is needed? Who determines if help at home or in a facility is best? What are the criteria for release to a rehabilitation facility as set … [Read more...]