Caring for an aging parent can feel overwhelming, particularly when managing care from a distance. This was the situation for a California daughter whose mother experienced a severe fall, resulting in a broken hip. Following hospitalization, her mother was transferred to a rehabilitation facility in Philadelphia. The daughter needed immediate help managing her mother’s complex care needs from afar. Through comprehensive elder care planning, our team of professionals provided legal, financial, and care coordination services, ensuring her mother’s well-being and a smooth transition.

Step 1: Comprehensive Elder Care Planning Begins with Assessment

Our first step was to conduct an in-depth care assessment for the client’s mother. This evaluation considered her medical needs, care requirements, and living situation. We then developed a tailored care plan, becoming the daughter’s “boots on the ground” to ensure her mother received the best care possible in Philadelphia.

Step 2: Addressing Medicare Challenges

After 27 days of rehabilitation, the facility issued a Medicare non-coverage notice. Our team’s expertise in comprehensive elder care planning allowed us to guide the family through the appeals process. We successfully secured an additional 43 days of coverage, enabling the mother to continue her rehabilitation without financial strain.

Step 3: Transitioning to Personal Care

Recognizing that the mother’s care needs were evolving, we leveraged our local network of professionals to assist with her transition to personal care. From connecting the family with home health care agencies to introducing a daily money manager and task organizers, our comprehensive elder care planning ensured the mother received the support she needed.

Step 4: Legal Preparations for Peace of Mind

Legal documents are essential in elder care planning. We worked with the daughter to prepare:

  • A will to reflect her mother’s wishes.
  • A durable power of attorney (POA) for financial decisions.
  • A healthcare power of attorney (Healthcare POA) for medical decisions.

These preparations ensured the daughter had the authority to manage her mother’s affairs while protecting her mother’s assets.

Step 5: Ensuring Optimal Medicare Coverage

As part of our comprehensive elder care planning, our insurance advocate reviewed the mother’s Medicare plan and made recommendations to enhance her coverage. These improvements reduced out-of-pocket costs while providing better prescription drug benefits.

Step 6: Transitioning to Nursing Home Care and Medicaid Coordination

When home care was no longer sufficient, we coordinated the mother’s move to a skilled nursing facility. Our team ensured her care plan was updated and participated in quarterly care conferences. We also managed the Medicaid application process, ensuring eligibility and covering the costs of her nursing home care.

A Complete Care Package: The Outcome of Comprehensive Elder Care Planning

From hospital discharge to nursing home transition, our team provided legal, financial, and care coordination support at every stage. The daughter felt confident knowing her mother’s needs were being met, even from across the country. Our comprehensive elder care planning approach alleviated stress and ensured quality care for her mother.

The Importance of Comprehensive Elder Care Planning

This case highlights the significant difference that comprehensive elder care planning can make in managing the needs of aging loved ones. From navigating Medicare and legal issues to coordinating care transitions, our team is here to support families every step of the way. If you are facing similar challenges, contact us today to learn how we can help with your elder care planning needs.