Quantcast

When do you know it’s time?

We’re called the Sandwich Generation: adults caring for maturing children — who require financial, physical and emotional support — AND aging parents who may be ill, forgetful, running out of money, and unable to perform simple tasks.

One of our biggest fears is having “that conversation” with our parents. The one that begins with, “I’m worried that home may no longer be the best place for you to live anymore.”

Maybe you’ve had an initial talk and were able to modify their environment — like placing grab bars by the toilet and in the shower, removing fall risks like throw rugs, or engaging an in-home caretaker. Maybe they’ve moved closer to you or a sibling. But, eventually, they may require a higher level of care. It’s time for that conversation when you notice . . .

  • old and/or spoiled food in the refrigerator and cabinets
  • infrequent bathing; poor personal hygiene
  • frequent bruises due to falls
  • lack of movement around the house; too much time in bed
  • inability to transfer from bed to chair and back again
  • old and new medicine bottles scattered around the house
  • infrequent eating and/or poor nutrition
  • decreased ability to control urinary and fecal discharge or manage toileting

As you find yourself filled with natural feelings of guilt and confusion, remember . . .

  • When they were taking care of you, they made difficult decisions to keep you safe and healthy regardless of whether you agreed with them. Now it’s your turn.
  • When you visit, you see them at their best.  Unless you’re able to spend a few days, you may not see all of their struggles.
  • Make sure you’re advocating change because it’s in their best interest and not simply yours. Examine your deepest motives.
  • Quality of life still matters. Home is not always the best place to age; it can become isolating and depressing.

If you need help or support, use available resources.

A Geriatric Care Manager can provide a full home assessment and offer impartial recommendations. Our Health Champion@ Home is here to help when the time comes:  www.healthchampion.net.

In addition, contact your state’s Department of Aging and The National Area on Aging: www.aoa.gov .

Being responsible for two generations of loved ones — our kids and our folks — is challenging and fulfilling as we engage fully in the cycles of life. We just have to remember to breath. And to know when it’s time for new and next steps. As always, you’re invited to post your comments and questions.

April 30, 2010 | 2 Comments »

Being There During A Medical Emergency

One moment your mom or dad is doing fine. Or fine enough, given their age, health and limitations. The next minute one of them is rushed to the emergency room. You get the call. You start putting your life on hold, knowing you need to be there overseeing care and critical decisions. But it could take hours, even a day or two, depending upon geography, work, and other family responsibilities to get there.

Now what? Unless you have a plan in place, your loved one will likely be alone in the emergency room, even if they’ve been living in an assisted living facility or nursing home. No one goes with them. And, very often, neither does critical information.

According to an article in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (March, 2010), researchers found that when nursing home residents are bought to an Emergency Department, typically, 10% arrive without any medical information and the remaining 90% arrive missing some critical pieces!

These same patients, alone and frightened, are often unable to answer even simple questions. This inability could be due to shock and fear, an already reduced mental ability, or a sudden change in mental status due to the acute illness.

In order to make an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment, the medical team needs basic, critical information — from current medications and allergies to a full medical history and understanding of what is considered to be the patient’s normal mental status. Having this information helps avoid complications, misdiagnoses, redundant lab work and expensive tests, unnecessary hospitalizations, increased medical costs, and discharge to a rehab facility when they can often return home with added supports.

So, you’re on your way. Meanwhile, your parent is alone in the ER … What’s the solution?

Plan ahead for the possibility. Find someone you trust to accompany your parent when an emergency occurs. Give that person all vital information and permission to serve as your parent’s advocate until you arrive. Explore Health Champion’s new Health Champion @ the ER program to see how we can fill this essential role for your family. There’s more than one way to be there.

April 21, 2010 | 3 Comments »

Medicare to the Rescue

Quick Test:

  • Are you — or someone you’re caring for — on Medicare and suffering from a variety of chronic health conditions?
  • Do you worry about taking all those meds:  are they more than you need; are they even necessary?
  • Are you concerned about side effects or drug interactions?

If you’ve answered “yes” to any of the above questions, it’s time for answers. And you won’t have to search high and low to find them. Help is available through a federal program called Medical Therapy Management (MTM), offered by your Medicare Part D or Advantage prescription plan.

With MTM, a clinical pharmacist will:

  • evaluate your conditions and medications to ensure safe, appropriate, and cost-effective use.
  • contact your doctor(s) about any problems and work to help resolve them.
  • meet with you several times a year to help you keep track of all of your medicines and conditions and monitor your progress.
  • be available for questions and problems as they arise.

The best part?  If you qualify, this service is free!

Why is this important?

The more medicines you take, the greater the risk for dangerous interactions, adverse side effects and mismanagement (not taking them as directed), leading to serious consequences. In fact, this is a growing public problem across the United States. Experts estimate that 1.5 million preventable adverse events occur each year, resulting in $177 billion in injury and death.

Find out if you qualify.

Contact your Medicare Part D prescription plan or your Medicare Advantage Plan; ask about their MTM services and how to qualify. Also ask for the names of clinical pharmacists in your area. It’s that simple.

Do this for yourself. Be Informed. And stay healthy!

April 14, 2010 | Tags: , , , , | 2 Comments »

A Money-Saving Prescription


When it comes to medications, are you getting the most value for your dollars?  Here’s our prescription for saving time and money.

  1. Think Generic: Save up to 80% on your meds. People sometimes resist generics because they worry about a drug’s effectiveness: how can an inexpensive version be as good as a brand name? They’re “generics” — not because they’re inferior — but because the branded medicine has lost its patent protection and other companies are allowed to manufacture and sell it. All have the identical chemical to the original. Because some generics — like coumadin and levothyroxine — may not work for you, ask your doctor before switching. Also, fillers may be different; check for allergies or intolerances. If all systems are “go” give generics a try and save lots of money.
  2. Shop Around: Different pharmacies, different prices. Especially for generics. Call around, compare pricing, Check “big box” and club stores. Before switching pharmacies, ask if yours will match the lower price. Whatever you do, use the same pharmacy for all of your prescriptions to avoid drug interactions and other potential problems.
  3. Pay Privately: You’re not required to use your insurance when paying for a prescription. You may want to keep a matter confidential; sometimes, it’s cheaper to pay on your own versus going through your insurance company with its limitations and co-pays. Evaluate your concerns. Do the math. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist for advice.
  4. Use Mail Order Many insurers invite you to purchase three months of medicine for two months of co-pay. That means you save four times your monthly co-pay each year. This is ideal for people who are organized and can order meds well in advance of running out.
  5. Talk to your pharmacist: Don’t be shy. Ask the money questions. Find out about generics or less expensive brand names. Protect your interests. The more informed you are, the healthier you will be.  And if you’re still in doubt, seek the help of objective health care experts.

Do you have a tip we didn’t include? Post it in the comments section. We’d love to hear from you.

April 9, 2010 | Tags: , , , , | 2 Comments »

Choosing the Right Health Plan- Benefits by Design -

Continuing last week’s discussion, Choosing the Right Health Plan, let’s look at how the actual Benefit Design can — and should — shape your purchasing decision.

When we say benefit design, we’re simply acknowledging that medical insurance plans come in various shapes and sizes; you need to pick one that fits you and your family.

What’s in a Name?

Everything. The name itself often represents the type of product, reflects plan rules or highlights a unique element. Example: HDHP stands for “high deductible health plan!”

HMO, PCP, Gatekeeper — these names are associated with benefit designs from health plans versus insurance companies. They generally require a referral from a primary care physician before you see a specialist. Does that work for you? Are you willing to engage with a primary care physician as part of your health care team? Open Access, on the other hand, typically means you don’t need a referral from a primary care physician to see a specialist.

Points of Service

Before purchasing a health plan, make sure you understand how it’s designed in terms of service. For instance, will you be covered — to some degree, at least — if you see a non-participating doctor?

Warning: if you call a doctor’s office to see if they participate with your insurance and you get this response, “We accept all insurance” DO NOT think it means they participate with your plan. It simply means they’re willing to accept a check from anyone. Ask more questions.

Need physical therapy? Want to see a chiropractor? Make sure these services are covered and if there are limits on visits. It’s not unusual to see benefit designs with limited coverage for these services.

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a heath plan. And the wrong decision can be costly. Check with your state’s Department of Insurance website for a list of all licensed insurance companies and health plans doing business in your state. See what’s available. And when in doubt, consult an expert for advice.

-end-

April 2, 2010 | Tags: , , , | No Comments »