Understanding the “maze” that is our health care system is getting more confusing every day, especially when it comes to senior care. If you have ever experienced the frustration of getting answers, understanding insurances and co-pays, and finding the right resources, you are not alone. Even healthcare and senior care professional’s struggle.
Between political agendas, changes to regulations, the changing needs of the community, and creative entrepreneurs; the programs, services, and resources available for are constantly changing. Plus, you add an increase in work demands, it’s no wonderer your doctor, nurse, hospital discharge planer, or other health care professionals do not have all the answers. Here is a list of things one can do to navigate
What can you do?
Do your research. The greatest tool in navigating the ever-changing healthcare system is education. While it may be time consuming, you will become more empowered and comfortable the more you know. Knowing and understanding the services and resources available, treatments, medication is a step in the right direction. Research can be done online or in person. In almost every community, there are opportunities for free public educational in-services and networking events.
Consult with multiple health care professionals. It is often said that it takes a village when it comes to health care and senior care. That saying could not be truer today. Take the time to talk to the many health care professionals in your life. By getting information from multiple sources, you can compile that information to help make the best decisions.
Never settle. Often if you feel yourself saying, there must be a better way, or I don’t understand why I am being denied, you should not take the first answer you get. Make phone calls, do your research, read your policies and regulations. Often you will find that people tend to impose their own beliefs or interpretation. If you dig hard enough, often you can get the right person who can help. Sometime, entities like insurance companies rely on the fact that you will just give up.
Find a Certified Senior Advisor®. In Colorado Springs, you can find experts who can assist you with your research and who can act as an advocate on your behalf. Not only is navigating the healthcare “maze” confusing, but you will also find that many healthcare entities (hospitals, nursing homes, doctors) operate in their own bubble or silo. Then as we try to navigate our way around, we get passed from one silo to the next. The problem is that things can get lost in the cracks as we move from one silo to another. This is where a certified and educated advisor can help. They can act as a central point of coordination helping us move from silo to silo.
Like any maze, it can be easy to spend too much time moving in the wrong direction. The good news is you are not alone. There is help. At Talem Home Care, we offer free care management and advocacy to those in need. If you need help finding resources, planning for the future, or have immediate needs, we can help. Contact one of our senior advisors today! 720-664-8711 or visit our Get Started Page.
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