Where to start: here are 5 first steps to preparing for senior care in Maine
1. Establish/review your Health Care and Financial Power of Attorney
If you haven’t already named someone as your power of attorney, do it as soon as possible. Having these documents in place before they are needed saves a lot of worry not to mention time and money. The only way you can ensure you stay in control of your decisions is to appoint someone you trust to help you if it is needed and to communicate your wishes through these important planing documents. It is important to see an Elder Law Attorney when planning these documents, they are likely the most educated about most recent changes in the law that will affect your plans. If you have already completed these documents, congratulations! It is always important to have these documents reviewed to be sure they are current to new laws and to your specific state.
2. Get a solid geriatric workup
Whether you have seen your family doctor for years, or have a new primary care physician, it is a good idea to see a geriatrician for a complete workup that includes a fall risk analysis, comprehensive medication evaluation, and cognitive assessment. Just as we take our infants to pediatricians it is equally important to see a geriatric physician for issues affecting the elderly. There are centers throughout the state that provide this level of assessment.
3. Review your benefits
Look into your benefits, health insurance, long term care insurance, home equity, veterans benefits, medicare, medicaid and life insurance. Be sure that you are accessing the benefits that you are entitled to and that you are not overpaying for those that you no longer need. Almost everyone that I work with has an untapped or underutilized benefit that can help with senior care.
4. Get organized
Make lists of your physicians, medications, medical appointments, make copies of your insurance cards. Organize your finances, benefit information and legal documents. Make these items easily accessible and label them for easy identification, date everything.
Look at what is out there for services and research the different organizations before you need their services.
5. Talk about it/Get help
All the planning in the world can be wasted if no one is aware of your wishes or documents. You need to talk with your family about what you want in the event that senior care is needed. If you nicely label you documents but don’t tell anyone where they are located they can’t be useful. If you find this list overwhelming or research senior care services too involved to handle, ask for help. Recruit family to help you through the process or look for professional help navigating the system.