Tips on healthcare
We compiled these valuable tips based on podcast interviews and thorough research. The elder care community greatly benefits from such collaborative efforts. Here are some of the key takeaway tips:
- Effective healthcare involves regular communication with the healthcare team, which may include doctors, nurses, social workers, specialists, or any other relevant professionals. Having the team on the same page as you will help to convince your parent they need more care.
- Consider getting supplemental insurance when you get on Medicare. It's helps pay your share of medical costs not paid by Medicare, like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles.
- Your employee assistance program may have some home care coverage to care for your aging parent or loved one.
- The Veteran Administration (VA) may have home care coverage and other services for veterans free of charge.
- Establishing a meaningful relationship with the home health aide who cares for your parent, even if you come from different backgrounds, can be incredibly valuable. That approach has worked well for me.
- Have patience when introducing the idea of having a home health aide with your parents. Perhaps you want to use a different name, instead of "aide", you can refer to them as "housekeeper". Start the discussion as earlier as you can.