My parents are getting older, I'll be old one day, sooner than I think, everyone should read this found in Woman's Day - March 2011 - pg 36 -
living will - this tells the doctors what kind of care the person does and does not want to receive if he's terminally ill and incapacitated. (some states, including kentucky, minn, ok, or, sc, va & wy, combine the living will and durable power of attorney for healthcare in the same form).
durable power of attorney for healthcare - this document allows the person being cared for to identify who will make medical decisions if he or she becomes mentally incapacitated. (this is also known in some states as an advance directive or healthcare proxy.)
durable power of attorney for finances - only necessary in some instances, this document designates who'll handle the finances and money decisions of the cared-for-person.
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websites which might be helpful
www.eldercare.gov - is a public service of the administration on aging. that connects older americans and their caregivers with information on senior services in their area. just type in your zip code and type of information you are looking for. or call 1-800-677-1116.
www.naela.org - national academy of elder law attorneys - find an elder or special needs attorney in your area using the search function on this not for profit site.
www.ncoa.org - this non-profit advocacy group works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits. improve their health and live independently. it also offer an excellent free booklet "use your home to stay at home" that gives an overview on reverse mortgages in an easy to read format. go to the site and click on "news & NCOA publications" at the top, then scroll down to the bottom of the page for the download link.
www.medicare.gov - the single best place to learn all about medicare. includes up to the minute changes as well as help wqith the benefits eligibility and enrollment. or call 1-800-medicare
www.longtermcare.gov - this site is a clearinghouse for long -term care presented by the u.s. department of health and human services. you'll find a lot of good information here - from how to assess your need to what to look for in long term health insurance policies.
these websites were also found in the same woman's day magazine.
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these people can help you get healthier - woman's day - march 2011 - pg 102
patient advocate - consider one if you need extra guidance navigating the healthcare system.
what they do - help fight health claims disputes with your insurance company. what type of care to consider after a new diagnosis, and give advice on what to do if you have a health condition that is affecting your ability to do your job. who are they - nurses who previously worked in a hospital or doctor's office, social workers and professional case managers, attorneys and other experts. where to find - at the patient advocate foundation's website (patientadvocate.org) case management services are free or at (advoconnection.com) fees usually range from $40 to $200 per hour.
health insurance brokers - consider one if you're trying to purchase health insurance for yourself and your family on your own. what they do - help you compare costs and benefits and figure out the right plan - who are they - licensed brokers trained in health insurance coverage (they must pass state and federal exams) services usually free, but since brokers get commissions from insurance companies, ask if they're paid by just one company (means they're an agent and not a broker) where to find - at nahu.org/consumer/find-agent2.cfm (the national association of health underwriters site lets you search for a nearby broker) wants to compare options on your own? ehealthinsurance.com
wellcoaches - consider one if you want help developing a multifaceted approach to improving your health. what they do - work with you to create an overall healthy lifestyle by focusing on factors such as diet, sleep, stress, exercise. for example, stress can cause poor sleep, which then leads to low energy and bad eating choices. a wellcoach can help you address issues collectively. who they are - health, fitness or mental health professionals (such as personal trainers, psychologists and nutritionists) who launch a second career as a certified wellcoach (program endorsed by the american college of sports medicine) where to find - at wellcoaches.com ($40 - $100 per session)
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