On Thursday evening, I gathered a team of Certified Caregiving Consultants to brainstorm ideas and suggestions to help us when the benefits we need as we care for a family member end. Benefits could be Medicare benefits (like home health, a short-rehab stay, palliative care and hospice) and services through state programs like Medicaid and Medicaid waiver programs.
A situation in Indiana inspired our conversation: A program that pays family caregivers will end because of a budget deficit. Family caregivers are now scrambling to create a different plan of care and to find help. The New York Times article provides an overview of the situation.
You watch our discussion, below.
Our conversation focused on the following:
1. How can we find the right kind of support to manage such a significant and difficult change?
2. How can we use our network to find solutions and resources?
3. How can we manage our grief about our losses?
4. What tips can help us manage this situation like a project?
When we think of this change as a project to be managed, we can consider:
Our vision. What do we need to create so that our caree receives the help and care he or she needs? so that we have the help and care we need? our family needs?
Our deadline. When do we need to have a new care plan in place? What can be a “right-now” solution that buys us time to create a longer term solution?
Our goals. What do we want to accomplish each day that helps us create that new care plan? When we feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenge, we can focus on what step we can take right now to help move us forward.
Our resources. Who and what can help us?
Our support. What do we need when we have frustrating days full of doubt and worry?
Resources
You can use these websites to search for help:
Pause in Services
Medicare providers will let you know when home health, short-term rehab stays, palliative care and hospice care benefits will end because your caree no longer meets qualifying criteria. Remember: This is a pause in services. Ask the provider for indications when your caree may qualify again so you can reach out for a doctor's order for services. For instance, a decline, another diagnosis or a wound may mean a caree can qualify again to receive services.
We include training on how to support family caregivers when benefits end in our Certified Caregiving Systems Navigator training.
Medicare Appeals
When Medicare benefits end, you can file an appeal if you disagree with the decision.
Waits
When you wait for news, you can feel stuck in stress. Our Soul Break from Waiting can help.
What suggestions would you add? How did you manage when a benefit ended?