Being Good Consumers of Healthcare

(Clinkscales Elder Law Practice, P.A., is unique in Kansas.  We are members of the Life Care Planning Law Firm Association—LCPLFA.org.  We an elder care law firm that guides clients on their journey while dealing with chronic illness or aging issues.  Our focus is not restricted to legal documents, but addresses financial, legal and health care concerns in concert with each other.  I thought I would share with you an article I am sending to our families, with maybe shining light on what we do regarding health care concerns.  

Randy)

All of you know that I “inherited” my grandmother (mamaw) when my mom passed away unexpectedly.  My mom not only lived with my grandmother, they were best friends.  Together they shopped, cooked, ate meals, watched television and visited.  When I tried to step into my mother’s shoes after her death, I learned she also tried to manage mamaw's health care. 

After my mom passed away, mamaw continued to live on her on in Fort Worth, Texas.  I arranged for different friends and distant relatives to take her to various doctor’s appointments—basically letting mamaw manage her own health care.

Eventually, I moved mamaw to Kansas, transitioning her medical care her.  I was really shocked at how much of it was a mess.  When she moved to Kansas, she was on 14 different medications prescribed by various doctors. I didn’t know what to do.  But the care coordinator from our office starting working with me, mamaw, the nurse at the assisted living facility, and mamaw’s new doctor.  With suggestions from our care coordinator here at Clinkscales Elder Practice, and approval from mamaw’s doctor, mamaw’s medications were reduced from 14 to 4.  Not only did her health improve, she felt better, ate better, and became much more social and engaged. 

Part of my mantra with our team is that we help people “find, get and pay for good care, without going broke”.  That is part of our overriding goal to be a guide for our clients on their journey, for the remainder of their life.  

It is especially important when it comes to health care.  It is not enough to “go to the doctor”.  It is important to ask the right questions, get them answered, and then act on those answers. You or someone on your behalf needs to advocate for you.  It is important to become good consumers of health care, that fits you and not someone else.  Don’t let the health industry put you in a little box.  

With my grandmother, health issues came up.  I consulted with our care coordinator. Occasionally the care coordinator would make suggestions of what questions I should ask the doctor; or give me an outline on what to expect from care.  

While mamaw was in assisted living, the care coordinator advised me on what I should expect in the way of care, giving me a more realistic view.  When issues came up with care, the care coordinator flagged them, and then worked with the facility to make improvements and accommodations.  Though we had some bumps in the road, I truly feel blessed by the care my grandmother received in assisted living.  I am forever grateful.