For those navigating the caregiving journey, finding the right answers can be challenging…at times we may not even be sure what questions we should be asking. To untangle the confusion, we have compiled this informative checklist outlining the types of services that you may need, and the types of professionals who can help. You can go now to the Answers 4 Care website, and ask for any of these services and more and we’ll get back to you with service providers.
Coming soon (December 13th – fingers crossed) is the full Answers 4 Care’s one-stop shop to link elder care specialists with those in need of direction and assistance.
Category: Financial Services
| You Need… | Ask For… |
| Someone who can help organize and pay bills | A daily money manager |
| Help understanding how to save so that I have enough for retirement, potential long term care needs, to create generational wealth, or have the financial life I want | A financial advisor |
| To know the options for selling my home or buying a new home | A real estate agent who specializes in working with older adults |
| To sell a home “as is” | A home buying real estate agency |
| To pre-plan or emergency plan for my or a loved one’s final resting place | An expert who specializes in funeral pre-planning |
| To figure out when, how, and why to apply for Medicare and which Medicare program will work best for you | A Medicare specialist |
| The right financial help or advocate for your care | A Patient Advocacy/Care Coordination specialist |
Category: Legal Services
| You Need… | Ask For… |
| Help qualifying for Medicaid for long-term care in a nursing home | An elder care attorney or patient advocate |
| Help understanding, qualifying and applying for Medicaid for care in the home (NY) | A Community Medicaid expert |
| Help buying or selling a home | A real estate attorney |
| To know all the legal options for older adults such as guardianships, trusts, litigation, probate, wills, living wills, power of attorney | An elder law attorney or an attorney who specializes in trusts and estates |
| To plan for a person with special needs | A Special Needs attorney |
| Help with coordinating and advocating assistance with an attorney | A Patient Advocacy and Care Coordination expert |
Category: In-Home Services
| You Need… | Ask For… |
| More caregiving in the home for a parent or loved one | Homecare agencies, companion care agencies, or home health care agencies |
| Assistance using a tablet, smart phone, other software, and/or help managing digital information such as passwords for financial accounts, insurance, medical portals, social accounts, contacts etc. | Technical support specialist |
| Help making a loved ones’ home more efficient and comfortable, downsizing or moving to a new home | An organization specialist, move manager or decluttering specialist |
| Transportation to doctor’s appointments, fun outings, or family events | Transportation company |
| Options and help for calling somewhere else home | Senior living community/ assisted living placement expert |
| Services received at home that may be covered by Medicare | A home health care agency |
| Meals delivered | Patient advocate/Care Coordinator |
| Navigating and advocating for in-home care | Patient Advocate/Care Coordinator |
| Medical devices at home | Durable medical equipment provider |
Category: Healthcare Services
| You Need… | Ask For |
| Mental health therapy | Mental/ Behavioral health specialist |
| Help moving around | Physical therapy/occupational therapy/speech therapy |
| Pharmacies that deliver | Specialized pharmacy |
| Dementia Care for patient/loved ones | Dementia Care Speclialists |
| To find care and advocate for care | Patient advocacy/Care coordination |
Category: Navigation and Support
| You Need… | Ask For |
| Help with a discharge plan
|
Patient advocate/care coordinator, geriatric care manager |
| Help with understanding medical bills and advocacy
|
Patient advocate/care coordinator |
| Help with understanding the types of care and services available and the different ways to access that care | Patient advocate/care coordinator, Geriatric care Manager |
| Someone to fill in as an adult child to a loved one on Long Island when there are no family members living nearby | Geriatric care manager |
| Discussing plans for end-of-life care | Patient Advocate/Care Coordinator or End of Life Doula |
| Any other questions or concerns | Patient advocate/Care Coordinator |