Helping your Older Loved Ones Navigate the Health Care Maze

By Lisa Cook Bayer

Lisa Cook Bayer, J.D., is President of Life Management Resources, LLC, a private elder care advocacy firm located in northern New Jersey.

Doctor’s appointments can be anxiety-producing for everyone, particularly older adults who may suffer from multiple chronic health conditions, decreased mobility, memory-loss, and depression. Your senior loved ones might benefit greatly from having someone other than themselves make appointments, coordinate doctors' visits, arrange for rides to and from the office or testing center, assist with insurance concerns, and relay information to and between physicians, residential facilities, paid caregivers and other family members.

Such health care advocacy can be provided by family members and trusted friends. However, these individuals often have their own care giving concerns, work, family and even their own health issues that prevent them from being there, both physically and emotionally, each time they are needed. In this case the family may decide to hire a professional to assist with these important tasks.

Assisting older adults with navigating the health care “maze” helps reduce barriers to a timely diagnosis while assuring proper treatment of acute and chronic health conditions.

Written by Lisa Bayer, President, Life Management Resources LLC
www.LMReldercare.com
LBayer@LMReldercare.com

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