“To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly.” —Henri Bergson
Life happens fast; and sometimes we face an unexpected change in our health that requires us to make changes in other parts of our life. While you can never predict the future, there are things you can do in the present to make sure you are as prepared as you can be to navigate a change in your health and your lifestyle.
Below you will find our helpful guide to navigating one of the most inevitable parts of life: change!
1: Understand Your Health Insurance
Take the time to understand your health insurance policy, including benefits, coverage limits, co-pays, deductibles, and any recent updates or changes in coverage. Knowing this information can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare and help you plan your finances better. It can also help you understand what changes you might need to make in your coverage during periods when you are allowed to do so. If you are employed, be sure you understand what other benefits might be available to you through your employer, like short-term disability, FMLA, or CO FAMLI. Below are some helpful places to look if you have Medicare or Medicaid. If you have private insurance, refer to your member handbook or call the member services number on your insurance card for more information.
Nationwide | Colorado | |
Medicare Resources | 1-800-MEDICARE or www.medicare.gov Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Organization: 877-839-2675 or https://www.shiphelp.org/ | Colorado Gerontological Society:
303-333-3482 or https://www.senioranswers.org/
Benefits in Action: 720-221-8354 or https://www.benefitsinaction.org |
Medicaid Resources | Find your county Human Services Department | Health First Colorado: 1-800-250-7741 or https://www.healthfirstcolorado.com/benefits-services/ Benefits in Action: 720-221-8354 or https://www.benefitsinaction.org |
2: Complete Your Advanced Directives
Sometimes life can put us in positions where we aren’t able to make our own healthcare decisions. It’s important to think about how you’d like those decisions made if you aren’t able to speak for yourself. There are many different documents you can complete to formalize your wishes; and you can go into as much or as little detail as you’d like about them. Consider assigning someone as your Medical Power of Attorney (MDPOA) who can help make decisions if you're not able to do so.
This might be stressful to think about, but it can give you peace of mind knowing your loved ones know your wishes and that your wishes will be honored! While you can complete these documents on your own, if you need help, consider speaking to a social worker at your medical home or speaking to a lawyer for more complex documents.
Resources for Advanced Care Planning Nationwide: Advance Care Planning: Advance Directives for Health Care | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)
Resources for Advanced Care Planning in CO:
Advance care planning for patients and families | Department of Public Health & Environment (colorado.gov)
3: Network and Seek Support
Whether you already have a chronic health condition or you have a new diagnosis, consider joining support groups of others with a similar diagnosis. This can get you access to valuable information and help you build relationships with those who are facing similar challenges. In your personal life, consider who you’d want to help you if you have a healthcare need or emergency. Talk to your loved ones about this. It can be a scary conversation to have, but embracing your community and knowing support is available can help you navigate healthcare changes more smoothly and confidently.
4: Advocate For Yourself
As a patient, advocating for yourself is crucial in navigating healthcare changes effectively. Be proactive by scheduling regular checkups to discuss your healthcare needs, ask questions about treatment options, and express any concerns or preferences you have regarding your care. Open communication with your healthcare team can help you adapt to changes in your health and access appropriate care promptly.
Do you have a health condition that might progress and require that you have more support at home? Will you need to go to regular doctor’s appointments or get regular labs drawn?
Understanding this can help you plan for what you’ll need to be safe and comfortable. Ask plenty of questions to your healthcare providers so that you know what to expect! If you need help, consider bringing a trusted friend, family member, or case manager with you to help you communicate with healthcare providers. Keep a notebook handy to write down anything important.
4: Embrace Telehealth and Digital Health Tools
Telehealth and digital health tools have become increasingly important in modern healthcare delivery. Familiarize yourself with telehealth options offered by your healthcare provider, including virtual appointments, remote monitoring devices, and mobile health apps. These tools can enhance convenience, accessibility, and continuity of care, especially during times of healthcare changes or disruptions.
Need help? Consider looking at your local library for tech education classes. AARP also offers virtual and in-person classes through their Senior Planet program: Online Classes for Seniors - Senior Planet from AARP. Or check out www.grandpad.net for info on a senior-friendly communication device.
5: Plan for Healthcare Emergencies
Unexpected healthcare emergencies can occur at any time. Prepare for such situations by knowing where the nearest urgent care facilities and emergency rooms are located. Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your healthcare providers and insurance company’s customer service number, readily available. Consider keeping your advanced directives by your front door. Consider creating a healthcare emergency fund to cover unexpected healthcare expenses.
6: Ask for Help
At New Phase Navigation, we understand that everyone needs help sometimes, especially when it comes to something as complex and confusing as healthcare. Remember, it is okay to ask for support! Reach out to friends, family, and advocate, or a case manager to help you navigate your healthcare journey.
Not sure where to start? We are here to help with any challenging healthcare changes you are experiencing and are only a call away! Do you have questions about advanced care planning, help in your home, accessing the right healthcare, or anything else related to your healthcare change? Consider scheduling a consultation for you or your loved one by calling us at 720-734-8946 or visiting newphasenavigation.com. New Phase Navigation is here for you!
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