Tricky Topics but even trickier if not discussed. Plan with Support to Get Through Transitions (short-term or longer..or the final stages of life..) A letter to friends in the care fields and now you folks too

What would a step-be-step integrated questionnaire and flow chart of resources to check (with time table) look like..and a running tab for how much time and what costs may be associated with basics like temporary housing (month to month vs a lease if possible), food, transportation, supplies, support people to assist with moves and transitions (even short term recovery stays or visits to family etc.)

Seeing everything written down and having checklists for 'things that may apply to one's situation' and then get more particular info would be helpful. I heard of terms online for Elder Care Resource Planning Overview Life Resource Planners (some of whom work with Elder Law Attorneys though those roles likely need to be clearly delineated.)

The whole realm of Medicare Part A, B and supplemental and other programs to assist someone with care who is over age 65 or low income (or almost) would be helpful too. Medicaid Specialists can be costly but their roles are important to know about as well. Has someone worked something like this out for Doulagivers or other resources we can access readily?

Short term needs whether for weeks or months would be good to recognize. In addition to personal and health needs, a social network, community funds and resources (from Town or Agency Social Workers and Programs to help people such as Chore Service in the Sharon CT area which serves many towns with subsidized help, home care and adult day care) are all helpful.

If someone has mobility or other health issues, then it seems another set of resources such as funds to cover caregivers (or people willing to work on credit against when a home is sold or a loan is achieved from family, a bank or gifts such as through a gofundme or other fundraiser (sale of some assets etc) would be useful. Maybe people could be screened and 'at the ready' with another group of people (an agency or faith group or other reasonable source) approving of funds.

Like a prepaid funeral (which seems to be a legitimate Medicaid spend down cost) perhaps a 'transitional fund' could be established and funded by a person earlier in life. I realize that's what people may save for but perhaps more advocacy for a serious push to get people to 'plan for the unexpected' would make sense. It seems a cash flow problem can be the main reason people land in a nursing home before their time. If they don't have people to 'work for free' or care for them without being compensated, they can be forced to go where society has designated even if at a higher cost.

Having to face the high costs or fees for rent etc in a sudden manner can also be daunting. Some elders may be trusting others who are not clear on the options or the responsibility to make sure the elders agree or obtain a conservatorship so they can make decisions. It seems anyone with that responsibility would want to check with some standard online information (and follow through with legal guidance, again if there are funds to do so.)

Thanks for letting me share these 'real life' moments and concerns in hopes that we can plan more effectively on all fronts. Going over the details of one's health wishes..or wanting to allow a natural death if that seems imminent or as a reasonable option to being more incapacitated after a stroke or heart attack etc may be helpful to go over when 'on the flow chart' with some contact info.

Then the idea of 'getting a DNR' (Do Not Resuscitate Order from their doctor and make sure it is updated and readily posted on the fridge for instance or in a clearly marked folder near the person or in the kitchen, etc) so everyone caring for that person would be more clear and versed on 'what to actually do' if something happened would also be reasonable to pursue.

Being uncertain is not a great strategy but likely is more common than not. Thanks for fine-tuning these ideas and helping 'fill in the blanks' for the priorities and checklists (medications, who is administering them and charting meds, meals, care plans, etc in a book, keeping personal info private to avoid any identity theft or stealing, etc --even keeping meds locked up if any concerns about others having access who are in the home or caregivers etc.

Then there are basics like commodes, bedpans, urinals, pads, wipes, lotion (to try on one arm before using more widely if there's a reaction or discomfort from feeling it clogs the pores,is too greasy etc.)You get the picture..

 On more of the overview note, if a  person is running a business or receiving income from sales, rents or other streams (even steady gifts from family or friends) these resources need to be considered. If someone owns their home, there may be benefits to explore to renting out rooms or making an accessory apartment (such as described on the Housing US initiative from Berkshire Taconic Foundation in MA which serves the tri-corner MA/NY CT area and would be a good model for other communities as is The Chore Service.

Having people who have some permaculture training could see new opportunities for meeting various inputs and outputs, pooling resources or bartering, making work teams and parties, helping people learn skills, design systems to address needs (both human and energy conservation.) Having enough time to explore relocation possibilities (and the need to changing states or programs in a smooth manner) could likely take a few months if not longer. Keeping the person's age and health in mind and making decisions as simply and gently over time as possible likely is good medicine.

Dealing with reality is not the easiest thing for someone who is facing many changes to do, so having a team who has thought matters through and can share them a little at time with someone in writing and in short conversations may be most effective. Timing talks when the person has energy and is not worried about other 'small matters' such as paying bills or credit cards (another whole issue to consider since bankruptcy laws have changed over the years and if one owns a house there may not be way to discharge the debt readily. Credit card repayment companies (some of which may be non-profit) may be a helpful option to reduce interest and even make the payments.

Possibly settlement amounts could reduce the amount further if the funds can be found to do that. All of these matters need to be considered carefully and likely with the help of legal professionals to make sure one has the right to guide or make choices for one in need and has clarified the terms of being involved in a legal manner. This post is not intended as any legal, medical or other advice but rather as a prompt to help people explore questions and resources. Ideally each state would have a clear listing of resources with other funds and resource people to help someone craft their next steps with care and support. That's an ideal more can advocate for on local and regional and state levels. Thanks for doing your part..and getting more clear about your own options in a timely manner. I'll aim to do the same and report back...