Healthcare provision to the aged people forms one of the most important aspects that dictate the ability of the latter group to effectively carry out their task and continue living healthy lives. Its provision therefore requires careful consideration of their health status, inabilities and planning as well as provision of adequate resources to support the whole system. Due to the emergence of constraints arising from the high cost of providing the services and care to this group, it is critical for healthcare to be viewed as a necessity.
Though the concept of healthcare as a necessity to the aged has emerged to be highly contentious, some medical specialists indicate that it is the only way out in guaranteeing high quality healthcare provision. This paper is a commentary review on plaintiff life care plan to Attorney Martin on the need for adequate resources to support a 72 year old plaintiff.
From the letter to the attorney, the case which is exploring the burden of taking care of the plaintiff stands out quite strongly. The fact that she has to take care of hiring individuals to perform duties on her behalf since she is blind and deaf is indeed strenuous, tough and demanding.
It is critical to note that there are many factors in a community that determine health and well being of the aged as reflected by the tone of the letter. As such, circumstances and environmental factors such as place of residence, income, inabilities, relationships with family and friends, and the state of the environment determines their health status to a large extent
Some of the issues that the plaintiff is facing and that needs to be addressed include factors which are triggered by both social and economic factors he/she is living in.
The factors are mostly social determinants as reflected by economic status which determines whether she will be able to cater for the cost of $20 per hour for the many hours she will need the services in a day. This can be estimated to about $47,320 or more per year alongside buying other materials like reading machines, listening devices and replacement of grab bars and rails.
In my view, the elderly plaintiff requires legal assistance to remain safe, healthy and independent as long as it is possible, but to also curb issues on age discrimination, neglect, protective services, utilities, housing, nutrition, long-term care and income security. While the plaintiff reserves the right to choices concerning his/her healthcare, the situation of the case is indeed one where the plaintiff’s conditions render him/her unable to perform certain tasks.
There is need for the plaintiff to be covered by disability insurance policies or be provided by long term insurance plans or financial assistance under the federal medical assistance programs. According to Kapp (2008), the elderly with certain disabilities require hospitalization. This is because it is a viable option and limits the level of spending on home care.
Besides, the plaintiff can be supported by Medicaid which offers financial assistance for home care and nursing services for the aged. However, this may come with prohibitive asset and income limit as well as stringent eligibility requirements. Besides, the plaintiff can also seek long term care insurance which is also a viable option for covering his/her homecare expenses in the short or long term period of time.
Reference
Kapp, M. (2008). Regulating payment for home care companionship services: Legal authority and public policy. Care Management Journals, 9(3), 122-127.