ICYMI: Managing the Cost of Health Care at Any Age

by | Nov 15, 2017 | accidents, Blog, car accident, Connect Care, finances, home nursing, Medical Alert, Work-Fit Total Therapy | 0 comments

Cost of home care at any age

We don’t like to spend a lot of time talking about subjects that make others uncomfortable in social situations, especially money, but it’s important to start the conversation! All of us need to pay attention to how we spend our money, regardless of age.

Asking for help is difficult for a lot of us, especially if we’re used to being independent. If you’re confined to your home because of mobility issues or you have a chronic illness like ALS, going out for groceries isn’t a simple chore. If you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident or have had knee surgery, you may be unable to do a lot of things on your own while you recover.

We may have to consider the cost of using public transit safely, or taxi services. We may also need help physically, moving from our homes to a vehicle.

The cost of health care

In general, Canadians have the benefit of social programs to help us through tough times and to provide medical care. However, if you need services that aren’t covered by your provincial health care insurance, or you’d like to add services that are specific to your circumstances, you may need to look at private health care options. For example, if you are at risk for falls because you had hip or knee surgery, you may consider subscribing to Connect Care Medical Alert.

While some people hold the opinion that there is no such thing as a fixed income problem specifically for seniors, they do have a different set of worries, especially if one doesn’t have a strong family support system available to them. It’s understandable that money can be a problem if you don’t plan for the unexpected health care costs.

You may need:

  • prescription medication that isn’t covered by OHIP
  • dental work so you can eat or treat gum disease
  • physiotherapy to help you maintain mobility
  • prescription eyewear
  • home care on a temporary or permanent basis and the province only provides a limited number of hours (Ontario improved on this recently)

Tips to help you manage your costs

All of us have unique circumstances, but a general approach to maintaining good financial health involves a few common-sense behaviours:

  • Keep track of what you spend on utilities, groceries, insurance and extras.
  • It’s important to have a good relationship with your bank manager. Try to meet with them regularly to go over your goals and needs.
  • Ask your doctor and physiotherapist what you can do at home on your own to help your mobility. Safe exercises may be available to you, and you may be able to spread out your physio appointments.
  • Research insurance policies and make sure you’re getting value for your premiums.

How can Milestone Health Services  Halton help?

Home care in Halton is accessible and we can work with you to customize a health care plan that you and your family can afford. You can choose the services that you need, and our qualified nurses and caregivers will deliver the highest standard of care available for reasonable cost. Our Client Care Managers can help you understand the benefits for which you qualify, and how you can maximize your private insurance benefits.

When we hire caregivers for Milestone Health Services  Halton, we ensure they’re qualified and pass all security checks. We want you and your family to feel safe. It would be an honour to serve you and help you find a caregiver who matches your needs.

We provide home care services in the following areas: Halton, including Georgetown, Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Mississauga North. If you would like to discuss your individual needs (whether or not you’re a senior) contact Milestone Health Services  Halton for a complimentary in-home consultation at 1-888-509-9394 or 905-864-9020. You can also use our online contact form or our live chat option.