We all know that health care is getting incredibly expensive for patients and providers alike.

Many variables contribute to the situation this country now finds itself in with regards to finding cost effective solutions to providing health care services to the ever-increasing population over the age of 60 as well as individuals and families who are un-insured and under-insured.

The Baby Boomers are rapidly becoming the largest sector of the U.S. population, and the numbers continue to rise. Increased financial burdens are being placed upon extended care facilities, assisted living facilities and senior living facilities.

Senior living facilities/communities are wonderful places…if you can afford them. They are extremely expensive for those on fixed incomes. Assisted living facilities are also extremely expensive to operate and rely heavily on state financial assistance such as Medicaid.

In order for individuals to qualify for assisted living, it is usually required that they relinquish all pension income to offset expenses, and are given a $40-$50 per month “stipend” for “essentials.” I don’t know about you, but very few essentials can be had for $40 a month. It is difficult for people to grasp that, after a life of hard work and productivity; they are reduced to a $40 per month income. Granted they need for nothing else, but it is a significant change nonetheless.

Many people wish to stay in their homes as long as they can. Perhaps they own their homes and feel more secure and comfortable in their own surroundings, but age and health issues are starting to call safety into question. Falling becomes a risk; understanding medications and knowing how to properly take them are also growing concerns.

Many people live in older neighborhoods, so personal safety and property protection are issues to be dealt with.

Those who live alone face socialization, transportation and home maintenance dilemmas as well. Many elderly individuals have family members who don’t live close enough to visit on a daily basis. Many are unaware of the many community services that are available, if only someone would educate them (or their family members) regarding them.

So, it can take a lot of coordinated action to keep a loved one in his/her own dwelling as they age. There certainly are cost advantages with this concept.

Everything is expensive these days. So, how do you spend your health care dollars effectively and efficiently? Compass Care Management LLC; an Oregon, Ohio-based firm has made these issues part of their overall mission statement. They have developed the “Safe-at-Home” Solutions Program which combines state-of-the-art video surveillance, home security and safety, an advanced Medication Management Program and the “Patient Whiz” (a breakthrough piece of technology that adds security and portability to one’s personal health record) which collectively incorporates “high-tech” and “high-touch” service elements. It is a “one-stop” program that can address all the above issues, including transportation, home maintenance, food/grocery and socialization issues, as well as many others. According to Melinda Ciesielczyk, chief operating officer for Compass Care Management LLC, “Our Safe-at-Home Solutions Program address those issues and needs which can allow more individuals or couples to remain in their homes for a much longer period of time.”

She adds; “We have taken an all-encompassing approach to providing services that are comprehensive yet individualized and cost effective, given the economic climate today and the ever-increasing cost of institutional living.

“The program can be tailor-made to specific circumstances and meet specific needs. It is indeed a cost effective alternative to more expensive living arrangements and can give families peace of mind that their loved ones are “safe at home.”

To learn more about Compass Care Management LLC’s “Safe-at-Home” Solutions Program, call 419-469-8909, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

**********
Chisholm’s expertise in nursing, orthopedics and surgery spans more than 30 years. For more information on orthopedic-related topics, visit www.bone-and-joint-pain.com. Submit questions or comments to Ken at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed