Thinking about the possibility of needing supportive care in the future isn’t likely to be at the top of anyone’s list of things that are enjoyable. But now, perhaps more than ever before, it’s imperative to go beyond thinking about it. It’s important to also have a secure, trusted plan in place—especially during challenging times.
Jennifer Egizi, Senior Director of Home and Community Based Services for Willow Valley Communities, understands how difficult it may be to imagine the eventuality of life’s unknowns. She understands the apprehension. At the same time, she wants seniors to understand how having a secure, trusted plan for the future can offer peace of mind, as well as protect their family and their hard-earned assets.
When Jennifer talks to prospective SmartLife Members, she explains how SmartLife VIA Willow Valley is that kind of plan. It is an innovative, membership-based, true Life Plan at home program. SmartLife Members enjoy their current lifestyle at home with the security of knowing continuing care can be arranged if ever needed. The SmartLife membership includes Lifecare, which means that assets are protected because monthly fees are not increased because of a need for an increased level of care. Members have the peace of mind of knowing they are covered if their healthcare needs change.
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But while Jennifer can certainly explain the facts about SmartLife VIA Willow Valley, she believes one of the best ways to understand the way the plan works is through Members’ experiences. Here is one SmartLife Member’s story and how SmartLife’s care component provided much-needed assistance during an unexpected medical event.
- On January 4, a SmartLife Member experienced concerning symptoms. The Member made one simple telephone call to SmartLife; automatically, a seamless flow of care processes and professionals was put into motion.
- The SmartLife Care Coordinator immediately arranged for home caregivers to assist the Member.
- The Member’s symptoms escalated quickly over the next three days; subsequently, the Member was temporarily admitted to the hospital on January 7. Three weeks later, on January 28, the Member was discharged. However, thanks to SmartLife, instead of having to return home to recover alone, the Member was admitted to skilled nursing care at a local continuing-care retirement community for continued care.
- On February 5, after just nine days in skilled care the Member’s health insurance ended coverage, but the Member was not fully recovered. Instead of having to pay out of pocket for care that was still needed, the Member’s SmartLife’s benefit commenced and the daily cost of skilled care was covered by the program.
- On March 9, the Member was discharged from skilled care to their home. But, as their recovery continued, they still required care. The SmartLife coverage continued. The Care Coordinator again arranged for in-home supportive care, meals, as well as help with errands and light housework. The Member requested assistance first for 3 hours a day, 7 days a week, and then, by April, the Member felt that their care could be decreased to four days a week. By the end of April, the Member felt well enough to choose to decrease their care again to seven hours a week, then soon recovered fully.
Without SmartLife, this Member’s scenario would likely have been very different. They would have had to arrange for all their care themselves, and after their insurance coverage ended, pay the daily rate for care services out of their own pocket.
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SmartLife VIA Willow Valley Members have the peace of mind of knowing that one simple telephone call to SmartLife takes care of everything. SmartLife arranges all needed services: skilled care, therapy, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands, and even pet or plant sitting. SmartLife Members don’t have to navigate the myriad of red tape that is so often involved with arranging for enhanced care or assistance. And, importantly, SmartLife Members’ families and loved ones also don’t have to take on this burden.
SmartLife VIA Willow Valley is a true Life Plan at Home program so Members know exactly how much any enhanced care needed will cost in the future. There are no surprise costly daily fees for skilled care—fees that can quickly wipe out a family’s assets. SmartLife offers peace of mind for everyone so that the focus can stay on the Member and him or her getting better—even through a devastating illness.
