After a serious illness diagnosis, you might have no idea what the next step is. Figuring out your way forward means learning what you can and even downloading free power of attorney forms. Here are the key steps when facing long-term illnesses.
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Doing More Research
Whatever the illness, learn everything you can about it. Search for other symptoms as well as the full range of treatment options. Make sure you have a thorough conversation about your illness with your doctor. You might already want a second opinion on what to do next.
If this is the case, feel free to consult other professionals in the meantime. You’ll need as much information as possible to make the decisions ahead. For example, are there any experimental treatments you could volunteer for? Or any alternative approaches your doctor rejected?
Long-term illnesses are never easy to think about, especially right after the diagnosis. However, the more you learn about it, the better equipped you’ll be to face it. Understanding the illness will help you take charge of your own treatment.
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Building a Treatment Plan
Your doctor and other healthcare professionals will work with you to build a treatment plan. It is paramount that you involve yourself with this at every stage. You need to know what the plan is, including your treatment schedule, and which medications you’ll take.
It’s possible your meds will come under your health insurance. If not, however, it’s worth looking at other plans. You might be able to find better, or even cheaper, coverage. When appointments roll around, always attend, and don’t skip a single dose of your medication.
This stage will also involve thinking about your own lifestyle. Could your current diet be making the illness worse? The doctor may recommend you do some low-level exercise to keep yourself healthy. In any case, make sure you have a say in everything about your treatment.
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Preparing Your Finances
Even if you have years of savings and good insurance, healthcare comes at a massive cost. It’s important you start saving as soon as you get your diagnosis if you aren’t already. Aim for three months of expenses at a minimum.
Your illness might put you out of work right away. This means that every cent counts. If you don’t have money for treatment, look into Medicare or Medicaid. Even if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria, you could use a special annuity to change this.
A Medicaid-compliant annuity locks down your assets. It then slowly returns them to you. This is known as “spending down” and lets you access low-cost healthcare. While you might manage to afford treatment in theory, the full price could nearly bankrupt you.
Look into every possible social security option. If you won’t be working, this could be enough to access short-term financial aid. Above all else, you need to make sure you can afford treatment.
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Creating a Power of Attorney
A power of attorney form could help you in case the illness incapacitates you. These documents give someone close to you the right to make decisions on your behalf. You can also outline your wishes regarding healthcare or finances in the document itself.
Appointing an “agent” lets them make transactions for you or even choose which treatment you receive. Make sure you pick someone you trust with this. They’ll need to be able to make tough decisions.
You can get a power of attorney template online. This already comes with relevant state-specific information, such as if you’ll need a notary’s services. These professionals authenticate serious documents, ensuring they stay valid even when under scrutiny.
A serious illness could take you in any direction — even a coma. This means you need peace of mind that someone else has your best interests at heart. With a power of attorney arrangement, you’ll always have full control over your situation.
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Looking After Yourself
A diagnosis is always stressful. You need to build up a strong support network that helps you at every turn. This goes beyond fighting for your treatment preferences. Ultimately, you’ll need your friends and family by your side.
Do what you can to keep everything as “normal” as possible. This means still taking part in your usual hobbies and making sure your social life doesn’t suffer. Something as simple as seeing a loved one could be the boost you need.
If the illness affects your ability to get around the house, modify it. This might feel like the illness is “winning,” but that couldn’t be further from the truth. For example, you should install a railing if you’re struggling to climb stairs.
Conclusion
Long-term illness can change your whole life in an instant. So long as you take it one step at a time, you’ll find your way forward. Working out your power of attorney and health insurance plans could make a world of difference.