BY RONALD R. KEARNS, RN, ESQ.
Case managers play a key role in helping patients navigate the complicated maze of the continuum of care from hospital, rehabilitation and then back home. Important legal considerations include having appropriate legal documents such as healthcare proxy, HIPAA authorization and a durable power of attorney; accessing Medicaid and other benefits to help pay for care at home or in a nursing home; protecting assets from potential long-term care costs; and avoiding probate. A referral to an elder law attorney is a valuable resource to help the patient break through any legal and financial barriers to access benefits and to get an appropriate estate plan in place.