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Senior Times - June 2020
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Empowering Lives, Guiding Futures
Here to Help with life’s challenges
Guardian Finance and Advocacy Services (Guardian) has been a trusted service provider in Southwest Michigan since 1966.As a 501( c )3 nonprofit corporation, our professional and compassionate staff provides a complete network of public fiduciary services to improve the lives of more than 1,200 clients each year.
Our core business has historically been in the court-appointed services of guardian- ship and conservatorship, though we also serve as representative payee, by appoint- ment of the Social Security Administration, andVA fiduciary, by appointment of the Veterans Administration.
Money Management Trust Management VA Fiduciary Guardianship
We are seeking to grow our services for the general public.These include trust management, financial power of attorney agreements, and money management programs, preventive offerings that can help people remain independent, avoid financial crisis, and prevent the need for court intervention.
We are a social enterprise driven by our nonprofit mission, and simultaneously working to maintain our successful business. Our services are supported
by client fees that are necessary to cover service costs, and our fee schedule is adjusted to accommodate each client’s ability to pay.
• Financial Power of Attorney • Special Needs Trust
• Representative Payee
• Conservatorship
Visit our website for more information www.yourguardian.org
693 Capital Ave. SW, Unit #3 Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-963-3253
HEALTHY
Glin Winsor, Special to Senior Times ANNUAL WELLNESS VISIT
Most of us know that it’s important to see a doctor for an annual checkup. During your working years, that annual checkup typically means a full physi- cal. But once you become eligible for Medicare, you’ll likely start hearing about something called an annual well- ness visit.
Many people think an annual well- ness visit and a physical are one and the same. Although the two have some things in common, their overall purpose is different.
During a classic head-to-toe physi- cal, a health care professional evaluates your health history, performs a thorough physical examination, and determines
if you have any new or existing med- ical issues that need to be addressed.
An annual wellness visit, on the other hand, is primarily focused on preventive care, health screenings, and wellness planning. It gives you an opportunity to have a conversation with your doctor about your health status and goals and then create a long-term plan to help you meet those goals and maximize your well-being.
become too sick to speak for yourself, bring a copy of your completed forms to your appointment. If you haven’t made your choices yet, this is a good time to get your physician’s advice on your per- sonal advance care planning.
While Original Medicare doesn’t cover an annual physical, – though some Medicare Advantage plans
do – everyone enrolled in Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans are eligible for an annual well- ness visit for no copay.
A Medication Review – Keeping track of all the vitamins, herbal supple- ments, and prescription medications you take can be a daunting task, but your doctor will want to know about all of them. Getting a full rundown of all of your medications can help the doctor spot potential drug interactions that could be harmful to your health, and he or she will also want to ensure you have a complete understanding of each med- ication, what it’s for, and any potential side effects.
The misconception that the annual wellness visit is the same as a physical could be part of the reason why, so
few Medicare enrollees take advantage of the benefit – only about 16 percent
of beneficiaries enrolled in Original Medicare attended a wellness visit, according to the latest data. Below you’ll find an overview of what to expect from your annual wellness visit
– and hopefully the motivation to sched- ule one.
Stats and Screenings – The health care provider will generally first check your height, weight, and blood pressure. He or she will then likely ask you some questions, including how you have been feeling recently. These questions are designed to test your cognitive func- tion and screen you for depression. It’s important to answer them as honestly as possible and come to the appointment well-rested.
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Taking Stock of Your Medical History – During your annual wellness visit, your primary care professional will review your relevant medical his- tory, meaning they will ask you about any major illnesses you have had in the past, any surgeries you have undergone, your current medical conditions, and the medications you’re taking.
Creating a Wellness Plan – After completing all tests and assessments, your physician will be ready to assess your current health status and work with you to develop a plan to meet
your future health goals. That plan will address both how to help treat your cur- rent conditions and how to help prevent future health problems. If you have any risk factors for developing new condi- tions, your doctor will give you some options for managing those risks.
To facilitate this process, your doc- tor’s office may send you a form ahead of your appointment that includes a
list of questions about your health his- tory. Taking time to fill out this form
in advance of your appointment can help ensure your doctor has a thorough understanding of your health history and can also remind you of questions you might want to raise at the appointment.
You will be able to talk about other preventive care or screening tests you might need in the future. The doctor can help to set up a schedule for these services but may also discuss treatment options for any newly diagnosed con- ditions. It’s this portion of the annual wellness visit that many people find most helpful.
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If you don’t get a form before your visit, you should still be prepared to be as detailed as possible when describ- ing any past medical procedures and illnesses. Knowing specific diagnoses and dates will certainly help, but even providing a rough description of major medical events in your life may help your physician understand both your past and current medical issues.
Unlike a standard doctor appoint- ment, the bulk of an annual wellness visit is generally spent in conversa- tion, so your doctor may have more time than usual to listen to your con- cerns and answer your questions. Be equipped with a list of questions and don’t be shy.
The Bottom Line – When you are prepared, your annual wellness visit can be more than just a doctor’s appoint- ment. It is your opportunity to help take charge of your health and ensure you’re on the right path to living the life you want. So if you haven’t scheduled yours yet, use this as the push you need to get it on your calendar. It could be one of the most important conversations you have all year.
The Who’s Who of Your Health Care Team – Keeping you healthy can be a group effort, and the doctor you
see for your wellness visit will want
to know who’s part of your health care team. He or she may also want to work closely with other health care profes- sionals involved in your care. Therefore, you should be ready to give the person conducting your visit a list of your current health care providers, includ- ing their contact information and their field of specialty. If you have chosen a healthcare surrogate or a proxy who will speak on your behalf should you ever
269-963-7910 • 466 Main St. Battle Creek, MI simselectricinc@hotmail.com • www.simselectricinc.com License # Electrical – 6112007 • License # Mechanical – 7103902
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