What is Medicare? Medicare is a government program that is available to all persons 65 years of age or older or to people who have met the criteria to receive it younger.

What does Medicare pay for?  Medicare Part A covers 100% of all medical expenses for the first 20 days. On the 21st day Medicare switches to Part B and will pay 80% with the other 20% to be paid by private insurance, Medicaid ( if eligible), or self pay if there is no Medicaid or supplemental insurance.

My doctor said I could stay 100 days. How long can I stay?  Medicare will only allow the patient to stay as many days as the patient can demonstrate progress for REHAB/Nursing to skill or until the patient is at the max functional medical level to return home or be transferred to another facility. Medicare allows a total benefit of 100 days. If a patient uses up the total 100 days, the pt/responsible party will be responsible for 100% of all care.  To be eligible for more days, the patient will have to be out of the hospital for 60 well days.

 

What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps people achieve independence in all areas of their lives. Occupational therapy gives people the “skills for the job of living” they need to lead satisfying lives, according to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

What is a physical therapist?
Physical therapists are health care professionals with special expertise in the science of movement. They use this knowledge to provide:

• Education and preventive interventions to help people avoid injury and lead to healthier living.

• Therapeutic interventions including exercise to help people function to the best of their ability.

Physical therapists also play an important role in developing health policy and managing the physical therapy services provided to patients and clients.

What is a speech pathologist?
A speech pathologist is a health care professional educated and trained to evaluate and treat people with speech, language and swallowing problems. Speech pathologists hold either a master's or doctorate degree and have earned a certification of clinical competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

What is a Financial Power of Attorney?

• A "financial power of attorney" allows another person to control finances and other assets of the person who signed the power of attorney as principal. To be more specific, the powers generally given under a financial power of attorney are as follows:

  1. To buy and sell all property (including real estate) owned in whole or part by the principal;

  2. To use all credit cards issued in the name of the principal;

  3. To withdraw from, deposit to, open, and close all bank, savings, and brokerage accounts owned by the principal;

  4. To operate any business venture owned by the principal;

  5. To direct the investment of all of principal's assets;

  6. To enter into contracts on the principal's behalf;

  7. To borrow money on the principal's behalf;

  8. To make contributions and withdrawals from all of principal's retirement accounts and including IRAs and 401(k)s; and

  9. To make all tax elections to which the principal is entitled.

The main purpose for executing a financial power of attorney is set up a way to legally transfer and manage your assets should you become physically or mentally unable to do so on your own (also called a "durable power of attorney"). This becomes especially critical in situations where an individual is unmarried. Having this document in place could avoid the necessity of your family members going to court to get a conservator appointed over your assets in the case of physical or mental incapacity. Conservatorship are costly and take time for the courts to grant. This form may also be used for a temporary granting of financial powers to an agent. An example of such a situation would be one where the principal plans to be away on vacation but must close a financial transaction (such a real estate transfer) while he is away. If you found yourself in such a situation, then our form would allow you to grant temporary financial powers to an agent only for the duration of your vacation.

Can I restrict my attorney-in-fact from exercising any of the powers listed above? Yes. You have the right to specifically deny your attorney-in-fact the power to do an act such as: "my attorney-in-fact shall not have the power to sell my vacation home Florida.

What are the differences between a "financial power of attorney" and a "medical power of attorney" (also known as a "living will")? An "attorney-in-fact" under a financial power of attorney does not possess the power to make health care decisions. Some forms attempt to combine the financial and health care functions into one form. We think this is confusing and could potentially cause problems under the laws of some states; therefore, we keep the forms separate. However, there is no prohibition against having the same individual serve as "agent" under a health care directive and, also, as your "attorney-in-fact" under a financial power of attorney.

Where can I find a copy of the Advanced Directives? 

Click for the Advanced Directives forms.

Can I receive material/literature for the blind/handicapped? YES! The Sunflower County Library System encourages patients to utilize their book borrowing service. The Sunflower County Library has an online catalog available to pick your selection and will deliver the books to you.

Do I have to have a Sunflower County Library card? Yes, but the first one is free.