There are many elements that go into developing a comprehensive Life Care Plan. Each plan is unique to the patient, their injuries, potential complications and long term needs. The Life Care Plan doesn’t just identify your basic needs for survival, but considers quality of life and providing you with an environment that ensures the greatest recovery and wellbeing possible.

The Life Care Plan also considers the geographic region in which the patient lives, finding appropriate treatment within the local area, or recommending treatment in another area, and of course providing all transportation expenses for such evaluations and treatment. Here are some of the key categories Dr. Vigna assesses when overseeing your Life Care Plan

Comprehensive Therapies

Recovery is greatly aided by a variety of therapies, especially those which are community based after discharge from the hospital and rehabilitation. These include, recreational therapy, music therapy, occupational therapy, ongoing dietary evaluations and ongoing education as skills and interests mature over time.

The psychological effects of injury, and counseling needs of the trauma victim and their family is also included. How will changing family dynamics over the years affect caregiving requirements and the emotional toll this takes on everyone?

Technological Maintenance

Your Life Care plan will include the core assistive devices you may need such as a power wheelchair, modified vehicle, in-home transfer devices and a range of technological mechanisms that bring greater independence. All of these devices will have to be maintained, repaired, replaced or updated throughout the lifetime. With aging, new assistive devices may be needed which also needs to be included.

Home Maintenance

If going home is an option, the cost of modifying an existing residence is included, together with long term maintenance. Modifications of future residences should also be considered. If the home is not owned, the cost of securing a long-term residence that will align with individual requirements is calculated.

Medical Care and Complications

Many serious injuries are associated with a number of likely complications which may require hospitalization, surgery, and additional therapies. Recovery from these complications may necessitate personal attendant care or other therapies. Many injuries require around-the-clock care throughout the patient’s life, or maybe part time assistance in the early years, increasing as the patient ages. How the disability will affect the aging process and the needs later in life must be included in a Life Care Plan.

On-going Case Management will be necessary in most of these cases to ensure the recommendations in the Life Care Plan are implemented, thereby reducing complications in the future.Transport to and from medical appointments, medical supplies from catheters to cleansing wipes and gloves, and over the counter medications such as antacids and antibiotic ointment all need to be accounted for.

Vocational Training

How much will going back to school to learn a new skill, buying books, and setting up an accessible work space cost? An evaluation of skills, interests and available employment opportunities provides a foundation for provided training costs. A vocational expert report can be prepared that discusses reductions on one’s ability to earn money, and other vocational losses. Not only can a vocational report be prepared for an adult who has been injured, but a vocational report can be prepared for child cases with a careful review family education and work histories. There are only a limited number of job development options a person has after an injury that results in disability. A vocational report can be done to outline those options.
 
Just the Beginning: Contact Us

These are just a few of the elements a Life Care Plan has to take into consideration. Costs are extensive and hidden expenses can quickly drain the monetary award from a jury ruling or legal settlement. Dr. Vigna understands the nuances of long term care, and has seen the suffering patients go through if they do are not awarded adequate resources for long term needs. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and to discuss this vital service.