Careers In Life Care

We cannot predict catastrophic accidents that result in physical trauma or serious injury. Usually, a terminal illness is not a condition that can be foreseen either. Such events are terrible and unfortunate, but they do occur. The shock and suddenness of such a tragedy often leaves a victim and a victim's loved ones emotionally drained and unequipped to begin planning for the aftermath of such an occurrence.

Even after the initial shock gives way to acceptance and recuperation, many legal and insurance concerns may surface. The health care industry has adapted to this need and now offers services to assist such victims. It is important that a patient receives the best in planning for the financial, health, and lifestyle adjustments of treatment and recovery. Life care planners use their skills to reduce the stress of these difficult transitions.

A life care plan projects the future costs of medical goods and services by identifying the needs and requirements of a catastrophically injured or ill patient. A life care planner relies on recommendations and information provided by a patient's physician concerning the medical equipment, services, and treatment necessary for a patient to work towards good health and independence. A life care planner also takes the effects of aging and impairment into consideration as well as the patient's personal support system.

Patients can use life care plans to prevent further complications and disability. Whenever possible, a life care planner interviews a patient. They supplement the conversation with other research regarding the patient's past medical, social, educational, and family history.

The life care planner presents this information in the form of a written document that educates others to meet a patient's future needs. Depending on the circumstances, a career assessment may determine the loss of earning capacity and vocational rehabilitation needs.

Life care planners play an important role in settling lawsuits between patients and negligent employers, drivers, or hospitals. Malpractice attorneys and trial lawyers hire life care planners to accurately project the financial costs of adequate rehabilitation following an accident. Lawyers use those projections to reach settlements with insurance providers. As a result, the courts can guarantee that an accident victim will receive proper medical attention throughout their recovery period. In cases of permanent disability, life care planners can help assure a high quality of life for their patients for the duration of their lives.

The Commission on Health Care Certification has confirmed four important underlying values statements. The following values reflect the standard of practice and professionalism demanded of all life care planners.