What we have learned and helpful tips
What we learned in the beginning of this journey, is that there are things that you need to do to ensure that you and your loved one are covered financially as well as ensuring that you will have future insurance coverage.
1. Sign up for SSI or regular Social Security. If you are going to be off of work for any length of time, this will ensure that you have some type of income.
2. File with your insurance company for your short term and/or long term disability payments. This will add an additional layer of income for you.
3. Sign up for Medicaid or equivalent to ensure that you and/or your loved one will have the coverage needed to assist with the cost of care. This can be used as a secondary insurance and become a primary insurance if your company insurance lapses due to your illness.
4. Military - If you have ever served in the Military and you can prove that your illness can be traced back to your service, make sure that you have your DD214 and file a claim with your county Veterans Service Officer. If you are unsure if you can trace the illness back to your service time, talk to the Veterans Service Officer anyway. They can help you determine your elegibility.
5. Talk to your local Cancer Service (Little Red Door, etc.). They can assist you with getting help with the payments for medications.
6. Gather your Family and Friends. Create a support network so that you as the caregiver are never alone in getting your loved one to and from appointments. As a last resort, use a transport service.
7. Do your research as a family. Be sure to include your loved one as well as other family members and friends. Make sure that everyone knows the odds and create a plan on how to beat them. It really does take a village.
8. If your loved one has to spend any length of time in the hospital, pack a care bag. A care bag include their toiletries, a change of clothes, shoes, activities for the individual as well as for the caregiver. Do not be afraid to have the door shut with a sign that says "Please see Nurse before entering". This can ensure that your loved one gets the rest that they need to get well to come home.
9. You will hear from many organizations that you apply to that everything will depend on your level of income. Understand that this does not necessarily mean that you will not receive the help, it may just mean that you will need to reapply later. It is hard, but keep your head up. There are other things that can be done to get assistance.
10. Do a fundraiser. Work with other organizations to set up a family fundraiser. Many local resturants have options to assist with this. Some examples are: Texas Roadhouse and Applebee's. Use the money as a rainy day fund so that you will be able to pay for extra medications later as well as maybe have a date night with your loved one.
11. As a caregiver, make sure to take time for yourself as well. Your health and wellbeing are just as important as that of your loved one.
12. Laugh often. Never lose your sense of humor!
13. Check with your employer if you are not already familiar with current FMLA policy and laws, sick leave policies as well as your current vacation and sick time pay status. Make sure that they are aware of what is happening in your care your loved ones care. Check to see if they will work with you on a part time schedule as well. This will ensure to to yourself as well as your emloyer that you are willing to work with them to keep your position.
Firefighter Helpful Tips:
As a Firefighter, it comes down to you to educate yourself and your family on how to reduce your cancer risks.
Below, are a few items that you can do starting today to reduce your risks.
1. Gross Decon your gear at the scene. This includes your hood, helmet, gloves, boots, coat and pants, as well as your mask.
2. Keep baby wipes on the trucks. This will allow you to decon your face, neck and hands while at the scene.
3. Clean the interior of the trucks upon returning to the station. This will keep the cancer causing agents down.
4. Wash your gear.
5. Keep a second hood on hand so that you can wash the first one after a call.
6. Store your gear away from your family. Preferably in a tote or bag in the trunk of your vehicle or in the back of your truck if you must carry it with you. Otherwise, keep it at the station.
7. Keep a clean set of clothing, including undergarments, in a sealed bag at the station so that you can shower and change into clean clothes after a call.
8. Wash your clothing separate from your families laundry. This will keep the contaminents away from your loved ones clothing.
