Proactive Home Care Planning with Melanie Stephen

In this insightful episode of Unlocking Senior Resources, I chat with Melanie Stephen from Allegiant Homecare, a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the senior care industry. Melanie shares the essentials of navigating the complex world of home care in New York, offering clarity on everything from choosing the right type of agency to understanding payment options like Medicaid, VA benefits, and long-term care insurance.

We explore what makes Allegiant Homecare stand out: their caregiver training programs in dementia and PTSD care, their proactive approach to prevent hospitalizations, and their commitment to serving not just seniors, but also younger adults with traumatic brain injuries. Whether you’re a family member facing a care crisis or planning ahead for a loved one, Melanie’s practical tips and heartfelt passion shine throughout this episode.

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Timeline Summary :

• [0:00] – Introduction
• [1:01] – Melanie’s career journey from IVF to senior home care
• [2:54] – The relationship between Allegiant Homecare and AccordCare
• [4:53] – Breaking down certified, licensed, and companion care services
• [9:23] – What makes Allegiant different: training, flexibility, and heart
• [10:37] – How Allegiant prevents avoidable hospitalizations through early intervention
• [14:50] – The common but serious risk of UTIs in seniors and how they respond
• [18:05] – Melanie’s role: managing professional outreach and direct family intake
• [21:11] – Her involvement with Gerontology Professionals of NY and community support
• [24:20] – Providing care in assisted living and skilled nursing settings
• [26:11] – Why Allegiant doesn’t struggle with caregiver shortages
• [27:12] – Understanding live-in vs. 24-hour home care
• [30:21] – Allegiant’s specialized caregiver training beyond state certification
• [32:28] – What families should ask when choosing a provider
• [34:04] – Payment options: Medicaid, MLTCs, long-term care insurance, and more
• [38:03] – No long-term contracts, just transparent service agreements
• [40:50] – The importance of planning ahead for care
• [45:00] – Melanie’s closing advice for adult children and caregivers

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5 Key Takeaways:

1. Know the Difference – Understanding whether an agency is licensed or certified (and what that means) is crucial when choosing care for a loved one.
2. Ask the Right Questions – Always ask if the agency is licensed by the NY State Department of Health, what their minimum service hours are, and how they train caregivers.
3. Payment Matters – Explore all funding options available—Medicaid, MLTCs, long-term care insurance, VA benefits—to avoid out-of-pocket surprises.
4. Proactive Care Prevents Crisis – Allegiant’s symptom-based caregiver checklists help families catch issues like UTIs and falls before they become emergencies.
5. Prepare Before You Need It – Create a care plan early, including preferred providers and key documents like POAs and HIPAA releases, to avoid making decisions in crisis mode.

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Links & Resources:

• Allegiant Homecare: www.allegiant-homecare.com
• Contact Melanie Stephen: (516) 385-2836 or melanie.stephen@allegiant-homecare.com
• Gerontology Professionals of NY (GPNY): www.gpny.org
• Leave the Key Homebuyers: www.leavethekey.com