Navigating Insurance
Restoring care and confidence: Gerome's journey with Wellworth
Gerome, 65-year-old artist, Manhattan
In this case study, we share how we partnered with a Family Office to provide support to their client over a series of events.
“Gerome” lives alone and suffers from Parkinson’s disease. He is supported by his family trust which is administered by a multi-family office in New York City. Gerome was having trouble organizing his health insurance, bill payments, and doctor’s appointments. He would call different advisors at the family office and repeatedly ask the same questions.
The office has an ongoing relationship with Wellworth, so when they noticed that Gerome was struggling, they reached out to Wellworth. A nurse practitioner at Wellworth performed an assessment on Gerome and identified areas of concern. In addition to struggling with cognitive issues, balance, and depression, he had chronic back pain.
He felt overwhelmed by daily living tasks such as organizing his apartment and managing his medical conditions. Wellworth worked closely with Gerome and the multi-family office to implement solutions to various challenges.
These included:
SITUATION
Gerome was not getting the medical help he needed.
SUPPORT
After evaluating his medical condition, Wellworth identified top tier clinicians and scheduled appointments to help Gerome address his symptoms, including pain. One of our team members accompanied Gerome to his appointments so he felt secure. We also arranged for second options from specialists who were able to augment Gerome’s treatment, emphasizing the importance of physical therapy. Wellworth also helped Gerome enroll in Medicare so he received the benefits he deserved.
SITUATION
Gerome was not getting the medical help he needed.
SUPPORT
After evaluating his medical condition, Wellworth identified top tier clinicians and scheduled appointments to help Gerome address his symptoms, including pain. One of our team members accompanied Gerome to his appointments so he felt secure. We also arranged for second options from specialists who were able to augment Gerome’s treatment, emphasizing the importance of physical therapy. Wellworth also helped Gerome enroll in Medicare so he received the benefits he deserved.
SITUATION
Gerome avoided his bills and late payment notices, affecting his credit rating.
SOLUTION
Wellworth worked with the family office to set up a bill payment system for Gerome so he could easily see which bills were paid and when. Where possible, the accounts were set to autopay so he would receive fewer bills, alleviating stress and confusion.
SITUATION
Gerome began calling his financial advisors with unusual requests, such as a sudden decision to make a large philanthropic donation.
SUPPORT
When the family office received a call from Gerome with such a request, they knew to call us. We would then check on Gerome in person, by phone, or through his building concierge. We worked with Gerome to explore providing his stock options to charities, enabling him to continue with his generosity while maintaining adequate cash reserves.
SITUATION
Gerome was hospitalized and received a bill for $97,000.
SUPPORT
Upon seeing the charge, we fought the claim and was able to have the entire bill reversed.
SITUATION
Gerome needed help organizing his home and social life.
SUPPORT
A Wellworth team member helped Gerome recognize the importance of living in a clean, healthy environment and found him a housekeeper. He became happier in his home where he felt comfortable having friends visit.
Gerome ultimately emerged from his introverted, pain-inflicted state and through increased social connections, became more adherent to medical advice, participating in Parkinson’s exercise groups, physical therapy, and acupuncture.
SITUATION
Gerome missed his family but didn’t believe he was capable of traveling to see them.
SUPPORT
Wellworth encouraged Gerome to visit family who lived out of state. The successful trip built his confidence, and he considered traveling to Europe to visit his mother. Wellworth confirmed with the family office that Gerome had ample funds to travel comfortably, and helped him make the necessary arrangements.
SITUATION
Gerome considered moving to an assisted living facility.
SUPPORT
Wellworth interviewed and vetted options, and arranged tours for Gerome. Wellworth discussed the expenditure with the family office so Gerome’s advisors were abreast and aligned with the expected costs.