Burn injury retention centers on a life care plan that addresses staged reconstructive surgery, compression garments, scar management, pain management, and psychological services. The planner needs the burn team's reconstruction outlook and the current garment and therapy regimen to project needs over the survivor's lifetime.
Checklist
Document total body surface area burned, depth, and location
Retain a planner with burn-specific experience
Coordinate with the treating burn team on the projected reconstruction schedule
Arrange planner contact with the treating plastic surgeon and mental health providers
Plan for mental health services in the life care plan
Questions to ask the expert
How do you project compression garment replacement costs?
How do you account for staged reconstructive surgery?
How do you address heat intolerance and skin protection in daily living?
How do you incorporate mental health treatment?
Timeline
60-90 days from retention to report given the complexity of staged reconstruction.
Required documents
Burn center and reconstructive surgery records
Current photographs documenting scarring (when appropriate)
Garment, dressing, and therapy records
Psychology and psychiatry records if applicable
Common pitfalls
Omitting compression garment recurring costs
Underprojecting mental health services
Ignoring heat intolerance and skin protection needs
Why are mental health services so important in burn cases?
Peer-reviewed literature documents a high incidence of PTSD, depression, and body image concerns in burn survivors. Plans routinely include individual therapy, group therapy, and psychiatric medication management.
Contact our team to discuss how KW Life Care Planning can support your case with certified life care planning expertise. Request a Consultation or call (201) 343-0700.