Bob, the elderly neighbor who for 10 months had been in and out of hospitals and nursing homes with no obvious recourse for resolving long-term healthcare needs, is back home.

This time -- finally -- he is receiving some of the care he desperately needs.

By the time Bob was released from the Nursing Center at Mercy Hospital in Miami on Sept. 21, arrangements had been made for him to receive seven days' worth of food delivery; home visits three times a week for personal care and homemaking needs; and monthly medical supplies. Soon, he also will be hooked up with an emergency alert system that will allow him to seek help with the push of a button.

The services are thanks to United HomeCare Services, a nonprofit agency that focuses on the prevention of premature placement of individuals in nursing homes or other institutions. Founded in 1974, it is a lead agency for the Alliance for Aging, a not-for-profit that is part of a nationwide network offering a wide range of services and information to older persons.

The quick action was in response to a Sept. 13 article I wrote about my frustration with trying to get help for the frail 82-year-old neighbor with no family nearby to look after him, who was caught in the tangled web of healthcare and an insurance plan that provides limited long-term benefits.

READERS' RESPONSE

The response from readers who shared similar experiences, offered advice or simply wanted to help was impressive.

Bob is now an example of what happens when benefits intended for those in need are made available.

``Unfortunately, we come across cases like Bob a lot,'' said Blanca Ceballos, public relations director for United HomeCare Services. ``What's important for people to know is that there are many programs out there. The more people know about the various programs, the better informed they'll be.''

On Thursday, a public forum will be held at Florida International University to provide answers on healthcare issues as Part II of a ``Prepare to Care'' forum held in January that dealt with medical care issues and resources for caregivers.

``This one will help the public understand long-term care insurance and how it works,'' Ceballos said.

PANEL OF EXPERTS

A panel of experts will cover a wide range of topics -- from legal and financial issues related to long-term care, such as trusts, reverse mortgages and the Living Will to the benefits of developing a plan of care before crisis strikes.

Bob's crisis began Thanksgiving weekend 2008 when he fell in his yard and spent two days sprawled on the ground before he was found near a bush on the side of his house. Bob had been exposed to one of those rare but brutal South Florida cold snaps. He blacked out and was not able to get himself up from the ground, which was soaked from water flowing out of his hose.

He had been in and out of the hospital and nursing facilities because his HMO only covers about a couple of weeks of rehab. Efforts by my husband and me to obtain home care for him proved unsuccessful -- until now.

Bob still faces the likelihood of deteriorating health as he ages, but he is where he wants to be: in his own home. At issue now is how to tackle extensive home improvement needs -- from a roof that is caving in to bathroom upgrades -- so that he can stay.

``His health conditions are very common among the elderly,'' said Melissa Llerena, Bob's case manager. ``The environmental living conditions are what I'm most concerned about now. We're taking little steps in that to see where we can go. Most people want to be home. One of the hardest things for the elderly is that they lose their independence.

`VERY GRATEFUL'

``Bob has a great personality,'' Llerena said. ``He's very grateful for the help that he receives and he seems like nothing can get him down. He always has that smile on his face. He's a good man.''

If the resources needed to make the repairs can be found, Bob may have to move out of his house temporarily until the work is completed. That's going to be a challenge.

``Where am I going to go -- to the movies?'' Bob said last week when I asked him if he would consider temporary housing. ``They could do the work while I'm here. That would be all right.''

When I asked Bob how he felt about all the help he was now getting, he said, ``Well, I haven't done any in-depth analysis of my thoughts.''

Any thoughts off the top of your head?, I asked.

``I'm happy,'' Bob said, with a chuckle, adding that he was getting the help that he needs ``slowly but surely.''

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