Advocate for Loved Ones in Long-Term Care
We live in an aging society. There are over 54 million Americans age 65 and older. Worldwide, aging is an issue, with over 703 million people aged 65 and older. By 2040, about one in five Americans will be age 65 or older. With this longevity comes many more people who require long-term health care, either at home or in a facility like assisted living or a nursing home.
The awareness of the consequences of aging is much higher today than 40 years ago. Most people are aware of the costs of long-term health care and the impact it would have on their families and finances.
Long-term care is both a financial problem and a family problem. The burden on loved ones is demanding as they deal with caregiving or finding professional care for a parent. Without some plan for long-term health care, an older spouse or daughter/daughter-n-law must either be a caregiver or be a manager of caregiving.
Older People Need an Advocate
Since so many older adults are receiving long-term health care in their home or in a facility, the need to advocate for your loved one in a long-term care environment can feel like navigating a maze, especially if you don’t live close by.
If they have Long-Term Care Insurance, the policy may include case management. The insurance company will pay for a nurse case manager at the time of care. The case manager will help find quality caregivers or facilities, develop a care plan, and even monitor your needs as they progress.
However, without such a policy, these problems get placed on the shoulders of family members. Some issues may arise that need to be addressed as your parent or loved one receives care. Being an advocate and addressing commonly occurring issues in older adult communities requires some knowledge, skill, and time, especially if you are doing this all on your own.
Next Avenue offers these are tips for being an advocate.
Government Help
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is an effective advocate and resource for older adults living in assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, and nursing homes.
The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide service through the federal government that connects older Americans, their families, and caregivers with trustworthy local support resources and services. Find local help.
The adult children of Boomers are now experiencing their parents and relatives needing long-term health care. If you are over 40, you probably are one of those people.
LTC Insurance Makes Everything Easier
Without Long-Term Care Insurance, it can be very challenging to manage the situation. The costs of long-term health care are exploding. When a 50-year-old needs care 20 to 30 years from now, those costs will be prohibitively expensive.
See the current and future cost of long-term health care by using the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator.
Of course, the need for long-term care services can happen at any age but increases over time. Preparing for future declining health and aging should be a critical aspect of your retirement plan.
It is best to start planning for the financial costs and burdens of aging before retirement. When you have a plan in place, you will have an affordable solution to access your choice of quality care services, including in-home care.
Guaranteed Tax-Free Benefits
Your guaranteed tax-free benefits will protect income and assets and give your loved ones the time to be family instead of caregivers. Remember, LTC Insurance will not only protect your 401(k), IRA, 403(b), and other savings from the high costs of long-term health care, but it will provide peace of mind for everyone in the family.
Despite some stories you may find on the internet, these policies are affordable if purchased before retirement. Most people obtain coverage in their 50s when premiums are lower - How Much Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cost? | LTC News.
Policies are custom designed specific to you, and a Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist can create an appropriate plan based on your age, health, and needs. Premiums can vary over 100% between insurance companies.
If you live in a Long-Term Care Partnership state, you can have a plan which also provides additional dollar-for-dollar asset protection - What is a Long-Term Care Partnership Policy? | LTC News.
Long-term health care will impact you, your family, your savings, and your lifestyle. An advance plan will help reduce or avoid many of the consequences that arise when you need help with activities of daily living or require supervision due to memory loss. This peace of mind will lead to a happy, successful future retirement.