Three Most Unpredictable and Feared Phases of Life

You can't live your life in fear, but fear and anxiety are part of life. Acknowledgment of these fears and preparing for them will reduce the stress and anxieties we may face in the future. 

A well-known speaker and author says that becoming a caregiver, losing your memory, or needing long-term health care are three of the most unpredictable and feared phases of life. 

Pamela Wilson is a caregiving expert, advocate, and speaker offering support to family caregivers and professional caregivers through her business of the same name. 

She says that many family caregivers do not even realize they are caregivers until other people ask about their role.

"Adult children don't realize that they are caregivers for parents until someone, usually a medical professional, asks or speaks to a child regarding being the caregiver. By the time children are attending medical appointments with elderly parents, caregiving responsibilities are on the rise," Wilson says.

Implied Consent

Adult children fall into the role of a caregiver through what Wilson says is "implied consent." For example, in Wilson's book, "The Caregiving Trap," she writes that a parent will ask for help with a simple task, like going to the grocery store or picking up a prescription. Once the parent gets the task completed, they believe the child will continue to provide assistance and care.

Wilson writes the job continues to grow, and the commitment in hours and effort increases. These caregiving responsibilities may last for years. A simple request, she writes, turns into a permanent responsibility that seems like a burden.

Something Fills the Void with No Plan

When there is no plan, something will fill the void. Family caregivers face tremendous stress, anxiety, and hardship. The role of being a caregiver usually changes the relationship between parent and child. What is sad is that most people want their family to have the time to be family and not have to be burdened with the physical, emotional, and financial responsibilities of being a caregiver. 

Today, more people are aware of Long-Term Care Insurance. However, some people think it is "too expensive." Others are unaware that you must have reasonably good health to get coverage in the first place. Some people still think the government pays for this care (they don't - outside of Medicaid for those with little or no income and assets). 

It might be too late for mom or dad if they are too old or have too many health issues, but what have you done for yourself and your family? Long-Term Care Insurance is an affordable way to safeguard your retirement accounts so you can enjoy your future retirement without the concerns about long-term health care.

Several plans are available. Experts suggest starting your research in your 40s or 50s. Take the time to avoid dependency and you, and your family will enjoy peace of mind knowing those fears are reduced in the future.