"The future belongs to those who prepare for it."
Are you prepared for the future? Do you have a plan in place for when the time comes that you will need extra assistance? October is Long Term Care Planning Month. Take some time this month to think about what needs you might have as you age. The first step is to make an appointment with a professional who can help you navigate long term care.
What is long-term care? It is non-medical care, referring to the personal care and services required mostly by the elderly for accomplishing routine activities to have a normal quality of life. The types of services included in this is personal care, dressing, bathing, ambulation and other physical activities.
Approximately 8.3 million people living in the U.S. require some form of long-term care. This number is expected to increase as Americans are living longer and aging baby boomers will start needing more and more assistance in the next couple of decades.
Long term care facilities include skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living. But for those that are not ready to go to a nursing home, there are in-home care options available, like what we offer here at HomeCourt Home Care. In-home care services are sometimes included in long term care insurance plans. Check with your agent or attorney to see what is available to you. There are many resources, plans, and agencies that can help you navigate which plans align with your needs.
Planning ahead for long term care is a good idea as it will help you plan for costs down the road. Some experts recommend beginning to plan for long term care between the ages of 40-50. Investing in long-term care insurance plans will help with financial stability. It also ensures that plans are in place to care for yourself or your loved one when the time is needed.
For more information about planning for your future needs, you can call us at 260.333.1114 and ask to speak to Laura. She can point you in the right direction.
Another great resource is Senior MoneyLife. They can help you navigate through long term care options and plans and answer any questions you may have regarding Medicare and Medicaid. You can contact them at 260.296.0437 or Financial Planning for Seniors - Senior MoneyLife - Bluffton, IN.
We hope this short article prompts you to start thinking and planning for your future. Aging is something we all will face. While we can never know what our future holds, we can do what we can to be prepared to the best of our ability. What can you do today?