You have heard about it, maybe seen it or even experienced it. When there is a need for long-term healthcare, it can be one of the most extremely painful times in someone’s life and in the lives of their family members. Everyone thinks about the money, but there is much, much more that needs to be considered.
It is emotional—for the one whose health has failed them, for their spouse and for their children.
It is stressful—change occurs in so many areas all at once.
It is physical—who will the caregiver be? Are they able? Will it cause them to become ill?
It can cause family strife—decisions must be made and emotions are at an all-time high. It rarely brings families together. It often tears them apart.
It is life-changing—not just for you, but for your children. What will have to be put aside to help—family, a career, income, their health?
It is expensive—where will you find an extra $60,000 per year or more? What does this mean for your family’s future?
We all want to think, “ it won’t happen to me.” But what if it does? After all, the odds are against you… and growing in a BIG way. It is estimated 7 out of 10 people turning 65 today will need long-term care. 1.
I would be willing to bet that you made a covenant with your wife: for better or worse, to take care of her. What if you can’t? Would you want to know now so you could something about it? I bet that you want the very best for your children and their families. What if your health causes their families to fall apart? Would you want to avoid that fallout if you could?
You need a plan and no, your plan cannot be (I’ll take care of it) with a shotgun on the backside of the ranch. Frankly, if your healthcare needs are because of dementia or Alzheimer’s, you may forget why you went back there in the first place. You need a real plan. This plan needs to address the physical, logistical, emotional and financial aspects of the biggest “what if” your family could face.
Don’t wait until it is too late and you can’t take care of your family. Be there for them and do it now.
- https://www.phca.org