It’s not surprising that many people would rather avoid the topic of long-term care, as it involves sensitive subjects like finances, aging and health concerns. However, it’s important to engage in conversations with parents and relatives about long-term care and develop a plan to guard against the threat of needing it. Here are some easy tips for discussing long-term care with loved ones:
- Ask questions. Hear the other person’s concerns before discussing your own.
- Use a different situation as a transition to your conversation. “Mom, do you remember when Aunt Mary was diagnosed with dementia? And her daughter had to quit her job because they couldn’t afford a home nurse? That’s the kind of situation we want to avoid by proactively planning ahead.”
- Ask them about the long-term care they would like to receive if they needed it. Where would they live? Who would care for them? How would they pay for it?
- Listen carefully and stay focused on their concerns. Let the parent or loved one talk about their fears and hopes for the future. Communicate in a way that encourages future discussions.
- Create a strategy and put it in writing. After the conversation, write down any decisions that were made and what needs to be done. Make a check list and go through it to ensure that all plans are carried out. It’s important to write down any specific wants or needs so that everyone knows what to expect later.
The time to secure your family’s future with a long-term care policy is now. Contact me today for a no-cost, no obligation consultation on your long-term care planning options for you and your loved ones.
