Celebrity Health Events Remind Us of Our Frailties

Celebrities suffer from the same frailties as the rest of us do. But when things happen to those in the public view, it allows us the opportunity to plan in advance. This can give our families peace of mind.

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Celebrity Health Events Remind Us of Our Frailties
6 Min Read May 24th, 2019 Updated:February 15th, 2022

When you or a loved one has a health event, you usually don't read about it online or hear the story on the radio or TV. However, when a celebrity does, we all hear about it.

One good thing about knowing is that illnesses, accidents, or even aging inflict the rich and famous. This knowledge shows we are all human. It allows us to think about how we can plan in advance to make these health events easier for our families. Nobody gets to avoid the frailties of life on Earth.

There have been several celebrity deaths in 2022 already, including Betty White (who actually died on the final day of 2021), Sidney Poitier, Peter Bogdanovich, Marilyn Bergman, Bob Saget, and Ronnie Spector.

In 2021 some of the notable deaths included Larry King, Hal Holbrook, Cloris Leachman, Ed Asner, Peter Scolari, Cicely Tyson, Jessica Walter, Olympia Dukakis, Christopher Plummer, and Stephen Sondheim.

In 2020 we remembered stars like Robert Conrad, Claudette Nevins, and James Lipton.

We all face illnesses, accidents, and the consequences of aging. 

Many Generation Xers were shocked by the 2019 death of Luke Perry. The former star of TV's "90210" died following a massive stroke. He was 52, but it showed that strokes are not limited to those who are older.

Suffering a severe stroke, he was hospitalized under heavy sedation. After five days later, his family removed the life support after it was apparent that he would not recover, following a reported second stroke.

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term care. Every year, about 140,000 Americans die of a stroke, and while the risk increases with age, about one-third happen to those younger than age 65.

Many of us will remember actress Katherine Helmond. She died on February 23, 2019, at her home in Los Angeles at the age of 89.
Like too many people, she had Alzheimer's disease. About 6 million Americans of all ages are living with Alzheimer's dementia. People with cognitive decline require supervision and other help with normal living activities. If you grew up watching TV in the '70s, '80s, and '90s, you were touched by the impact of this news.

Helmond made her big splash on the TV show "Soap" from 1977 to 1981, playing the role of Jessica Tate. She won a Golden Globe and was nominated four times for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

Later she played Mona Robinson in 1984 to 1992 on "Who's the Boss?" where she also won a Golden Globe and was nominated for two Emmy Awards.

Helmond also appeared on "Coach" and "Everyone Loves Raymond." Despite helping all of us laugh, in the end, she fell to the impact of memory loss and long-term care.

Social media remembered.

For those who remember the miracle New York Mets from 1969 or just fans of baseball, you were sad to hear that Tom Seaver has dementia. The Hall of Fame pitcher, regarded by many as the greatest New York Met of all time, is now retired from public life. Social media shared the news.

If you, or your children, watched "Bozo" on cable's superstation WGN throughout the '80s, Marshall Brodien, who played "Wizzo the Wizard," recently passed away after suffering from Alzheimer's.

Cost of Long-Term Care Can Devastate Savings Even for Wealthy

The financial costs of cognitive decline can be substantial, even for those of wealth. Many caregivers are family members who must take time away from their careers, families, and other responsibilities. Paid care is expensive and can drain assets. Unless a person has Long-Term Care Insurance, the burden is placed on your family and your bank account.

Growing up in the '70s, you heard many massive hits from Peter Frampton. Songs like "Show Me the Way" and "I'm in You" dominated the radio. He stopped touring as he suffers from the disease that causes his muscles to weaken and waste.

Frampton, now age 71, was diagnosed with inclusion body myositis (IBM) over five years ago; however, he just went public in the past few years as his disease progressed.

Impact of Long-Term Care is More Than Just About Money

If you are like most people, you know people, probably family members, who suffer from chronic illnesses, accidents, or just the frailty of aging. Your stories may not get media attention, but you can read the stories if you search social media. 

These stories express the sadness, burdens, and costs that affect them and their loved ones. Being a caregiver places tremendous responsibility on family members. The challenges are many.

Longevity Brings Higher Risk of Needing Long-Term Care

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports if you reach the age of 65, you have about a 50/50 chance of needing long-term health care services.

How would your retirement be impacted if you had to pay the expensive costs of care services? If your family had to be caregivers, how would their life change? How would it affect their family and career?

Take time to learn about how Long-Term Care Insurance can safeguard your 401(k), IRA, 403(b), SEP, and other savings from these high costs. However, perhaps the most significant benefit these policies offer is the gift of time it gives them.

Planning for Long-Term Care is All About Family

Your adult children will have the time to be family instead of caregivers. Everyone can enjoy peace of mind knowing a plan is in place.

The world might not know you have Long-Term Care Insurance, but your family will know. In the end, your biggest concern is your family. That small premium gives your family a great gift. On the other hand, you will have the tax-free funds to pay for your choice of quality care services, including in-home care.

Research Starts with Finding Current and Future Cost of Care

Start your research before you retire. Find the current and future cost of long-term care services with the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator. You will also find the availability of special partnership plans which provide additional asset protection. Some states also have tax incentives in addition to the federal tax incentives available for some people.

Click here to find your state.

Be sure to get the help of a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist. Most general insurance agents and financial advisors are not prepared to understand all the aspects of these policies. You can find a specialist who can help you design an appropriate and affordable plan. Click here to find a specialist.

None of us are immune to the impact aging has on us. While you might not be a celebrity, you do have a family you love. Long-Term Care Insurance may make you a star in the eyes of your family, perhaps not today but years from now.

Go ahead, tweet about it, and let the world know.

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About the Author

Linda is a former journalist who now enjoys writing about topics she is interested in so she “can keep her mind active and engaged”.

LTC News Contributor Linda Maxwell

Linda Maxwell

Contributor since December 11th, 2017

Editor's Note

Greater longevity means we have family members usually for many years. However, life does get in the way, and we don't always stay in touch with older parents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives like we should. Plus, COVID-19 sometimes makes it harder to see older loved ones who may need to be isolated due to the virus. 

Longevity also means declining health and long-term care. Finding quality caregivers and facilities when your mom or dad needs help with daily living activities is a priority. 

LTC NEWS offers you help. If your parent or loved one needs care now - or soon - you will need to find the appropriate care in the right setting depending on their needs. 

First, does mom or dad need long-term health care services? Do you know the signs to look for? Finding quality care options and the money to pay for this care will be a priority. 

Finding Quality Care for Mom or Dad

Start by reading our guides -  

If they are lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting on using available Long-Term Care Insurance benefits is not a wise idea. 

Get Help in Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim

Quality care obtained early will help provide a better quality of life and reduce the risk of a deep decline and facility care. If you need help in starting the process of a Long-Term Care Insurance claim, LTC NEWS can help.

LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with a Long-Term Care Insurance policy. We have teamed up with Amada Senior Care, who will do all the work, free with no obligation. 

You can also get support in finding quality caregivers and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy or not. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News

Are You Prepared for Long-Term Health Care in the Future?

One of the biggest concerns when planning for your retirement are the consequence of declining health and aging - including the costs and burdens of long-term health care.

Health insurance, including Medicare and supplements, will not pay for most of these future costs. According to the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator, the costs of long-term health care are increasing rapidly nationwide. 

If you don't have Long-Term Care Insurance, you will have to fund these costs from your income and assets. Your children may also find themselves in the position of becoming caregivers. The role of a caregiver is physically and emotionally demanding. 

An affordable Long-Term Care Insurance policy will give you the tax-free resources to pay for your choice of quality care services, including in-home care. Your family will have the time to be family instead of a caregiver.

Most people obtain Long-Term Care Insurance in their 50s when premiums are lower, and the most options are available.

Resources to Help You Find LTC Solutions

You can find many tools and resources on LTC NEWS to assist you in your research for a planning solution or help your family find the appropriate care for a loved one at the time of crisis. 

To help you plan the costs and burdens of changing health and aging, LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:

Find all the resources on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.

Seek Expert Guidance

Insurance rates are regulated, so no insurance agent, agency, or financial advisor can give you special deals. However, premiums vary over 100% between insurance companies for the same coverage.

Experts suggest using a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you navigate the many options available to you and your family.

A specialist who works with the top companies can match your age, health, family history, and other factors and find you the best coverage at the best value. A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.

Share Your Wisdom - Be A Guest Contributor for LTC NEWS 

LTC NEWS is open to contributors to share their stories with the world. 

You can write a story or ongoing column for LTC NEWS. You can write about many topics, including aging, caregiving, health, lifestyle, retirement planning, and long-term care, to name a few.

Be sure to write for our core target audience of adults aged 40 and older. Our audience is worldwide; however, our primary target is the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other English-speaking nations. 

Improve your website or blog's SEO and gain exposure and traffic at the same time by being a contributor to LTC NEWS. 

You can even promote yourself, your business, and your website or blog. However, it must have editorial content exclusive to LTC NEWS and cannot be just an advertisement. It can include links to other sites, and you can share the article link once published on your website or social media.

Email your story idea or article: newsroom@ltcnews.com - LTC News Contributors | LTC News

Reverse Mortgages Could Be a Solution

Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance.  

Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, even help with cash flow during your retirement. 

Learn more by asking questions to an expert. LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages. 

- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.

Shared Links

LTC NEWS offers a 'helpful links' page so readers looking for additional information can find them easily. You can get a dofollow link to your website on LTC NEWS in exchange for a dofollow link on your site.

Let's work together and help consumers who search for us on the web - Site Request | LTC News.

You can also affordably purchase a dofollow link to your website or blog on LTC NEWS. Just contact the advertising department.

Sharing News with LTC NEWS 

Include LTC NEWS in your press release distribution. If your group, organization, business, political committee, etc., have news to share, send it to LTC NEWS. Email - newsroom@ltcnews.com  

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