Three Most Unpredictable and Feared Phases of Life
Fear. Nobody likes it. As we get older, some of our fears change. Aging happens and preparing for the costs and burdens of longevity can ease your anxiety and your family's anxiety.
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.
![The Caregiving Trap: Solutions for Life's Unexpected Changes by [Pamela D. Wilson]](https://ltcnews-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/three-most-unpredictable-and-feared-phases-of-life/picture1.jpg)
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.
About the Author
An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.
James Kelly
Contributor since August 21st, 2017
Editor's Note
Life is preparation. We always seem to be preparing for what is next. Once we get into our 40s, we notice changes in our bodies, and our health starts to change, albeit slowly. Getting ahead of longevity will ensure a more relaxed future retirement.
About half of us will need long-term health care. The question is, when and how long? Will we have a plan to address these costs, or will our families be thrust into the role of being our future caregivers?
Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance keeps us in control and gives us access to our choice of quality care, including in-home care. As a result, we not only have income and asset protection, but our loved ones have the time to be family.
Research Tools on LTC NEWS
Learn about long-term care, insurance, and planning options. LTC NEWS offers many tools and resources so you can study the types of care available, the costs of care today and in the future, insurance and other planning options, and more.
Start by reading The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide. The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you current and future costs for long-term health care, how to find care providers, state rules and tax incentives, and more.
Be sure to get the assistance of a licensed and qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist. A specialist will work with the top companies and have the skills and knowledge to help you design an appropriate plan based on your age, health, family history, and other factors.
Premiums and options vary dramatically between insurance companies.
Find all the resources by clicking here.
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Fund Care or Purchase LTC Coverage with A Reverse Mortgage
If you - or your loved one needs care now, a reverse mortgage could be an answer. Many people today that have much of their savings invested in their home.
With today's reverse mortgages, you can use the money in your home to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, add retirement income, or even pay for in-home care if you need care now.
Learn more now - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
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LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News. You can also help find caregivers and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy or not.
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