The power of a plan

Finding herself in a city near the home of an older friend from years past, my mother was excited to pay a casual visit. Almost immediately it became clear that her friend, who lived alone, was in desperate need of care and that there were neither financial resources nor willing souls to provide it. After a week of attempting to make care arrangements in the state in which her friend resided, my mother spoke with my father and, together, they decided to move a person my mother had not seen in many years before her visit into our family home.

I watched as my parents converted my brother’s old room into a comfortable space for our new arrival. I observed as they coordinated doctor’s appointments and managed her medications. I took note as they carefully prepared her meals. They rearranged their lives to accommodate her care, making sure that she always was safe, engaged, and comfortable – from her first day with us to her last.

Looking back, my parents gave my mother’s friend a tremendous gift – the ability to age with dignity and to receive quality care in a manner that honored her humanity. Our family experienced the privilege of caregiving – along with its challenges – financially, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

This experience had a profound impact on how I have approached my own aging journey. I have had intentional conversations about aging preferences, researched options for care, and developed a long-term care plan that includes financial protection enabled by long-term care insurance. It is reassuring to me to know that I will have greater flexibility to decide where and how I want to age and that I won’t be a burden to my family. With that in mind, I applaud the significant step you have taken to prepare, so you can age on your own terms.

No matter where you are in the long-term care planning process, it is our privilege to help and support you… every step of the way.

May you age vibrantly and live assured.