Oppportunity knocks this holiday season for reaching a First Goal for Long-Term Care Planning

This time of year offers ample opportunities to gather with loved ones and celebrate the holiday season and initiate conversations of a deeper thought. Sometimes taking the first step is the hardest part. How do you initiate a conversation about long-term care planning with your parents or other loved ones? Start with taking advantage of time sitting around the table or relaxing on the sofa and open the conversation with letting your loved ones know how important they are to you. Next, be honest, you are doing this not only because you care for them but you also see your future and how it relates to your aging parent. Besides, long-term care planning is more than planning for when you are sick. It's about paying it forward, protecting your future and being prepared. It's also about money. Long-term care is expensive. Individuals are often ill-prepared for the hefty price tag,  which exceeds $40,000 per year for the most basic personal care assistance less than an 8 hours per day. Families are often in a pinch, having to find ways to liquidate assets, borrow money, or use their own savings to pay for the care needs of a loved one. Don't let yourself get bogged down with the process. Start with the first step in beginning the conversation and making an appointment to have an hour visit at a later date. Setting a measurable goal will help you achieve this first step. An example of a  way to direct the conversation is to state "I would like to set-up some time to sit down with you and discuss long-term care planning. I would like to set this time up for sometime in the next 30 days." Set the date and time, mark it on your calendars. You have just achieved the First Goal for Long-Term Care Planning. Taking the first step is the hardest part.
Eagleview West specializes in long-term care planning and has a unique 7-Step process for decision-making and conversation guidance. To learn more or get help Call 406-752-LTC1.