The ignored and undervalued concept of advanced care planning

Last week there was a celebration in my living room. A commercial by a national investment & financial planning company was trying to persuade the viewer to plan for a retirement that lasts as long as 30 years or more. This was the second round of a campaign by this company to encourage Americans to prepare for a long journey through old age.  Hoorah for the healthcare delivery networks & providers who lay witness to the struggles within our communities in assisting older adults to obtain the needed care; whether it be due to financial woes, complex health issues or difficult social issues. Advanced care planning can help alleviate the stress and provide a framework for carrying out a person's wishes and identifying important factors such as caregivers, allocation of funds, end-of-life wishes, accessibility concerns for aging in place and community resources. With the average cost of home health care exceeding $50,000 per year and facility care ranging from $45,000-$90,000 per year, advanced care planning settles into a number one position when discussing retirement plans (Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2013). Professionals specializing in long-term care planning can assist by using a step-by-step method, establishing goals, and guiding a person through decision-making. Eagleview West specializes in long-term care planning. Learn More or Request a Care Planning Session.