04/14/2026
The Power of Planning: Lets put a plan together, call or text 229-392-6983.
A LTC Specialist's Story of Family/Friend
Two different families. Two different outcomes. Within my own family is a couple; he is turning 97 and she is 91. Living a very long life is more than the norm these days. His dementia (now advanced) had been progressing for years. Her Alzheimer's symptoms have been worsening as well. Both spouses had been playing their long term care insurance premiums for many years....they got their policies when they were relatively young "just in case", not that they thought they would actually need to use them.
When forgetfulness kicked in for him, we strongly suggested they move from their home to Independent Living. Soon it became apparent he need more attention and care, so he was moved again to the Assisted Living side of the facility. She visited him twice a day, every day. Then her cognition worsened, and she was also moved to the Assisted Living side.
Their togetherness did not last long when he was completely unable to take care of himself in all areas, and he was moved again to the Memory side of the facility. Before long, she began to wander, and she too needed to be in the Memory Care wing.
If there is a silver lining, it is that their long term care insurance policies cover the bulk of their expenses. When they got their policies, if you would have asked me if something like this would happen to them, I probably would have said "Not a Chance." They were highly independent and sharp; My role models. But life happens.
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On the other hand, my friend's mother had a major stroke. She did not have a spouse and had never even thought about Long Term care insurance. My friend and her brother trade off taking care of mom at home, not wanting to place her in a nursing home.
Their own family time has suffered significantly, as have their mental health and careers. Mom's limited resources have been a contributing to a part-time aide to help her adult children, but it is not enough. The situation is not sustainable in the long run and it is terribly sad to see the impact on their family. I try to be there for my friend as moral support, but I think "What if Mom had a long term care insurance policy?" How different their lives would be.
My thought is you should research this protection while it is still possible and think about the consequences to your loved ones.
Meredith Pensack--thank you for allowing me to share these stories.
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Here is another compelling story. This story reinforces how LTC Planning many times is NOT about the one that gets ill, it is about the physical & emotional impact to family members.
I'VE BECOME A PRISONER IN MY OWN HOME
This is what a self-funded LTC plan looks like in reality.
The quote at the start of this post was said to me by one of my clients. What's interesting is she and her husband had LTC insurance, very good LTC insurance. She called me in desperate frustration because her husband wouldn't talk about his need for help.
We scheduled a "policy review" meeting. He was clearly 2+ ADL disabled on a stand-by basis. He'd had multiple falls, broken ribs, messy head lacerations, all when his wife was out of the house. She was terrified to go to the grocery store.
After an analytical review of his coverage and agreeing that he was likely claim-eligible, he said, "But I'm just not ready to have a stranger come into the house to help me." (A very common sentiment for people with or without LTC insurance!)
And this is where his wife's original heartbreaking comment to me came into play.
I said, "Rich, the caregiver is not for you. It's for Barb. She needs to be able to go to the grocery or have lunch with friends without worrying about you."
We both looked over at his wife who had tears running down her face. He agreed to start home care that week. Why? To provide for his wife!
Bill Comfort-thank you for allowing me to share this story.
"Extend Care Planning is Critical in Retirement Planning"
BE PROACTIVE WITH LTC PLANNING--NOT REACTIVE
