Which Window Will She Be Looking Out?

“Which window will she be looking out?” Are you serious? What kind of question is that to be asking? Unfortunately, the answer is…a difficult one.

For years I have joked with my mother… “mom, you had better be nice to me since I’m the one that picks out your nursing home.” 

Her reply… ‘son, if there’s anything left when the Good Lord takes me, I have miscalculated.”

My mom and I like to banter with one another. In fact, I am fortunate. Although she has slowed up and the Covid-19 pandemic has put a damper on our lives she is now age 92, lives next door, drinks dirty martini's and up until this past year, was an avid golfer.

It has always been humbling knowing she could always kick my butt in golf. To this day, I refuse to play the game.

The other consideration for which I am extremely grateful it that I was able to get her insured with Bankers United, now Transamerica Life Insurance Company when she was in her early 70's. She has had numerous rate increases on her policy but to us, that is more than acceptable. After all, I want her to look out the window of our choice.

Crisis Planning or Long-term Care Planning?

In all seriousness, this is a topic that needs to be addressed before it is too late. Think about this. How many Americans died in Long-Term Care facilities? As of the publishing of this article, the answer is –

“More than 43,000 long-term care residents and staff have died from COVID-19, representing over a third of the nation’s known coronavirus deaths, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation tally.” AARP

It has also been reported by the New York Times, although only 10% of those diagnosed with Covid-19 in the U.S. over 40% of the death have been attributed to those residents in long-term care facilities. New York Times.

Although some states such as Florida have done a better job of controlling death, even with spikes in reported cases, with roughly 3000; those that have died from Covid-19, over 50% (1612) were confined to long-term care facilities. Tampa WFLA News 8

I suspect many of these residents were in these long-term care facilities because they were unable to receive care at home.

Unfortunately, in most situations, when someone receives government assistance, such as Medicaid, extended home health care services are not available. 

What sticks in my mind is just how awful it must have been for loved ones to be separated by walls and windows.

What are families to do?

Every family has an “alpha” member. It is usually the alpha sibling that takes charge of the financial and caregiving responsibilities of an aging parent of other family member. However, over time, the physical and emotional toll levied on caregivers often causes undue hardship to not only the caregiver but to the entire family dynamic. Siblings argue over money or how care it to be delivered. Spouse’s face depression and caregiving challenges themselves.  

These pressures often force families into making decisions they would prefer not to make. One terrible decision is to place mom in a Medicaid run facility.  Unfortunately, sometimes this is the only option especially when the financial resources are limited.  

Most families do not realize it until it is too late…

As income drops below roughly $2300, in most states, Medicaid Facilities are the only choice for care whereby the cost for services can be paid for by the state(s). READ MORE

There are alternatives-

One of the best resources to learn more about  Long-term Care Planning options can be found at  Living Room Learning ? Channel 

A consumer content library of On-Demand Educational Videos, Live Internet Broadcasts and Resource Material pertaining to various Asset Preservation, Retirement Income, Charity, Estate, Medicare, and Long- Term Care Planning services.