When we recently received the premium increase notices concerning our long term healthcare policies, we were a little concerned. After we set up an online meeting with Melissa Barnickel and went through the particulars of the policies and the increased (doubled and increasing) coverage, we realized what a great thing we did by going with you 11 years ago. You worked with us to help defray the increased premium by paying annually instead of quarterly and helped us realize what comprehensive coverage we have. In spite of any future health concerns, our investments and home are safe, thanks to Melissa.
Dementia is a blanket term for memory loss and intellectual disabilities that interfere with daily tasks. However, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Disease makes up 60-80% of all types of dementia cases. Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging though. While it is documented that those older in years may experience slower thinking and the occasional difficulty with remembering something in particular, Alzheimer’s is much more severe and needs careful monitoring.
When people imagine long term care they often envision the elderly being cared for in nursing homes. However, research indicates that more often than not the reality of long term care does not actually reflect this image. In fact, there are several trends that are currently changing the face of long term care in America.
Jill Rosner, Geriatric Care Manager, Rosner Healthcare Navigation, columnist of this article from February 1, 2015 for Carroll County Times discusses the need to have a plan in place to cover custodial care with Melissa Barnickel, CPA, CLTC of Baygroup Insurance. Excerpts include:
Alheimer's Disease affects a reported 36 million people worldwide. Meryl Comer, award-winner reporter and Alzherimer's advocate has written a book " Slow Dancing With a Stranger: Lost and Found in The Age of Alzheimer's". It is quite powerful. She explains the struggle for diagnosis, emotional and financial hardships involved.
Throughout our lives, we enjoy spending time with our families and cherish those relationships. Sometimes, it is not happy times. As time goes on, we may need to ask help from family members to help with meal preparation, shopping, housework, finances and personal services, such as bathing, dressing or using the bathroom. If you were to need care today, who would that be? If you need care in 20 years who will that be? Will you be able to stay at home?
You know how long you can expect to live, it may help you with many financial planning decisions. Granted, this is not an absolute, but is yet another input to use.
Expertise and Patience -- Both are required by an insurance agent to help consumers sift through the maze of terminology and options in the world of insurance. Thank goodness I found Melissa Barnickel!!! Her no-pressure approach helped me immensely in navigating through that maze to find the LTC policy that best suited my needs. That was in 2007 and her support continues to this day with my ever present questions…some of which were often repetitive, I’m sure. Thanks, Melissa!!!
