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.
Have you been a caregiver for a loved one who did not have insurance to pay for long term care and they relied solely on you for help? Did it impact your health, your lifestyle, or income? Would you have preferred that you could supervise the care instead?
Throughout their working years most people look forward to a long life, dream of what they want to do when they retire, and save with hopes that it will be a worry-free time for finances. However, while budgeting for retirement many people forget to account for one of the most important aspects of this special time in their lives: their long term care.
Professional, knowledgeable and so helpful...these are just a few of the outstanding qualities of Melissa Barnickel! A Long Term Care policy and our Medicare Supplemental Health Plan was chosen with Melissa's guidance. Melissa even helps us yearly with checking that our Medicare Drug Plan is most economical for our needs. Make it easy and less stressful...contact Melissa!!!
T. and J. B., Sparks, Maryland in Baltimore County, MD
If you need assistance and advice with insurance, I highly recommend Baygroup Insurance. Melissa Barnickel has never failed to respond quickly to my questions or pleas for help. The world of insurance can be a scary place. It is a comfort to have someone in your corner who understands your needs. Thanks, Melissa.
Even though we ultimately decided against purchasing insurance, we truly appreciated all of your time and expertise as we explored options. Thanks so much, Melissa!
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.
