Love and Challenges - Caring for Loved Ones

According to the latest statistics from the Alzheimer’s Association, over 11 million Americans provide unpaid care (totaling more than 16 billion hours) for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. 1 in 3 seniors die with dementia. Like many of you, I am one of those eleven million Americans who has cared for a family member – my mother. She lived with us for the last 6 years of her life, experienced increasing dementia and died peacefully at home just as the dementia was becoming severe. Having her close was a blessing as was her peaceful passing. But there’s no denying the challenges.

Recently, the Alzheimer’s Association sent a newsletter discussing Alex Berg’s new short film “Ruth” which portrays the relationship of a daughter caring for her mother with dementia. Watching the 9 minute video was a powerful reminder of the critical need for families to have some support as caregivers and as care recipients. The exhausting financial, physical and emotional tug-of-war between the demands of personal life and those of caring for a loved one can put family caregivers at risk. And those receiving care often long for greater control over where and how they receive care.

In my mother’s case, a financial advisor had talked her out of buying long term care insurance when she was in her 60s. By the time she realized her mistake, it was difficult to find a policy that would accept her health problems. We were able to enroll her in a life insurance plan with modest long term care benefits plus a home care plan. As it turned out, she passed away just before the claims were processed. The life insurance paid out income tax-free within one month of her passing, thank goodness. The family had cash on hand to cover all the final expenses plus a small inheritance for each of us. Mom died as she lived, helping those she loved.

Next Steps:

If you or someone you know would like to protect themselves and their loved ones from the worst effects of long term care giving, make an appointment to learn about long term care insurance options. If you have a loved one in need who lives too far away to easily support, check out our series “#9in9Caring” for practical ways to give care when you can’t be there.