Few Seniors Prepared for Long-Term Illness

If something sudden happened - a fall, a stroke, a heart attack, an accident - would you and your family be prepared?

If the answer is "no," you're not alone.

According to according to a 2009 study by Avalere Health, a research and consulting firm, and the Kaiser Family Foundation, only about 10 percent of seniors have insurance coverage for nursing home care or assisted living.

That's why, although difficult, it is so imperative to have a plan. Here are five steps to help you start planning with ease:Talk to your family. Something as simple as having a family meeting can pay dividends later. Socialize the issue of planning and play the "what if" game because you and your family will be more effective and ready to act if/when a need arises.

Mobilize your support system, or the support system of a loved one.

According to msn.com, for many people, that's going to mean patching together a safety net that consists of savings, caregiver help from friends and family, support from local community services and perhaps long-term-care insurance.

1.

Think about your family, friends and loved ones.

Who is nearby? Who lives furthest away? Then, consider everyones' strengths and roles those close to you may play, i.e. who might be able to help with finances versus looking after belongings, etc.

2.

Consider your own strengths and weaknesses, both physically and mentally.

For example, are you a worrier? Try to establish a fitness routine to manage your stress that you can adapt as you age. Another example: if you're 35 and your eyesight is already poor, consider your needs down the road if it progressively worsens. Or maybe you've got an existing medical condition that you manage - talk to your doctor about ways to manage it as you age.

3.

Know what resources you have locally. Is there an elder care attorney you could speak with? Are there special programs for seniors? Talk to a local homecare agency and/or your doctor. They will be able to point you in the right direction.

4.

And finally, evaluate what you enjoy doing. What gives your life meaning and purpose?

Exercise? Cooking? Going to the movies? Gardening? Sports? Fishing?

5.

Whatever it is, hold on to these things, and make sure that, no matter where you are in life or whatever your abilities are, you are able to keep them up as long as you can. Even if you and/or your loved one(s) need assistance someday, be sure to find a provider that will help see this through.

These are some great first steps toward planning for an unknown future. Thinking about it is the first step, but in the grand scheme of things, one step is better than none at all.

Have you or has a loved one done some planning?

Is there something that was particularly helpful? Please share them!

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