What are your plans?
Have you seen the projections? Nearly 71.5 million adults, age 65 and over are projected to be living in the US by 2030. That is only 23 years from now. Already there is a huge and ongoing shortage of health care providers and that trend shows no sign of getting better. What about housing for Elders? And what about care? Do we have families that will provide us with any assistance? If not (which is likely for many), how are you going to find assistance? What services may or may not be available? Many folks think that Medicare will pay for in home assistance…it does not.
While this sounds like a lot of drama…believe me it’s not. These questions are designed to get you to think about your future and your future needs, and most importantly, how are you going to find and fund them.
So once again consider:
- If you need assistance, where will you find it?
- If you need assistance, how will you pay for it?
- Can you stay at home? Will it be safe? (For example, I currently have a 3 story home, what happens if I cannot negotiate the stairs in 27 years?)
- If you cannot stay at home, where will you go, and how will it be paid for?
- Do you have your wishes in writing? Is this document accessible by parties that may need them?
- Do you have a designated health care power of attorney/advocate? Are they clear about your wishes?
- Will you live alone, or in a community setting?
While now of us wants to think about possible unpleasant situation, the time to do so is now. Smart Older Wiser Women will certainly be wise and do some planning.
