Tips for long term care planning for every age
If you're unprepared, long term care can have drastic effects on you and your family - physically, mentally and financially.
Whether you've just started saving or have been building your nest egg for years, right now you may feel that your financial future is a bit uncertain. With 401(k), savings and investment portfolios worth significantly less today than just months ago, it's important to safeguard as much for your retirement as possible. The average cost of one year in a private nursing home room
"Particularly in today's economy, people should educate themselves about the many choices and opportunities they have for themselves and their families to meet the challenges of living a long life - and ensuring the best quality of life that they can," said Genworth spokesperson
As President Obama and the Congress begin to shape a new healthcare platform, consumers will begin to see a sharp distinction between what might be covered under health care proposals and the spectrum of care covered by a long term care insurance policy.
"Even those Americans who once thought they could self-insure for long term care may not be able to now, considering the recent downturn of our financial markets," Boglioli said. "This certainly points to the wisdom of educating yourself about all the options and making the decision that's best for you and your family."
Following are the steps to take throughout the decades of your life to be prepared:
TAKING CHARGE AT ANY AGE
Here are the top four things you can do to take charge of your health and finances. These are great guidelines that build on each other as you age.
20s - Commit to physical and financial health. A healthy relationship with your body AND your money starts now.
30s - Maintain your medical records and know what's written in them. Check for red flags and mistakes and ensure you see that they are appropriately addressed.
40s - Review your current insurance policies and investments. Start researching what options are available to you in case of a long term care event and who may provide them. Make sure you have planning documents such as a living will and medical power of attorney. Discuss your wishes with your family should a long term care event occur.
50s and beyond - Put your long term care plan in writing. You can rely on your family, the limited funds of the government, yourself or long term care insurance to pay for the care you may need in the future. Only you - with some careful financial planning - will know what the best option is for you.
About Long Term Care Insurance from Genworth Financial
Genworth Financial's Long Term Care Insurance business helped pioneer the development of long term care insurance in 1974 and has been an industry leader ever since. Long term care insurance is underwritten by Genworth Life Insurance Company, and in
About Genworth Financial
Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW) is a leading Fortune 500 global financial security company. Genworth has more than
* National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information, www.longtermcare.gov.
** Genworth Financial's, 2008 Cost of Care Study conducted by Care Scout.
SOURCE Genworth Financial