Living with Diabetes

When we're young, it's hard to even imagine ourselves in our "golden" years, perhaps needing help with everyday activities. But the fact is, Americans are living longer now; and the longer we live, the more likely we'll be to need some kind of long term care.

It's smart to start planning for that care now.

What is Long Term Care?

Long term care is any kind of personal care provided on an extended basis for people who need help with certain activities of daily living. It can include feeding, bathing, dressing, etc., and it can be provided at home, in a community center, an assisted care facility or in a nursing home.

Things You Should Think About Now

You and your family should discuss these topics before you're forced to make quick decisions:

• Who do you want to make decisions regarding your care if you are unable?
• How can you make sure you ease the potential burden on your family?
• What long term care options are available for you (or for your aging parents)?

Who Pays for Long Term Care?

Unfortunately, long term care services are not adequately covered by most types of insurance or government programs. Medicare often covers some nursing care, but for a limited time. Medicaid steps in and pays for nursing home care only after most of your money is gone.

A Certified Financial Planner™ can help you put together a financial plan, which may include long term care insurance.

Long Term Care Options

Choosing the best type of care for your particular needs and finding the most appropriate care providers can be difficult and confusing. But there's lots of help available.

• Area Agencies on Aging can provide information on all kinds of services for the elderly – from home care and meals to legal help and nursing services. The Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116 – 9AM to 8PM EST weekdays) can refer you to your Area Agency on Aging.
• Nursing Home Compare on the Internet at www.medicare.gov/nhcompare/home.asp helps you locate and review nursing homes in your area.
• Hospital Discharge Planners and Social Workers can help coordinate long term care services.

There are also many free brochures available that provide very helpful information, including:

• "A Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home" – available from Medicare (1-800-633-4227)
• "Resource Directory for Older People" – from the Administration On Aging (www.aoa.gov/eldfam/eldfam.asp)
• "How to Choose a Home Care Provider" – from the National Association for Home Care (202-547-7424)

The section entitled "Tough Decisions Made Easier" contains more information to help you plan now for inevitable end-of-life decisions.

Planning for a Healthy Life

• Diabetes and How It Affects You
• A Healthier You
• Keeping Your Family Healthy
• Safe at Home
• Your Financial Health
• Planning for Your Later Years
• Tough Decisions Made Easier