Control Your Care Before Someone Else Does 

Without a long-term care (LTC) plan, decisions about your future could fall to others if you become incapacitated, and their choices may not align with your wishes. Failing to leave clear instructions could mean giving up control over: 

• Where and how you live 

• Who manages your care and finances 

• How legal and family matters are handled 

When healthcare providers, courts, or government agencies have to step in to make decisions on your behalf, they won’t know your values or priorities.  

That uncertainty can result in family conflict, financial strain, and the possibility of being cared for in a way you never wanted.  An LTC plan keeps those decisions in your hands. Working with your financial advisor and attorney, you can build a plan that reflects your wishes and protects your assets.

Financial Planning 

Have you considered how you’ll pay for long-term care, and whether you’re financially prepared? With your advisor, consider:  

1. Funding options: LTC insurance, hybrid life/LTC policies, HSAs, or self-funding strategies. 

2. Asset structure: How to structure your assets to preserve wealth and avoid depleting your savings or forcing a sale of a property. 

3. Cost projections: Estimating potential care expenses and ensuring steady income from retirement accounts, Social Security, or pensions. 

4. Tax efficiency: Identifying deductible LTC costs or using tax-advantaged funding approaches. 

A well-structured financial plan ensures your care preferences are supported without compromising your long-term stability. 

Legal Documents 

Your attorney will help formalize your wishes with clear, enforceable documents: 

• Durable Power of Attorney: Authorizes someone to manage your finances if you can’t. 

• Healthcare Power of Attorney: Names a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf. 

• Advance Directive/Living Will: Outlines your preferences for treatment, pain management, and end-of-life care. 

• HIPAA Authorization: Grants access to medical information for designated individuals. 

• Will and/or Trust: Directs how your assets are managed and distributed. 

Together, these documents protect your autonomy and ensure your choices carry legal weight.  

Personal Care Preferences 

Beyond finances and legalities, your personal wishes matter. Document details that define your comfort and dignity, such as: 

• Preferred living arrangements (aging in place, assisted living, near family, etc.) 

• Daily routines, religious practices, or social preferences 

• Specific facilities or caregivers you trust or want to avoid 

These preferences give caregivers and family clear direction when the time comes.  

Family Communication Plan 

Avoiding the LTC conversation with family often leads to confusion later. Talk openly with your family about your plan now, so you can clarify:  

• Who will handle your finances and healthcare decisions 

• How your property and assets will be managed 

• Where important documents are stored and how your loved ones can access them  

Early communication prevents conflict, reduces stress, and helps everyone stay aligned with your wishes.  

Ongoing Review and Maintenance 

Your LTC plan should evolve with your life; it’s not a “one and done.” Review it regularly, or at least after major life changes such as retirement, marriage, or health shifts. Keep your advisor, attorney, and healthcare professionals connected to ensure everything stays up to date and consistent. 

Take the First Step 

If you’re 50 or older, this is the time to plan for long-term care. Starting early gives you the greatest control and flexibility over your options. Schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your options and create a plan that protects your future on your terms.