Navigating long-term care for aging parents? Discover essential tips and strategies to ensure safety and support for your loved ones.

Shelley and I are in our mid‑50s, and if you’re part of our generation (Go GenXers!), you’ve probably thought about, have, or are currently supporting aging parents.

A couple of years ago, my siblings and I moved our father out of his mountain home. He and our mom had lived there for 30 years. After our mom passed, the next obvious question was: How long can Dad make it on his own? Well, that journey was not a straight line. Like many families, our process had its twists and turns. In the end, we were able to get our father into a safe place. He’s cared for, has what he needs, and he’s safe. Luck certainly played a role in getting us there.

My parents planned for retirement, but they didn’t plan for the long‑term care (LTC) part of aging. The reality is that 70% of people who reach age 65 will need some form of long‑term care during their lives.* And the cost? It’s not going down. According to Mutual of Omaha, the national average cost for a private room in a nursing home is now over $125,000. Over the last 10 years, average LTC costs have climbed more than 30%.

(*Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)

For many families, care needs start small, maybe some help around the house, and then gradually increase. Parents and siblings may not live near each other. It can be hard to keep up with how things are progressing. Which is why it’s essential to have long‑term care conversations early, before health issues become more serious.

Back to our story: thankfully, there were enough assets. Once liquidated, they will cover several years of private care for my dad. But if he outlives that timeframe, he’ll rely on the public system. Which is fine, but a little help with the long-term care cost can make a big difference in care. It’s not always about covering all of the long-term care costs. If my mom were still alive and also needed long‑term care, I don’t know what that would look like today. Statistically, women need more long‑term care than men—69% versus 31%, according to Mutual of Omaha. Who will need what services and when…that’s the big unknown.

A few thoughts: discuss long‑term care as a family sooner rather than later. Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other aging illnesses can be hard to spot at first; they sneak in gradually. Trying to navigate these conversations once an illness has taken hold is challenging. Talk openly with your family about living arrangements as your loved ones age. This is a personal decision for each family member. Discussing it early, before assumptions take hold, helps maintain healthy relationships when you need them most. 

Questions to Discuss:

• Does the plan allow loved ones to stay in their home as long as possible? Will they receive the support they’ll need?
  
• Are steps being taken to protect our most important relationships?
  
• Is the retirement savings plan also the long‑term care plan? Is that ok? Do we have other options?

There’s no one‑size‑fits‑all long‑term care insurance policy. But here are a few key features worth considering:

• Inflation Protection: Helps your benefits grow over time. In some states, inflation protection qualifies your policy for the LTC Partnership Program. If you use up your benefits, you may be able to apply for Medicaid while protecting a portion of your assets.
  
• Stay‑at‑Home Benefits: Allows you to get the help you need without leaving your home.
  
• Cash Benefits: Some policies include a built‑in monthly cash benefit with no elimination period, giving you flexibility and immediate support.
  
• Professional Home Health Care Rider: Provides additional funds for skilled care from a nurse or licensed professional.
  
• Care Coordination: Gives you access to a care coordinator who can assess your situation, build a personalized care plan, and help arrange services.

If you’re starting to think about long‑term care for yourself or a loved one, let’s talk. We’ll walk through your options, answer your questions, and help you find a solution that protects your aging loved ones and provides clarity for the entire family. 

You can reach out to us at 602.935.1540 or book a time to talk at harmonhc.com. We’re here to help, one conversation at a time.

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Healthy Hint

🌅 Black Rice & Spinach Breakfast Bowl (for 2)

Visit https://harmonhc.com/gallery/ to see images of this original recipe.

🛒 Ingredients

• 🌾 1 cup black rice (uncooked)
  
• 🌱 1 cup raw spinach
  
• 🥔 1 raw potato (diced)
  
• 🥫 Canned beets (as many as you like) — Check the label to ensure no added sugar or artificial additives.
  
• 🥚 2 eggs (one per person)
  
• 🌿 Chives or green onions (for garnish)
  
• 🫒 ½ tsp olive oil
  
• 🌶️ Seasoning: Sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano
  
• Optional: A spoonful of hummus
  

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. 🌾 Cook the Rice:
   Prepare 1 cup of black rice according to the package instructions. Let it rest when done.
   
2. 🥔 Cook the Potatoes:
   
   • Dice the raw potato into small pieces.
     
   • In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
     
   • Add the diced potatoes and season with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
     
   • Sauté until golden brown and tender.
     
3. 🥚 Poach the Eggs:
   
   • In a small skillet, add ½ tsp olive oil and fill halfway with water.
     
   • Bring to a boil, then crack in the eggs.
     
   • Cook for a few minutes until the whites are set and the yolks are slightly runny.
     
4. 🥗 Assemble the Bowl:
   
   • Place a bed of raw spinach in each bowl.
     
   • Top with warm, cooked black rice and sautéed potatoes.
     
   • Add canned beets (without added sugar or artificial additives) to the side.
     
   • Gently place a poached egg on top of each bowl.
     
   • Garnish with chopped chives or green onions.
     
   • Add a spoonful of hummus if desired.
     
5. 🌶️ Season & Enjoy:
   
   • Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
     
   • Dig in and enjoy this delicious, nutritious breakfast! 🥄🥗🍳
     

This is a great meal to prep ahead of time for the on-the-go mornings. I pass on the potatoes and use a hard boiled egg instead. Easy to throw together!

Visit https://harmonhc.com/gallery/ to see images of this original recipe.