5 Key Strategies for Starting a Long-Term Care Insurance Discussion with Your Parent

By Steve Elliott | June 29, 2016 | Comments Off on 5 Key Strategies for Starting a Long-Term Care Insurance Discussion with Your Parent

Long-Term Care Insurance in San Diego CA

long-term care insurance in san diegoYou’ve seen the signs developing. As much as you don’t really want to think about your aging parent losing their physical capabilities or even the fact that they may face health challenges in the future, you’re aware that long-term care insurance should be discussion to have with them sooner rather than later.

In the AARP article, How to Discuss Long-Term Care, they note:

“Talking with your parents about what they want as they get older doesn’t have to be one long sit-down conversation. Instead, when the moment is right, think of working your concerns into everyday exchanges. Don’t stall while waiting for the perfect opportunity, however, or an emergency might arise before you’ve had a chance. Be intentional, and direct if necessary, but stay sensitive to your parents’ wishes and concerns.”

When you recognize the need to broach this topic and begin having this discussion with them, here are 5 strategies that can make a significant difference, leading to them being focused on doing the right things for themselves and those whom they care about most.

“Good planning crosses the legal, financial, medical and practical aspects of aging. It involves everything from saving money and buying insurance to thinking through an advance health care directive. It requires deciding where you want to live and how your day-to-day needs can be met if you’re not driving, walking or able to keep up a home anymore (Forbes).”

Strategy #1: Avoid making assumptions. 

The moment you begin assuming you know how your father or mother will react, it already changes the approach. When you begin a conversation with, “Dad, I know you’re going to argue …” then you’re actually opening up the argument from your first words.

Strategy #2: Be willing to listen. 

When a person is uncertain about things, they may not express their opinions too clearly. This is why it’s so crucial that you actually listen to what they have to say.

It means you should also ask questions and give them the time and space to answer.

Strategy #3: Let them know you empathize. 

Empathy isn’t always easy to achieve, but when you can convey that you truly do understand the challenges they might be having just thinking about long-term care, it will help comfort them and open up the conversation.

“Dad, I know this isn’t easy, but I’m going to have to do the same thing for myself in time,” is one simple way to get that intention across.

Strategy #4: Be honest. 

There could be certain things you want to keep hidden from your loved one because you believe it will only influence them in a negative way. Don’t do that. The more open, honest, and forthright you are, the better it’ll be for this conversation.

Strategy #5: Remain calm. 

Your aging loved one may get upset or angry. Allow them to if they need. Just remain calm and don’t raise your voice or try to engage them in a shouting contest.

When you follow these strategies, it will make all the difference in the world for helping them realize the benefits of long-term care planning.

If you or a loved-one are considering Long-Term Care Insurance in San Diego CA, please contact Steve Elliott at Capstone Insurance for an honest discussion about your future and your options. Call today (858) 350-3161.

Steve Elliott
Latest posts by Steve Elliott (see all)
Posted in Long-Term Care Insurance in San Diego CA and tagged