6 Tips for Resilient Planning (Part Two)
November 15, 2012 12:17 PM
6 Tips for Resilient Planning
In part one of our two-part series on long term care planning, we looked at reasons behind long term care avoidance among Americans, according to Genworths 2012 State of Planning survey.
In part two, Pyschologist and Money Coach Dr. Barbara Nusbaum provides suggestions on how to put these difficult emotions of fear and anxiety to good use.
Here are 6 tips for resilient planning.
In part two, Pyschologist and Money Coach Dr. Barbara Nusbaum provides suggestions on how to put these difficult emotions of fear and anxiety to good use.
Here are 6 tips for resilient planning.
1. Its Natural
Remind yourself that everyone feels some fear, anxiety, sadness, and worry when thinking about a long term care event. Dont feel badly about these feelings. Be resilient by using them and not avoiding them.
2. Seek Professionals
Choose a trusted long term care planning partner who can help carve out a plan that addresses personal anxieties and concerns for yourself and your family.
3. The 3-Column List
Get clear and specific on anxieties, thoughts and wishes by creating a 3-column list. In the first column list anxieties; in the 2nd column list specific thoughts about that anxiety; and in the 3rd column list what a wished-for scenario looks like. The wished-for scenarios are the goals for your long term care plan.
4. Have a Meaningful Conversation with your Planner
Have the conversation in at least three scheduled meetings. A conversation on the fly is a form of avoidance. While there may be concerns about money, these concerns are more often than not a part of the long term care planning process. Not planning because of money concerns is a form of avoidance and the potential cost of not planning can be far more expensive and worrisome than planning.
5. Do Your Research
Educate yourself by speaking with others who have had a long term care event, caregivers and long term care plan experts to get a clear and true picture of what long term care may actually be like. Also speak to a long term care planning advisor to see what your options are, particularly focusing on your wish-list.(watch for avoidance)
6. The Plan
Finally, with a long term care partner and long term care advisor, develop a plan that gets as close to your wish-list as possible.
