Where are we most independent as we age?

Where are we most independent as we age?

Author: Diane Stoddart, Certified Long Term Care Consultant, CLTC July 2, 2026 Duration: 11:38
This week we turn independence upside down. We think we're independent when we can live and receive care in our homes, but that forces our family to reshape their lives to support our progressing needs. Then families feel really bad when they realize they can't do it - they never knew how much work and time it takes. So many parents beg their children to never "put" them somewhere. Or when the subject comes up, they exclaim, "I'm not ready yet!" But then, after they do move to Senior Living, the new exclamation becomes "OMG, why didn't I move her sooner?" Senior Living communities are evolving to meet Baby Boomer demands for comfort and activities. Today, the good ones can be considered Resorts with Help. The better ones, with the best employees who can nurture our well-being and create a great culture cost more than others. The median cost for assisted living today across the country is $75,000 annually and is expected to increase to over $200,000 per year in 20 years. That's median, so the resort like places will cost more. We need to prepare today so we can choose where we can live later. View current and projected costs of care (use 5% inflation growth) at https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care Schedule a brief introductory call or zoom meeting with Diane at https://calendly.com/diane-p4t/30min

Diane Stoddart brings a professional yet deeply personal perspective to the complex world of long-term care planning in Preparing For Tomorrow podcast. As a Certified Long Term Care Consultant, she understands that preparing for future care needs involves more than just finances-it's about safeguarding your family's well-being and peace of mind. Each conversation cuts through the industry jargon to clarify the real options available, from insurance products to legal strategies, all aimed at protecting your life savings from being depleted by unexpected care costs. You'll hear Diane break down essential concepts and terms, making a daunting subject feel manageable and urgent. Alongside expert guests, she explores the emotional and physical dimensions of caregiving, offering a holistic view that acknowledges the full weight of these decisions. This isn't about fear; it's about empowerment through knowledge. Tuning into this podcast provides a straightforward guide to creating a practical plan, ensuring you can face tomorrow with confidence rather than anxiety, knowing your loved ones and your legacy are secure.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Preparing For Tomorrow podcast
Podcast Episodes
He walked out on us [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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What is LTC Partnership and how can it help me? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:00
This week, we learn about how state LTC Partnership programs started and how they developed over time to include most states. What is Long Term care Partnership? Why is this an effective way to help middle income and mid…
How did I get here & why do I stay? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:42
People sometimes ask how I got involved in LTC insurance and how do I feel always talking about getting old or sick because it's so depressing. Here's how long term care and LTC insurance showed up in my life and why I a…
How can the insurance company pay if no one is billing them? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:16
LTC insurance claims are hard to get approved because so many claims are not actually long term care. When a claim is declined, the family becomes disgruntled and angry at the insurance company. Usually the problem is wh…
be One of the few [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:04
This week, we discuss the costs of dementia care vs. other long term care needs. Too many believe Medicare pays for care after age 65. Medicare may pay for up to 100 days if skilled care is also needed to help recovery f…
nearly 800,000 care workers needed by 2034 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:03
As baby boomers reach age 80 this year, with the immigrant population in the US diminishing, and seeing the almost 80% turnover of employees in home care, assisted living and nursing home care, we are getting ever closer…
We can't keep doing this to the women in our lives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:05
In the U.S., almost 13 million unpaid/family caregivers are caring for someone with dementia right now. Many are doihng this without help or support from other family members. Most family caregivers are women who live wi…
What is a biomarker?  Why should I care? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:06
The Alzheimer's Association released a Special Report that updates dementia and dementia care information. I have on;y read about 1/3 of the info so far, so I expect I'll have a lot more to share over the nexrt several w…
It's either your plan or someone else's plan for you [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:45
We need to decide if we're going to make our own care decisions when we can no longer live alone or independantly. Or are we going to leave those decisions to a governement employee who must follow whatever the current g…