Navigating Long-Term Care and Aging Parents in 2026

Written By Amy Irvine

About the Guest(s):

Amy Irvine is the CEO and founder of Rooted Planning Group, a renowned financial planning firm known for its genuine and practical approach to financial advice. With years of experience as a financial advisor, Amy is dedicated to making money conversations real and relatable, firmly rooted in her clients' goals. Her expertise in financial planning spans across various topics, including retirement and long-term care planning, caregiver coordination, and more. Additionally, she is the host of the popular "Money Roots" podcast, where she shares insights and engages in meaningful discussions about financial strategies and planning.

Episode Summary:

Welcome to an insightful episode of "Money Roots" with Amy Irvine. In this episode, Amy delves into the crucial topic of long-term care planning and aging parents, addressing the concerns and questions that often emerge during the holiday season. As families gather, many realize the evolving care giving needs of their elderly parents, and Amy offers valuable guidance on planning for these eventualities.

Amy references the book "Hidden Truths about Retirement and Long Term Care" to shed light on the misconceptions surrounding long-term care, emphasizing that it spans far beyond nursing homes. She explores alternatives like aging in place and assisted living, highlighting the importance of having a solid financial plan to cover these options. Amy also discusses how aging individuals often downplay their needs, sharing anecdotes that illustrate this tendency. Through stories and statistics, she underscores the significance of addressing both physical and mental well-being as families navigate the complexities of caring for aging loved ones.

Key Takeaways:

  • Long-term care is more than nursing homes: It includes a spectrum of services, from home health care to assisted living, aimed at maintaining an individual's independence and safety.

  • Recognizing the signs of aging: Often the need for additional help becomes evident during family gatherings, making it essential to observe and address any care giving requirements.

  • Communication is key: Having open discussions with aging parents about their needs and introducing help, sometimes with outside assistance, can facilitate smoother transitions.

  • Early planning eases future challenges: Documenting preferences and planning financially for long-term care can prevent future family disputes and emotional stress.

  • Utilizing resources: Books, experts, and structured programs are available to guide families through caregiving decisions and planning.

Notable Quotes:

  1. "Long term care is more than nursing home." - Amy Irvine

  2. "Basically, the same age as maybe even older than some of the people that were in there, and she refers to them as the old people." - Amy Irvine

  3. "We need to be thinking about their physical strength and their mental strength." - Amy Irvine

  4. "She had such a great relationship with the caregiver that we ended up bringing in." - Amy Irvine

  5. "We need to bring in outside influences to help them." - Amy Irvine

Resources:

For more in-depth discussions and insights, be sure to listen to the full episode of "Money Roots." Stay tuned for future episodes featuring expert guests who will provide guidance on planning effectively for life's anticipated and unanticipated financial challenges.

Amy Irvine
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