ABC: Act Before Crisis
Plan
A plan can create Peace of Mind for the Senior and the Family. Unfortunately, many of us experience health issues as we age. We have choices, we can plan before a health event or react in crisis once the event has occurred. Conversations with thousands of families has shown that planning can minimize stress, ensure all necessary preparations are in place and support an easier experience.
Your plan should include:
Family Conversation
Legal Planning
Financial Planning
Creating the plan
Starting a care plan involves several key steps:
an assessment of the loved one’s physical, emotional, and social needs
This will involve conversations, questions and an understanding of their medical history.
Identify achievable goals based on this assessment
These goals should be specific, measurable and attainable.
outline specific strategies and actions to achieve these goals
This may include medical treatments, lifestyle changes, or therapeutic activities. The plan may include healthcare professionals, family members, or the individual themselves.
implement the plan. Ensure all involved understand their roles and responsibilities
You will want to regularly review the plan to assess progress towards the goals. You will need to adjust the plan as necessary based on any changes. It is a great idea to document actions and progress as you work through the plan.
Navigate the plan with this template
We have created a template to help guide you and your family on this journey. There are areas that may or may not be relevant at this time, but might arise in the future. The goal is to look at where you are right now, and plan for the future. The Plan is meant to be a guiding light, to open communication, and to be flexible. It is recommended to revisit your family’s plan annually, if not more often, and whenever a health or life event arises (injury/fall, moving, finances change due to retirement/new job, etc). Below you are able to see how two families utilized the guide to make it work for their family’s needs.
Matt Jamison’s Plan
Learn more about the Jamison Family...
My Dad, Jim is 82 and lives in Denver, CO with my Mom, Alice, who is 79. I’m Matt, their son. I am 48 years old and live in Las Vegas, NV with my wife, Molly, and our son (22) and daughter (18).
My brother, Jack (39), and his wife, Connie, lives in Columbus, OH with their daughter (14) and son (11).
Dad needs some help. Mom is currently taking it on, but she has a bad knee and is struggling… we need to start the conversation.
Jennifer Jackson’s Plan
Learn more about the Jackson Family...
My mom, Mary Smith, is 75 and lives in Buffalo, NY. I’m her daughter, Jennifer (38), a single mom (12 & 8), and live about 25 miles away. My brother, John (42), and his wife, Margie, lives in LaCrosse, WI with their sons (14 & 9) and daughter (11).
Dad died about 3 years ago. Mom is doing okay right now and she wants to live at the home they build together, in 1980, for the remainder of her life. She expects me to provide care down the road if needed, but I do not feel this is feasible. Her money is tight but care may be needed outside of the home… we need to start the conversation and plan more.
You are not in this alone. There is help.
Please keep in mind these specialists are paid for their time in helping families.