Caring in America
With Podcast Host: Richard Wexler
Episode 120
When people think about planning for the future, they often focus on finances, estate planning, or housing decisions. But in Episode 120 of Caring in America, Richard Wexler turns to another essential part of aging well: care.
As Richard shares, while many of us avoid thinking about needing care, the reality is hard to ignore—most people will need some form of support at some point in life. Whether it’s temporary assistance after an accident, long-term help at home, or guidance through a loved one’s changing needs, planning ahead can make all the difference.
Why Care Belongs on the Home Team
This episode continues the conversation around The Home Team – APlan2Age’s growing network of professionals designed to help families navigate aging proactively rather than reactively.
Richard explains that care professionals are a critical part of every Home Team because care touches nearly every family, often when they least expect it.
As he says more than once in the episode: Stuff happens.
Accidents happen. Health changes happen. Crises happen.
And when they do, having trusted professionals already in place can provide clarity and support.
In-Home Care: Aging in Place with Support
For many people, staying at home is the preferred option.
Whether someone lives in a condo, townhome, or longtime family house, in-home care can allow individuals to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving the assistance they need.
Richard highlights why working with a reputable in-home care agency can be so valuable:
- Trained caregivers understand changing care needs
- Agencies provide backup if a caregiver is unavailable
- Professional caregivers are often bonded and insured
- Families have greater peace of mind than relying on informal arrangements
He also raises an important point many families overlook: privately hiring someone without agency support may seem less expensive, but it can carry risks—from gaps in coverage to liability concerns.
Planning for care is not just about who provides it, but how to ensure it is reliable and sustainable.
Senior Living and the Role of a Placement Specialist
For those considering options beyond the home, Richard discusses another important Home Team professional: the senior living placement specialist.
Many families don’t even know these experts exist.
Richard compares them to real estate professionals for senior living—people who understand local options, from independent living to assisted living and memory care.
A placement specialist can help families:
- Explore senior living communities that fit lifestyle and care needs
- Arrange tours and help compare options
- Understand pricing structures and levels of care
- Navigate specialized memory care communities when needed
His advice? Don’t wait for a crisis.
Get educated early.
Understanding what communities offer—and what they cost—before you need them can make future decisions far less overwhelming.
When Family Becomes the Care Plan
What happens when someone doesn’t want outside caregivers or senior living?
For many families, the answer becomes family caregiving.
Richard speaks candidly about the reality many adult children face—trying to support aging parents while balancing careers, marriages, children, and distance.
These situations raise difficult but necessary questions:
- What happens if a parent insists on staying home?
- Who provides the care?
- How does that affect work, family, or finances?
- What conversations need to happen now, before a crisis?
It’s a reminder that caregiving decisions don’t happen in isolation—they impact entire families.
What Is an Aging Life Care Expert?
One of the lesser-known professionals Richard introduces is the Aging Life Care expert (sometimes known as a geriatric care manager).
Steph notes this may be a new term for many listeners, and Richard explains why these professionals are such a valuable part of the Home Team.
They help families through:
- Care assessments
- Planning and problem-solving
- Coordinating support among family members
- Coaching family caregivers
- Crisis management and ongoing guidance
For families navigating complicated situations—especially long-distance caregiving—these professionals can bring both expertise and calm.
Education Is the Foundation
A theme running through the episode is education.
The Home Team is not just about connecting families to professionals when something goes wrong—it’s about helping people understand aging, prepare for it, and make informed decisions long before a crisis emerges.
As Richard puts it, aging is a good thing.
And because we’re all aging, planning for care isn’t a conversation for “someday.”
It’s a conversation for now.
Building 300 Home Teams Across America
Steph also reminds listeners that this mission is growing.
With a goal of building Home Teams in 300 cities nationwide, APlan2Age is inviting professionals—from care agencies and placement specialists to aging life care experts and beyond—to be part of this movement.
It’s an ambitious vision rooted in one simple idea:
Families shouldn’t have to navigate aging alone.
Coming Next Week: How Do You Pay for Care?
This episode lays the groundwork for an equally important next conversation: the cost of care and strategies to pay for it.
Because understanding care options is one thing.
Understanding how to afford them is another.
Stay tuned for Episode 121 as Richard and Steph continue the discussion.
Listen to Episode 120 of Caring in America and start thinking about what care planning could look like for you and your family—before you need it.
Get Involved
APlan2Age is actively building Home Teams in cities across the country, with a goal of reaching hundreds of communities.
If you are:
- A professional in estate planning, financial services, or another aging-related field
- Or someone who knows a trusted expert who should be part of this mission
👉 You’re invited to be part of something bigger.
Reach out: info@aplan2age.org
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Our country is entering a new chapter, one we have never seen before… over 100 million people are 50 years of age or older, and the need for care is going to be more and more prevalent. We are dreaming of a nation where aging and care are understood and become part of our normal conversations with family.
To make this a reality, we need your help!