As the holiday season approaches, November brings not only gatherings of family and friends but also an important reminder: it’s National Long-Term Care Awareness Month. This newsletter is designed to encourage you and your family to start conversations about long-term care (LTC) — what it means, how much it costs, and how to prepare financially and emotionally for the possibility of needing care in the future.
Why Long-Term Care Awareness Matters
Nearly 70% of people age 65 and older will require some form of long-term care during their lifetime (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). The cost of care is rising. In 2024, the national median annual cost of a private nursing home room exceeded $108,000 — and it continues to increase each year.
Long-term care isn’t just about nursing homes. It includes assisted living, in-home care, adult day care, and support with everyday activities like bathing, dressing, and eating. Without a plan, the burden of care often falls on family members or erodes retirement savings more quickly than expected.
Key Long-Term Care Planning Options
1. Traditional Long-Term Care Insurance
-Provides coverage for home health care, assisted living, or nursing facilities.
-Premiums are based on age and health at the time of application.
2. Hybrid Life Insurance with LTC Riders
-Combines permanent life insurance with long-term care benefits.
-Offers flexibility: if care is not needed, the policy still provides a death benefit.
3. Self-Funding or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
-Some individuals plan to use personal savings or HSAs to cover LTC costs.
-This requires disciplined saving and realistic cost projections.
4. Medicaid Planning-For those who spend down assets, Medicaid may cover certain LTC services.
-Requires careful planning due to strict eligibility rules.
-Typically, this a poverty-based welfare program.
Our Role in Your Long-Term Care Planning
As your advisor, we help you:
*Estimate potential LTC costs based on your health, family history, and region.
*Evaluate insurance and hybrid policy options that fit your financial plan.
*Coordinate with estate and tax professionals to protect assets and plan for care needs.
*Provide education and resources so you and
your family can make informed decisions.
Final Thoughts
Long-term care planning may not be a comfortable conversation, but it is one of the most important steps in building a resilient retirement strategy. National Long-Term Care Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to start — or revisit — the discussion.
By being proactive today, you can help ensure that your care needs are met tomorrow without placing an undue burden on loved ones.
Golf Tip of the Week
Fine-Tune Your Swing: Short Game & Balance Tips for Longer Play
As we head into cooler months and maybe play less frequently, sharpening certain parts of your game can help maintain consistency and enjoy the rounds more. Here are a few golf tips aimed at keeping your performance strong, especially for those of us who want steady improvement without over-taxing ourselves.
- Focus on the Short Game (100 Yards & In):
Spending more practice time on shots close to the green offers the biggest payoff. Accuracy in wedge shots, pitching, chipping—all of this can help save strokes. Practice from different distances (25, 50, 75, 100 yards) and varying lies.
- Align Before Power:
As physical capabilities change, mistakes in alignment tend to show up more. Using alignment sticks or visual markers during practice helps ensure you’re aiming properly. Small adjustments here often correct big issues in shot outcome.
- Maintain Flexible Wrist & Putting Mechanics:
Wrist control and putting stroke stability are huge. Try drills that help reduce unnecessary wrist movement in putting and maintain consistent angles. Keeping things smooth and repeatable over trying to force speed.
- Set Realistic Goals & Use Tech Feedback:
Games change over time; distance may decrease, flexibility may differ. Set goals appropriate to current ability—like reducing three-putts, improving up-&-downs, etc. Also, tools like motion sensors, stroke analysis can guide you, not replace good fundamentals.
Golf Tip Adapted from: Vokey. Read full article here: Fine Tune Your Short Game Strategy – Vokey Blog – Vokey Blog – Vokey Blog
Recipe Tip of the Week
In honor of National Guacamole Day, here’s an easy guacamole recipe you’ll love: Classic Guacamole
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1 small lime, juiced
- ½ small red onion, finely chopped
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small tomato, finely diced
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped cilantro and a little jalapeño for heat
Directions:
- Cut avocados in half, remove pits, scoop flesh into a bowl.
- Mash with fork, leaving some chunks.
- Stir in lime juice, onion, garlic, tomato.
- Season with salt & pepper. Add cilantro or jalapeño if using.
- Serve with chips or veggies.
Enjoy it fresh! Guac is best soon after making.
Recipe Tip Adapted from: All Recipes Read full article here: Easy Guacamole Recipe
Travel Tip of the Week
Choose the Right Season & Slower Pace for Best Trips
If you’re planning travel in 2025, consider going in the shoulder seasons (spring or early fall) rather than peak summer. Here’s why:
- Fewer crowds at popular spots, more relaxed pace.
- Often better weather—cooler mornings, comfortable days.
- Best deals: lodging and airfare tend to be cheaper and more flexible.
- More time to immerse in culture, enjoy local life rather than rushing attractions.
Also, when selecting destinations, look for those with good accessibility (transport, lodging, medical facilities) and a range of slower-paced options—scenic drives, gentle walks, local food & culture experiences, rather than intense itineraries.
Travel Tip Adapted from: GreatSeniorLiving – “Senior Travel Tours, Tips & Insights” Read full article here: greatseniorliving.com
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This material is prepared by BCA Private Wealth for informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for personalized investment advice or as a recommendation or solicitation or any particular security, strategy, or investment product.
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