What Every Family Should Do Before a Senior Care Crisis
Bodacious Estate Conversations | Episode 123
Featuring Meg Motter, Director of Life Care Planning at Bellomo & Associates
Families often begin planning for care only after a fall, hospitalization, or sudden change in health. By then, decisions may need to be made quickly, while family members are worried and trying to understand unfamiliar options.
In Episode 117 of Bodacious Estate Conversations, Meg Motter, Director of Life Care Planning at Bellomo & Associates, discusses how families can start planning earlier, prepare for changes, and find support when care needs become urgent.
Start talking about wishes before decisions are urgent
Planning ahead gives family members more time to understand what matters to their loved one and what kinds of care they may want. Meg encourages families to think about their later years well before a crisis arises and to talk about their hopes and wishes with their children.
Those conversations can help adult children understand what a parent wants. Without them, family members may be left trying to make difficult choices without knowing the person’s preferences.
The goal is not to predict every future need. It is to start learning, discussing options, and making wishes clearer while there is time to do so.
Get help understanding care options
Families may not know what questions to ask about assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, or other support until they are already facing a decision. Meg describes life care planning as a way to help families understand available resources and work through the choices in front of them.
When a family is already in crisis, the situation may move quickly. An initial conversation can still provide reassurance and information, even before a longer planning process begins.
Make a plan that accounts for care and finances
The conversation also covers the financial pressure that can come with long-term care. Meg notes that families should not assume Medicare will cover every care need. She describes looking at available resources and planning with the family so that care needs and financial sustainability are considered together.
Each family’s circumstances are different. A plan should reflect the person’s goals, available resources, and the needs of family members who may also be affected.
Consider who can advocate when family is far away
When the person making decisions lives out of the area, it can be difficult to know what is happening day to day. Meg describes her team’s role as providing local support and helping families stay informed about a loved one’s situation.
She also discusses helping families navigate communication among healthcare professionals. With a family’s involvement, an advocate may attend certain appointments, take notes, and share information afterward. The support needed depends on the person and the circumstances.
Plan for changing needs
Care needs can change after a fall, hospitalization, or move to a new setting. Meg describes an assessment of the person’s current situation and working alongside the family on immediate needs, then continuing to support the family as circumstances develop.
A successful outcome looks different for each person. In the episode, Meg describes it as helping the person and family pursue their goals, while considering care needs and available resources.
About Meg Motter
Meg Motter is the Director of Life Care Planning at Bellomo & Associates. In this episode, she shares her perspective on planning for aging, supporting families during care transitions, and helping people navigate complex care situations.
Listen to Episode 117
This episode and article are for general educational purposes. They are not legal, medical, or financial advice. Families should consult qualified professionals about their individual situations.
