Anticipate Home Care Needs – Map a Retirement Route

​A growing number of seniors have chronic conditions and symptoms of aging that impede their quality-of-life and independence but don’t meet eligibility requirements for Medicare home care benefits. Limited, grant-funded help is available to those with financial hardship, but it’s vulnerable to cutbacks. That’s why the VNA encourages everyone to plan for home care.

Carole and Drew Lindstedt weren’t immediately sold on long-term care insurance when a neighbor touted its virtues. Carole was a teacher pursuing her love of ice and country western dancing by performing in exhibitions. Drew was successful, physically fit and an avid outdoorsman. They had every reason to envision an active retirement.
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However, their lives changed dramatically – and that’s when the wisdom of purchasing long-term care insurance with home care benefits proved pivotal. After Carole was diagnosed with a form of cancer that led to painful spine fractures, Drew served as her “wonderful caregiver” – until a vehicle accident rendered him in need of a caregiver as well.

Now, despite their adversities, the Lindstedts carry on with remarkably good humor and practical assistance from VNA Private Care aides Diana M. and Lynn M. who collectively spend eight hours at their home each day.

In fact, the couple was eager to sign-on for VNA transport assistance when it was introduced this past year. Although Carole can still drive, she worries about fatigue, so Lynn now takes Drew to the doctor and other destinations, making local travel more stress-free for the couple.
 
*Transport is available only to clients enrolled in VNA Private Care. Clients who require transport must provide their own safe, fully insured vehicle.

An accident has rendered Drew Lindstedt, once an avid sportsman and primary caregiver for his wife, Carole, in need of a helping hand himself. Because the Lindstedts had the foresight to buy long-term care insurance, he now receives support from Lynn M., and his wife is assisted by another VNA private-duty aide.