If you are a non-planner or a risk-chooser, its very possible to end up in the worst nursing homes or become the greatest burden to your children.

The path to long-term care planning is the hardest issue you will face. The toughest and biggest boundary saved for the final days of our lives…tada it’s healthcare! But with proper life choices, it is very possible to position yourself for a fulfilling end-of-life.

End-of-life, if it seems far off, this article is not for you. If you are a non-planner or a risk-chooser, its very possible to end up in the worst nursing homes or become the greatest burden to your children.

Not very uplifting news? Here is one way to overcome healthcare obstacles during our end-of-life. The step to care planning begins with a label. Are you a non-planner, pre-planner, planner or risk-chooser?

First, could DEPENDENCY ever happen to you? Does your care-plan start with a perception of vulnerability?


Second, should you concern yourself now? Those who say yes, have a perception of timeliness.


Third, is it your responsibility? Will you place a burden on your family, others or the government?



Fourth, who has control of your healthcare? Who assumes responsibility for your future care? Is it you or is your fate in the control of others?

Do you have adequate information and is your perception of resources imagined or calculated? Do you have an understanding of options, programs or eligibility requirements?

Do you have the needed resources? Will your burden be shared by your family, church, insurance, government and medical? Or will you place the weight on one of these only?

Areas of planning involve financial, social and comprehensive. Perceiving that one might need long-term care is NECESSARY to begin planning according to Suzanne R Kunkel and Valerie Wellon et al.

Without a perception of personal relevance, all relevant information, ideas and scare tactics, will be regarded as “stories about others.” Not all focus group participants demonstrate a sense of vulnerability to long-term care dependency, BUT ALL ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR OWN MORTALITY.

Non-planners never think about the possibility they might be vulnerable. Many nursing home residents find themselves “surprised” to need long-term care. A good-healthy, active lifestyle and history of family longevity of non-planners, contributes to a sense of invulnerable to dependency

What triggers a sense in pre-planners, planners and even risk choosers? Some planners have witnessed examples of planning now and some have witnessed consequences of waiting until it’s too late. Some think that the responsibility for their care is the family’s and they are unlikely to take personal responsibility. Some say that in OUR family, “every generation” we will never live with our children.

Participate in Pre-planning activities? More tomorrow.