Many people may start their senior living journey in Independent Living, but as their needs evolve, they may find themselves Many families avoid conversations about senior care until a crisis arises, leading to rushed and stressful decisions. When a health emergency happens, families are often left scrambling, trying to figure out what their loved one would want. Advance care planning provides peace of mind by ensuring that loved ones’ wishes are honored and families are prepared when the time comes. Thoughtful planning allows you and your loved ones to make informed decisions about future care, reducing stress and uncertainty.
At Holland Home, we understand these challenges. That’s why we offer guidance to make the process smoother and less overwhelming. We aim to help families feel confident and secure about their future care plans. Here are some tips to help you start initiating conversations and planning for the unexpected.
Steps to Take
Many people don’t know where to begin when thinking about future care. Breaking down the process into clear steps can help make it feel more manageable:
- Assess Current & Future Needs
- Consider health status, mobility, and support needs now and in the future.
- Identify preferences for where and how to receive care (aging in place, assisted living, continuing care communities, etc.).
- Research Options and Understand Levels of Care
- Learn about the differences between Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing.
- Explore the Continuing Care Agreement (CCA) model, which ensures lifetime access to care at Holland Home.
- Speak with Experts
- Legal considerations: Establish a will, power of attorney, and advance directives (such as a living will and healthcare proxy).
- Financial considerations: Consult a financial planner to discuss budgeting for senior living, long-term care insurance, and other resources.
- Living & care considerations: Tour senior living communities to get a sense of the environment, amenities, and care.
Common Concerns & Hesitations
Despite the benefits, families often hesitate to discuss future care. Here are some ways you can respond to some common scenarios:
Fear of Losing Independence
Many older adults worry that planning for care means giving up their autonomy.
How You Can Help: Reassure them that early planning allows them to make decisions while they still have control.
Emotional Discomfort
Discussing aging, illness, and end-of-life care can be difficult.
How You Can Help: Emphasize that these conversations are about preserving dignity and honoring wishes, not dwelling on the negative.
Financial Worries
Many families are unsure about the costs of senior care and whether they can afford it.
How You Can Help: Seek support from trusted advisors. Holland Home’s team can help families understand the long-term financial benefits of planning and explore available options.
Denial or Procrastination
Some individuals feel that planning is unnecessary because they are still healthy.
How You Can Help: Remind them that planning before a crisis allows for thoughtful, stress-free decision-making.
The Benefits of Planning Far Outweigh the Discomfort
Although these conversations can feel uncomfortable, the peace of mind from planning is invaluable.
- Reduces stress and uncertainty for families.
- Ensures loved ones’ preferences are respected.
- Provides financial clarity and preparation.
- Creates a smoother transition when care is needed.
Rather than seeing planning as a burden, it should be viewed as a gift—a way to remove uncertainty and make informed choices.
How Can Holland Home Help?
We want people to feel empowered when making their future health care decisions. We are here to help people understand their options so they can make a plan that best aligns with their goals and values. Our Continuing Care Agreement ensures lifelong care, eliminating much uncertainty about the future. To learn more, give us a call at 616-643-2730.
Holland Home is a part of a large network of organizations dedicated to senior living and care. If a senior living community is not a part of your plans, we can help connect you with other services, such as home care or mental health.