“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”   Wise words from ole Ben Franklin. Doing what it takes now to prevent a larger, more costly “cure” in the future applies directly to care planning for the elderly. Too often seniors and their families resist spending the ounce of prevention in the unrealistic expectation that the pound of cure can be avoided entirely. Thinking this way is a recipe for a devastating crisis for the older adult as well as for all involved in caring for them.

One of the hardest things I face working with seniors is resistance to accepting incremental help as they age, especially if there is any financial outlay for the help. I like to think that age brings a degree of wisdom. In this case it is only penny wisdom. Ben Franklin is somewhere shaking his head in dismay. And, if you want to get biblical about it, think about the parable of the young virgins who did not plan ahead appropriately—their oil ran out.

Ben would be jumping up and down on the side of the ounce of prevention. I think he would buy into this elder care mantra: Spend the money for the care you need today. Okay, I’ll give you a minute to recover from your shock. Yes, spend the money, spend it for the care you need, and spend it today. Folks who follow this script end up getting exactly what they say they want–to stay as healthy and independent as long as possible. Health and independence are preserved at a lower overall cost. Ben would smile.

Recently I attended a Life Care Planning workshop where I became totally convinced that Life Care Planning is the best way to cover all the bases for long term care planning while ensuring resources are used or preserved in the most advantageous way. Life Care Planning marries the knowledge of an elder law attorney with other professionals such as geriatric care managers, benefit specialists, etc. The concept is holistic. Plans are customized to meet the long term care objectives of the elderly and their caregivers. Call me. I’ll tell you more and help you find a Life Care Planning practice in your area. It’s the ounce of prevention that is worth a ton!

With thanks to Ben,
Connie