Stories are inherently personal and relatable. Statistics and policy illustrations are not. 

Sharing these two "stories" will help motivate your clients to become better prepared for the consequences of extended care. 

"Written" story 

• Ask your client for stories they lived through regarding a past care event with a loved one. 
  • Was it easy to find caregivers? 
  • What kind of demands did it place on those around the person needing care (a spouse, an adult child, etc.)?
  • What was the impact those demands had on relationships? 
  • Was everyone satisfied with the support that was available? 
• Absent their own story, be prepared to share a story or two of how extended care has impacted you or other clients - financially and emotionally.
  • What were the financial and emotional implications between those who were better prepared and those who were not? 

"Unwritten" story 

• Collaborate with your client on writing the unwritten story of their future care event. 
  • Where do they envision receiving care? Probably at home, right? 
  • What will that care cost? If they are wealthy, consider the fact that average cost of care likely won't apply to them. They will seek above average services. 
  • Who will help coordinate that care? Finding caregivers, finding a facility if needed, ensuring access to various other support services in their community? 
  • How will the care be funded? What are the implications of self-funding? Are there liquidity issues related to self-funding? Are those funds currently earmarked for future income or needs other than extended care? 
  • How can a care event look different if they own some long-term care insurance? 

Help you clients write their best unwritten story. 

The result will be a meaningful plan (with or without insurance) that helps ease the family and financial consequences of needing extended care.