January is a time for planning. We plan to eat healthier, exercise more, stick to a budget, or be more productive with our time. We often plan for big life events—like college, marriage, children, or retirement, but do we plan to age well?
Humans are living longer than ever before, and if we want to ensure our well-being in the last third of our lives, we need to be proactive about planning.
Counting the Cost of Care as We Age
Statistics estimate that 70% of people will require some form of long-term care. The average costs are mind-boggling:
- Assisted living: $5,000/month
- Memory care: $7,000/month
- Skilled nursing care: $11,000/month
Medicare covers very little of these costs. Coverage is limited and comes with strings attached, especially if the need for care sneaks up on you. Don’t let it!
Legal tools, like a Nest Egg Trust, can protect your assets from the nursing home, safeguarding family farms, cherished homes, and other investments, even if you need long-term care.
Not Being Prepared for a Crisis Makes Things Worse

Sometimes, we need medical treatment or temporary assistance because of a fall, stroke, heart attack, surgery, or illness. If we haven’t prepared for these unexpected (yet common!) situations, our loved ones must fill in the gaps.
Without a plan, you and your family may find yourselves in a state of chaos, scrambling to execute Power of Attorney documents during a medical emergency, uncertain about bill payments, or lacking the information necessary for your caregivers to navigate today’s complex day-to-day life when they would rather be bringing you flowers and chicken soup.
Additionally, their decisions may not be the ones we want. Taking charge of your crisis care begins with planning ahead. By establishing a plan now, you can provide your family with clear guidance, which prevents chaos—and the costly mistakes that come from it.
Planning for Aging Starts with a Conversation
Initiate an honest conversation about your wishes. Consider:
- the type of care you would prefer in a medical emergency
- where you would want to live if you could no longer be independent
- how to cover the costs of both crisis and long-term care
- who you trust to handle your financial matters
Make a Plan to Age
Then, you need to make a plan:
- Reflect on the legal documents you need to ensure your preferences are honored while you are living.
- Evaluate the assets or income that are available to support your needs.
- Understand your insurance coverage and identify any gaps.
These discussions, though daunting (and not very much fun), are essential to creating a plan—and a life—that reflects your values and priorities.
Edwards Group Can Help
It’s never too late to start planning! A good plan can not only help you maintain your independence while ensuring your wishes are honored, but it can also save you and your loved ones valuable time, money, and energy.
For over a decade, we have collaborated with families to develop elder care plans tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals. Whether protecting assets, navigating healthcare options, or facilitating a smooth transition of responsibilities, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Take control of your future today! Call us at 217-703-7571 to begin crafting a comprehensive plan that honors your life and legacy. Or get to know us better at an upcoming FREE workshop: https://edwardsgroupllc.com/workshops/