Episode SummaryWhat happens when a family crisis reveals that your aging parents need more help than anyone realized?
In this episode of The Midlife Squeeze, Erica sits down with estate planning and elder law attorney Kolleen Bannon to discuss the caregiving journey that began after her 86-year-old father suffered a serious fall in 2021.
While her father recovered, Kolleen discovered that her mother’s dementia had progressed much further than the family knew. Suddenly, she was managing her parents’ healthcare, finances, housing, and long-term care while raising two sons and running her law practice.
Kolleen shares the emotional and financial realities of caregiving, including long-term care insurance, assisted living, Medicaid planning, caregiver guilt, and the difficult transition from child to decision-maker.
Their conversation highlights why families should have difficult conversations and make plans before a crisis begins.
Key Takeaways- A sudden health crisis can expose caregiving needs that families did not recognize.
- Power of attorney and healthcare surrogate documents can make crisis decisions easier.
- Long-term care insurance can help, but families should understand its limits and eligibility requirements.
- Caregiving can affect work, parenting, finances, relationships, and emotional health.
- Assisted living and memory care decisions may need to happen sooner than expected.
- Families should discuss housing, finances, driving, pets, and long-term care before a crisis.
- Medicaid planning can become relevant even for families who never expected to need it.
- Caregiver guilt is common when balancing aging parents, children, work, and everyday life.
- Planning early gives families more options during difficult transitions.
Chapters00:00 When Everything Changes
00:59 Meet Kolleen Bannon
03:07 Life Before the Crisis
04:23 Warning Signs Before the Fall
05:59 Discovering Her Mother’s Dementia
08:07 Entering Crisis Mode
11:16 Losing Control and Reversing Roles
12:46 The Impact on Work and Family
14:34 Finding Care for Both Parents
15:36 Long-Term Care Insurance
17:44 Qualifying for Care Benefits
18:42 Paying for Long-Term Care
19:21 Selling the Family Home
21:39 What Kolleen Wishes She Had Done Earlier
24:55 The True Cost of Care
28:37 Finding Humor During Caregiving
29:51 Barry’s Role in the Family
32:07 Planning for Aging Parents’ Pets
33:25 Settling Into a New Routine
34:21 The Reality of Caregiver Guilt
36:47 Kolleen’s Advice for Families
38:15 Medicaid and Planning Ahead
38:44 Erica’s Closing Thoughts
40:26 Take the Family Assessment
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Looking for a place to start? Visit FAMOPlan.com to take the free Family Assessment (the quiz mentioned in this episode) and begin organizing the conversations, decisions, and financial planning that every family will eventually face.
Connect with Kolleen
Website: bannonlegal.com
Kolleen Bannon, Esq. and Bannon Legal, PLLC are not affiliated with Ausdal Financial Partners, Inc. or Ocean Crest Wealth Management.
A Quick ClarificationSome coverage details in this episode were shared from memory. Medicare generally covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing facility care per benefit period, following a qualifying hospital stay, with daily coinsurance after day 20. Many long-term care insurance policies begin benefits when someone needs help with 2 of 6 activities of daily living or has a severe cognitive impairment. Policy terms vary.
DisclaimerThe information discussed on this podcast is for general educational purposes only and is not a recommendation of a product or strategy. Nothing discussed should be considered investment, tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult with qualified professionals before making any financial or investment decisions. The views expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect the views of Ausdal Financial Partners. Securities and advisory services are offered through Ausdal Financial Partners, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC and registered investment adviser. Ocean Crest Wealth Management and Ausdal Financial Partners, Inc. are independently owned and operated. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.
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