No matter the age or stage in our careers, we could all use sound investment strategies and thoughtful retirement planning. From getting the most out of retirement accounts to elder care and long-term housing plans to wills and trusts, there is something for everyone in the professional perspectives offered here.
Ten years ago, Patti Naiser was in the thick of navigating all the complexities of her father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. How much longer could he stay at home? Who would care for him? Where should she place him when in-home care is no longer possible or sufficient for his needs? Why isn’t there someone to help people figure all this out? That was the inspiration for Senior Home Transitions. Patti Naiser is its Founder and Senior Living Placement Advisor.
In addition to senior living, skilled nursing, and memory care placement, Senior Home Transitions offers counseling and assists with in-home care decisions, options, and workarounds. The Senior Home Transitions staff can also help pre-transition to determine the level of care needed. Many healthcare providers refer patients’ families to Senior Home Transitions.
When it is time for a loved one to transition to assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing, what are the most important considerations? Patti advises asking questions about staff turnover. Does the facility employ a solid core group of nurses? How long have the Executive Director and Director of Nursing worked there? Do they know the regulations? Observe the residents. What are their backgrounds? Will your loved one be a good fit with them?
Patti is a Certified Dementia Care Practitioner who works with almost every community within a 50-mile radius to improve services. She does not shy away from being vocal with them about regulations and any needed or suggested improvements. “We personally visit every facility, take detailed notes, and enter the information into our content management system. This allows us not only to give an accounting of amenities, services, and logistic information; we get a feel for the personality of the facility, its staff as well as the residents. This helps us to better match you with an atmosphere that will be more to your taste.”
Senior Home Transitions can even assist families with negotiating rates and incorporating VA benefits. They never take money from families and never turn anyone down. The facilities to which patients’ are referred pay their fees. Senior Home Transitions will still refer to appropriate facilities not under contract, if in the clients’ best interest. They are the only free senior living referral service in Kentucky.
Visit seniorht.com for more information.
The importance of having an elder law attorney is to facilitate communication and navigate issues related to long-term care planning and end-of-life decision-making. Kentucky ElderLaw, PLLC helps with asset protection and to prepare for periods of incapacity. Compassionate attorneys, such as Misty Vantrease, can get you or your loved one the care you need when you need it. They are skilled in dealing with the bureaucracy and red tape often associated with Medicaid, Medicare, and the Veterans’ Administration.
Misty Vantrease spent nine years as a public defender, including capital murder defense. In 2010 and 2011, she started a family and moved her parents to live closer to her family. Around this time, a colleague practicing elder law made Misty an offer. She realized she wanted to help other people facing difficult decisions as they age or those with aging parents. Assisting those not treated fairly or not properly informed is especially gratifying for Misty.
“Since COVID-19, we are more acutely aware of our own mortality,” says Misty. “It is important to get our basic legal documents in order.” According to Misty, adults of any age should be concerned with these four:
Durable Power of Attorney - “Most people don’t realize that, even if you have a spouse, you must name a power of attorney to access individual accounts. That person may or may not be your spouse. It is also important to designate alternates.”
Healthcare Surrogate - This is the person authorized to make healthcare decisions should you become incapacitated, even temporarily.
Living Will - A living will provides directives regarding life support, artificially provided nutrition/hydration, and organ or body donation.
Last Will and Testament - The Last Will and Testament expresses your wishes regarding how your assets should be distributed upon your death.
Adults closer to retirement need to think about establishing trusts: a) “to preserve or shelter assets for long-term care, and b) to avoid probate. Kentucky ElderLaw’s six attorneys serve clients all over Kentucky and Southern Indiana, with offices located in Louisville and Bowling Green, Kentucky.
For more information, visit kyelderlaw.com or call (502)581-1111 for a free consultation.
Wells Fargo Advisors Managing Director of Investments Jill Bradley began her working life as a middle school teacher. After eight years, she was looking for a change when she spotted an ad for a stockbroker trainee. After accepting a position with a major firm, Jill realized that she could “approach the investment business from an educational standpoint.” Her explanations of what might otherwise be complicated investment decisions break the process down into understandable parts, using simple analogies and comparisons. “If you can explain adverbs to a 13-year-old, you can explain anything to anybody.”
“Making an investment plan is like building a house,” says Jill, “Everyone gets a blueprint, a pencil, and an eraser.” An investment plan should remain in process, according to Jill, with the following considerations:
When do you hope to retire? You can plan to retire at any age. What age is possible or realistic for you, depending upon the lifestyle you wish to have?
What are your expenses now? What additional expenses might you have in the future?
Do you want to leave an estate? Or, as Jill half-jokingly puts it, “Maybe you want that last check to bounce.”
What are your goals for retirement? For example, do you plan to live simply or do a lot of traveling?
Another aspect of investmentment planning is assessing risk tolerance. How much should you invest in stocks? And what kind? Investing in a favorite brand or company may or may not align with your plan. Distribution of funds in various investments should be “age-weighted,” Jill explains. Her son, still early in his career, has almost all of his money in the stock market. In contrast, someone closer to retirement might have 50% or less in stocks.
Finally, the plan should have a system in place for evaluating how well it’s doing. “Look at it quarterly,” says Jill, “It has to be systematic. An investment plan is a living, breathing thing. Your investments need to fit the plan at every stage. At Wells Fargo Advisors, the first meeting is a service we provide to determine if the client and we are a good fit. Do we have a similar investment philosophy? The client should want planning, want assistance with planning, and expect interactive planning.” Contact Jill Bradley directly at (502)339-4150 and [email protected].
Wells Fargo Advisors, 297 N Hubbards Lane, Louisville, KY 40507
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