Meeting Notes by Jeff Mushen
Lisa Mayfield, a certified Aging Life Care Processional, answered several questions regarding supporting aging parents and planning for our own care as we age. While there are many things to consider one of her main points was that no matter how healthy and active you are, you should start planning now as you don’t know what might happen.
The current cost of care for can range anywhere from $6,000 to $20,000 a month depending on the need and location. Genworth Financial has a fantastic calculator that will help give you a better understanding of your potential expenses based upon your location.
Calculator Link: https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care.html
Steps that you should be taking now are as follows:
- Review your finances with your advisor – Understand what your options are and what you can afford.
- Complete estate planning paperwork – Be sure to have a Power of Attorney and an Advanced Medical Directive. End of Life Washington has several resources and templates to get these documents in place.
- Be knowledgeable about your options
- Determine your goals/desires are for care
- Talk with your family
- Build your safety net for resources before you need them
- Stay Healthy, both physically and emotionally
Power of Attorney and Advanced Directive Link: https://endoflifewa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/EOLWA-Advance-Directive.pdf
Lisa Mayfield founded Aging Wisdom® in 2003. She is trained and licensed as a mental health counselor, geriatric mental health specialist, and is a certified Aging Life Care Professional™. Lisa has over two decades of experience supporting and finding hope for individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. She is a trained mediator and helps families find common ground when they might not agree on the best approach to supporting their aging parents. Lisa has a passion for helping baby boomers navigate unexpected health changes and proactively plan for their future. She is a recent Past President of the Aging Life Care Association and is an award-winning care manager. Besides her work with Aging Wisdom, she is a member of the Frye Art Museum’s Creative Aging Advisory board, Seattle 4 Rotary member since 2008, and is currently serving as Board President of the Rainier Club. When not working, Lisa enjoys yoga, Pilates, long walks, time with family and friends, and her very favorite activity is aerial yoga (her secret ambition is to run away and join Cirque du Soleil!).