Do You Have a Long-Term Care Plan?

Creating a long-term care plan isn’t just about medical treatment as you age. Long-term care plans are about preparing for every stage of life with dignity, clarity, and support. From everyday care needs to major decisions about your health and end-of-life wishes, a thoughtful plan can ease emotional and financial stress for both you and your loved ones.

Here’s what to include in your long-term care plan, why each part matters, and how to get started for yourself or help a family member prepare.

Why Planning Ahead Matters

While we may not know what the future holds, we do know this: most people eventually need help with day-to-day living or medical decisions. Illness, injury, and aging can happen gradually or unexpectedly, making it all the more important to have a plan in place before a crisis arises. Experts say as many as 7 in 10 adults will need some kind of help.

A long-term care plan provides direction, protects your choices, and gives peace of mind. It allows your family to focus on supporting you rather than guessing your wishes or scrambling to make last-minute arrangements.

What Is Long-Term Care?

Long-term care refers to a wide range of services that support individuals who are no longer able to perform certain everyday activities independently. These are called Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), and they include:

• Moving between a bed and a chair
• Getting dressed
• Bathing
• Toileting and managing incontinence
• Eating

Care may come from family members, hired caregivers, or professional facilities, such as assisted living communities or nursing homes. Some people prefer to receive care at home for as long as possible, while others plan for residential care settings if more support is needed.

Calculating Expenses

Cost is a significant consideration. Medicare does not cover most non-medical help with ADLs, which means many people either purchase long-term care insurance, tap into retirement savings, or rely on other assets to cover expenses. Using Medicaid to cover these costs requires “spending down” assets, which can be a complicated process. Therefore, it is best to consult an expert, such as an attorney or financial planner, if you are considering this option.

If you're unsure what kind of support you might need later in life, a long-term care cost calculator can provide helpful estimates. Planning early can also open the door to better coverage options or more flexible prepaid care plans.

Legal Documents That Protect Your Wishes

It’s not enough to hope someone will make the right choices for you in the future. You need to put those wishes in writing. A few essential documents can help ensure that someone you trust is legally able to speak or act on your behalf.

Durable Power of Attorney

This document appoints an individual (called your agent or attorney-in-fact) to make medical or financial decisions if you’re unable to do so. A durable power of attorney remains valid even if you become mentally incapacitated, making it a critical part of long-term planning.

Health Care Proxy

A healthcare proxy (sometimes called a living will) is similar to a medical power of attorney, but focuses specifically on health-related decisions. Your chosen agent can consult with doctors, approve or deny treatments, and carry out your wishes as outlined in your living will. Laws vary by state, so consult a legal expert and revisit your documents every decade or after significant life changes.

Questions to Consider

• Would you want CPR or ventilation if your condition became critical?
• How should care be handled if you’re diagnosed with progressive dementia?
• Do you want to be an organ donor?
• Would you donate your body to medical science?

These answers should be included in your advance directive paperwork and discussed openly with your loved ones.

Your Legacy: Wills and Beyond

Last Will and Testament

A will allows you to direct how your estate is divided, appoint guardians for dependents, and name an executor to oversee your affairs. It also provides you with the opportunity to express your final wishes regarding burial or cremation.

Including these details in your will spares your family from having to make emotionally difficult decisions without guidance. If you choose cremation, you can also specify how and where your ashes should be interred or scattered. Many families appreciate having a final resting place to visit and pay their respects. You can save 10% with Trust & Will when you preplan with Tulip. 

Ethical Will

An ethical will isn’t a legal document; it’s a personal letter or message to your loved ones. Rooted in Jewish tradition, an ethical will can include stories, life lessons, blessings, and hopes for future generations. Some describe it as a “love letter from beyond,” and while it carries no legal weight, it can offer profound emotional comfort.

Funeral Planning for the Future

A comprehensive care plan includes what happens after death. Funeral arrangements can be a heavy burden for grieving families, especially if they’re unsure of what you would have wanted.

That’s why preplanning your funeral, whether you prefer a burial, a memorial service, or simple cremation, is one of the most compassionate gifts you can leave behind. You can choose the style of farewell that best suits your values, beliefs, and budget.

With direct cremation, families often skip the traditional funeral home service and instead plan a personalized memorial on their terms. Tulip’s direct cremation service handles everything from death certificate paperwork to returning your ashes, so your family can take the time they need to honor you in a meaningful way.

Many people also opt for prepaid cremation plans, which lock in today’s prices and alleviate future financial stress. Whether you prefer simplicity or ceremony, making these decisions now brings clarity and comfort to those you care about.

Peace of Mind Starts Today

Creating a long-term care plan might feel overwhelming at first, but each step is a meaningful investment in your future and your family's well-being. Take the time to explore your options, consult with trusted advisors, and reflect on what matters most to you.

You don’t have to plan alone. Tulip’s family care team is here to support you with compassionate guidance, whether you’re exploring cremation services or considering your end-of-life wishes as part of a larger care plan.