As you gather with family and friends this holiday season, I ask you to notice sons and daughters helping their moms and dads perform simple tasks like cutting their food or getting in and out of chairs.

Ask yourself and your spouse/partner what you would like to have happen when you reach a point when it's your turn to need help.

Do you have kids? Can they, and do you want them to be forced to help you alone? Or do you want to prepare a written plan that includes answers to their questions and resources to help them?

If you don't have kids, I ask you to think about who will be taking on that role for you?

LTC insurance is simply a tool the provides funding for you to be able to control your care experience and to decide with your doctors and family where the best place is for you to receive that care.

Who wants to hand that control over to the state Medicaid department? Not anyone I know.

Whether to decide to own insurance or not, you need a plan. You need to write that plan down and share it with your family so they know what you want and where you want to be.

Email me at [email protected] to request two free planning guides to help you help your family help you.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays!