Thanks, Mom..! ( Some reasons why you might want to get long term care insurance )

How many of us say that we will take care of our parents if they became disabled and could not live alone? Raise your hands! If you're like me, you have told your mom or dad, "I'll take care of you, don't worry. I'll always be there for you!"

Of course, I must point out that I don't own a house, my husband and I constantly move due to being renters, and now I'm my husband's full time caregiver. So it's a moot point. Where would I put my mother? Would I have enough energy to take care of 2 people, by myself, while also dealing with my own health issues of Hepatitis B and C?

In truth, We just never know what our futures hold, so SAYING you'll take care of your parents and actually being able to do so when the time comes may be two different stories.

Caregiving requires someone who's life purpose revolves around service, I think. With the best case scenario, it takes mental, financial and emotional preparation. Yet most of us don't have that luxury. Care giving is usually an unexpected necessity, unless other arrangements have been made prior to the need.

If we were to be honest with ourselves, there are many reasons why we offer to be a long term care giver:

Ego - We want to be able to tell ourselves that we are "good" people. Much better than those siblings of ours who wouldn't think of offering help!

Guilt - Our parents sacrificed their freedom and desires to raise and care for us, so we SHOULD reciprocate when or if the time comes that they need assistance.

Fear - We fear being judged unworthy or unloving by our friends, family, society and even God.

Compassion - We see a person in need and we are compelled by love and understanding to fill that need.

Co-dependency - We see a person in need and we are compelled by ego, guilt and fear to fill that need!

Love - We do everything from a place of love and care giving is simply one facet of loving.

Now lets be honest. Unless you are an ascended Master, the last reason is probably a very small part of the picture.if it plays any part at all.

My mother, bless her heart, bought long term care insurance before she turned 70. She did so after caring for her mother during Nana's later stages of Alzheimer's. I had taken the first "shift" for a couple of years until I became ill. Mom got the hardest part.

Mom swears she will not become a burden on her daughters, so she forks out a hefty LTC insurance premium every year (not as hefty as it would have been had she waited a few more years, though). For that I bless her and feel so grateful.

It's not that I don't love my mother. I'm the one who said I'd always be there for her, remember? It's just that long term care giving can be a bit overwhelming and I have my hands full already.

So thanks, Mom! You're the best!

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