Talking with an aging parent about purchasing long-term care insurance isn’t usually a cheerful conversation. Fortunately, not everyone has to talk with an aging parent about purchasing long-term care insurance. Some aging people have enough money saved to cover the cost of long-term care. Many times aging widows can rely on the money from their deceased husband’s pension. For example, an aging woman who was married to a coal miner who developed black lung disease or another respiratory problem will usually receive a check until the day she, too, passes on. Sometimes these pensions are enough to cover the cost, or at least a chunk of the cost, of long-term care.

But not everyone has enough money to cover the cost of long-term care, and not everyone receives a pension to help cover the cost of long-term care. If you have an aging parent, or aging parents, it’s best to talk with them about purchasing long-term care insurance sooner than later.

Since most people don’t want to be told they’re aging, it’s best to approach the topic of purchasing long-term care insurance very delicately; otherwise, your aging parent may think you just want to make sure he or she is off your hands should he or she get sick and need long-term care.

Explain to your aging parent that while she is still full of energy and life, she is getting on in years. Express the fact that you love her, and want to make sure she has the best available care if there should ever come a time when she needs long-term care beyond your expertise or ability. Explain to your aging parent that you simply don’t want her to be without the best of care should there come a time when she needs long-term care, and that by purchasing long-term care insurance, you can all rest assured that the best possible care will be available if ever needed.