Sinclair Financial Solutions

NO ONE WANTS TO GO TO A NURSING HOME!!

I always ask my clients, “Would you rather have your wife/daughter/son give you a sponge bath and dress you, or pick up the phone to make sure the home health aide is scheduled for the week?

The vast majority of LTC services — even in nursing homes — are “custodial care,” which is help with daily activities like bathing and dressing, or supervision because of a cognitive impairment. This type of care can be provided at home in many, if not most, cases. The downside, unfortunately, is that in the absence of a formal care plan, the vast majority of these services are provided by informal, unpaid caregivers — almost always family members. And while the financial impact is a concern, it’s not the biggest concern. Much more important are the physical and emotional consequences to their loved ones.

There are roughly 1.2 million people in nursing homes in the U.S., but more than 6 million receive care at home. Did you know that, as of May 2024, home health and personal care aides made up the largest single occupation in the U.S., with 4 million workers?

Be sure your estate planning or elder law attorney knows your wishes, and helps you with any legal maneuvering, such as advance directives, healthcare, and financial powers of attorney, etc. A change in health may leave you unable to do this.

Endnotes
1. 1 https://www.statista.com/statistics/1168843/number-residents-certified-nursing-facilities-state/
2 https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/10-things-about-long-term-services-and-supports-ltss/
3. OEWS Chart
4. The Retirement Outlook of the American Middle Class | 24th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey 2024
5. Advisor's Perspective 8.13.25

Planning for a child with special needs goes beyond traditional financial planning, which is built to remove emotion from the equation and focus solely on anticipating needs in the future. We know families also need help with the “today,” facing the challenge that is squarely in their path…right this moment.

As an Advanced Care Planner, I deeply understand the importance of crafting a whole story plan that considers the complexity of each family’s unique situation. We continue to offer our free, virtual workshops to guide parents, guardians, and family members in better understanding the planning their children may need during each stage of life.

How to Develop a Life Plan for a Long-Term Dependent:
August 26th
September 16th
October 20th

ABLE Accounts vs Special Needs Trusts: An In-Depth Discussion:
August 27th
September 17th
October 21st

If you have questions or would like to participate, please let me know so I can get you the link to register.

Love being a part of NAIFA-National and NAIFA St. Louis!

This month, our Member in the Spotlight is Erin Sinclair, President of Sinclair Financial Solutions in Chesterfield! Scroll down for our full interview with Erin (click image to enlarge for easier viewing):

1. What/who in your childhood or schooling convinced you to get into insurance/finance?

I graduated from college in the Fall of 2007, right at the start of the downturn. I was heartbroken watching people on TV cry about their significant 401(k) losses and how that affected their ability to retire at the time—additionally, people who couldn't stay retired and had to go back to work. I thought there had to be a better way for people to protect themselves and their money. By February 2008, I was licensed in life, health, and disability insurance, and I never looked back. Since then, I have obtained the following licenses: Property, Casualty, Certified Long-Term Care Planner, as well as the 6 and 63 investment licenses, and I will complete my 65 investment license by this fall. I am also a Certified Dementia Practitioner.

2. What is the hottest insurance/financial trend that you are following?

The hottest trend I am following is for people to realize that tax-deferred retirement is not the best option out there.

3. Would you like to share your customer service approach?

I have always approached clients with a teammate or partnership approach. I call what I do, Financial Fitness, and built out a Financial Fitness Game Plan. Where clients play defense by protecting yourself and your loved ones first, and then leading into the mid and long-term investment aspects via the offense side of the plan. Sure, I am coaching a long the way, but we are working together. This approach goes across any age group, whether you are just starting out, or you are already tired and we are putting together an Elder Care Plan for long-term care needs.

4. What changes have you seen in the industry since you started?

The biggest change for me has been with the traditional long-term care insurance companies. There were a lot more in 2008 than there are now. I do appreciate asset-based long-term care insurance more than traditional long-term care insurance, but everyone's needs vary so I incorporate them all. I also appreciate the growth and inclusion of enhanced accelerated death benefits within both term and permanent life insurance products.

5. What do you see as the best part of being a NAIFA St. Louis Member?

The best part of being a NAIFA St Louis member is meeting new people, and learning about everyone's niche market. I enjoyed my first NAIFA MO day in Jefferson City, MO, this past March, so much that I went to the National NAIFA event in Washington, DC, this past May! I had no idea how involved NAIFA is with current and past legislation, fighting for the benefit of their agents and our clients. Additionally, they provide extensive educational opportunities! NAIFA educates and is truly involved with all areas of our industry and I have learned a lot in this first year of membership!

6. What would you like to share with those who still haven’t joined NAIFA St. Louis?

Every insurance agent and financial advisor should be a part of NAIFA, whether young or old. Seeing firsthand, the behind-the-scenes lobbying of congresspeople, for or against, a new bill was very eye-opening. If every agent or FA were aware of the hard work that NAIFA does to protect their agents and benefit their clients, they would understand the importance of being a member. We are all in this industry to help people and make a good living doing so. NAIFA wants to ensure that will happen via education, guidance, networking, and marketing.

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IMPORTANT TO BE AWARE OF! I had a client who recently fell and had to go to the hospital and then rehab. Her doctor put her on FIVE(!) different types of medications - three for diabetes alone. She went from fully functioning to having dementia and needing hospice care in a matter of months. After seeing a second doctor and shifting her prescriptions, the client's dementia disappeared, and she is back at home with a caregiver visiting a couple of times a week! Always get a second or third doctor's opinion, and be aware of the drugs that can affect your memory.

7 Drugs That Can Affect Your Memory Feeling fuzzy? You medications could be to blame