Long Term Care Should be Planned in Advance

Long term care is an issue that faces nearly every American. Advances in medical science have resulted in an extension of our quality of life and health. This has also resulted in many more people living into their 80s and 90s. There comes a point where help with daily activities becomes a necessity.

Retirees should be prepared financially for this outcome. Long term care is very expensive and is not typically covered by traditional health care plans. Having a long term care need without adequately planning is usually financially devastating. The government will require that you be destitute before they pay for it. Who wants to rely on government care and be poverty stricken?

Insurance companies of course offer long term care products and these can be very expensive if then insured waits too long to purchase. Once a chronic condition exists getting private insurance may proving to be a daunting task. Having large amounts of cash in retirement accounts can be a great security blanket but long term care costs can easily run into the 6-7 thousand a month range. Funds become depleted quickly at that rate of consumption. Planning is critical. Consultations with professional financial planners is a wise idea.

Furthermore young retirees in their early 60s should consider proximity to long term care facilities and or services when relocating. I have spent a fair amount of time writing about neighborhoods and great places to retire to, but what about long term care?

Vancouver, WA is a big enough city that it has a virtual cornucopia of offerings in the long term care arena. Relocating to Vancouver provides retirees with the peace of mind that they will not have move far or even at all should they need assisted living or convalescent care.

Planning ahead makes for a much easier transition when the time comes for assistance. Often times couples find themselves with one in care and the other still at home. A short drive is always better than a long drive for visits. Above and beyond all the great reasons to relocate to Washington State, taxes, moderate weather, etc. proximity to these types of facilities should also be taken into consideration.

Vancouver proves again to be a very wise choice for retirees.

Washougal's Orchard Hills Golf Club is a great alternative to Fairway Village

Quite some time ago I wrote and article about Fairway Village in Vancouver's Cascade Park as a great retirement golf community. It still is, but it may not be everyone's 'cup of tea'. If you like golf and you are looking for something a little less 'over 55', then a new development in Washougal might be a great prescription.

Orchard Hills Golf and Country Club is great spot away from the hustle and bustle of Vancouver and Portland but in close enough to get to the airport in 20 minutes. Recently a few subdivisions have popped up near the 14th and 15th holes including some gorgeous attached 'duets' with upscale finishes and 1855 square feet of living space. These new units are ideal for retirees as they feature two bedrooms and two baths and a very spacious kitchen and living area. The units are running in the $295k range and are a great alternative to the busier Fairway Village. These units are right on the course.

Washougal is a fabulous spot for those who want the convenience of city life without giving up that small town ambiance. From the east end of the golf course you sit right at the entrance to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and yet a ride to PDX is only 17 miles away.

Washougal is a fabulous location to retire with all of the benefits of living in Washington and shopping in Oregon. The added bonus of spectacular scenery, great views, close in golf and easy access to the amazing Columbia River Gorge. Check it out. Washougal could be your ticket to a fabulous retirement.