People are encouraged to plan for retirement (Save money!) and dying (Make a will!). But many of us — maybe most of us — forget that there can be a long (and expensive) time in between.

In this episode, host Lenore Tracey talks with author, humorist, and elder law attorney Cathy Sikorski. Cathy’s new book, 12 Conversations: How To Talk to Almost Anyone About Long-Term Care Planning gives caregivers and future care recipients — all of us — reasons to talk to each other about how we’ll pay for care and what types of care we want. Better yet, Cathy gives us the language to deal with these conversations, no matter who you’re talking to — Mom, Dad, your grown-up kids, your Uncle Fred, your doctor, or your mom’s doctor.

Check out what long-term care care costs where you (or your loved one) live: https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care.html. Best to be sitting down when you do this! Then commit to having those important conversations with the people you love.

*Genworth Financial 2021 Cost of Care Survey

About Our Guest:

Cathy Sikorski has been a caregiver for the last 25 years for eight different family members and friends. A published author and humorist, Sikorski is also a practicing elder law attorney. Her legal expertise and sense of humor have made her a sought-after speaker where she tackles the legal issues that affect those who will one day be or need a caregiver (which is everyone).

Cathy’s most recent book, 12 Conversations: How To Talk to Almost Anyone About Long-Term Care Planning offers practical advice for discussing this difficult topic with your aging parents, your adult children, your siblings, your spouse, and other key players you will meet as a caregiver - or a care recipient. Cathy’s wicked sense of humor and commitment to straight talk will prepare you to get through these conversations successfully - maybe even gracefully!

Cathy’s first book was a memoir, Showering with Nana: Confessions of a Serial (killer) Caregiver. That was followed by Who Moved My Teeth? - a humorous and informative book with practical and legal tips for caregivers and baby boomers. Cathy maintains an active blog “You just have to Laugh…where Caregiving is Comedy…”.