Any family having to deal with putting a loved one into a nursing home has a lot on its plate. The decision itself can be heartbreaking, but the financial burden on top of that can be agonizing as well.
The cost of a nursing home can be as much as several thousand dollars a month. If memory care for Alzheimer’s or dementia or other special services are needed, the price tag is considerably higher.
Local financial advisor Ron Fischer specializes in providing financial guidance to seniors and their families, particularly those who may be facing long-term care expenses. He started Seniors Financial Guidance with a mission to help seniors and their families navigate the complex world of retirement planning, insurance, estate management, medical care and assisted living. He can work with any family, but his passion is for veterans.
I sat down with Ron at the Tristar Veterans Resource Center in Murfreesboro to get a better idea of what he does and how he helps others.
A veteran himself, Fischer has had a lengthy and distinguished career in the military. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1966, remaining enlisted for two years. In the ’70s, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves and was later commissioned as an officer. In between his times of service he played drums for songwriter and performer Tom T. Hall, but he ultimately put in 22 years in the service for his country.
Ron believes that every senior deserves a personalized financial plan that takes into account their unique circumstances, including their health, assets and family dynamics. There are a lot of federal programs out there to help, but most people don’t know where to turn. Seniors Financial Guidance offers a range of services to help seniors and their families achieve financial peace of mind.
“We work with families who are transitioning a loved one into a long-term healthcare environment—home healthcare, assisted living, memory care, or nursing home care,” Fischer said. “We do it from a legal and financial perspective.”
Ron understands that medically and financially planning for the future can be a daunting task, especially for seniors who may be dealing with health issues or other challenges. He helps his clients develop a comprehensive retirement plan that takes into account their income, expenses, assets and liabilities, as well as their future needs and goals.
Perhaps the biggest expense most of our seniors will face will be that of paying for long-term healthcare. Most seniors mistakenly believe that Medicare will jump in and cover these costs. Unfortunately for many, Medicare will cover only a fraction of the cost and for only a short period of time. But SFG can be a source for more options within the Medicare and Medicaid framework, as well as otherwise.
Other programs are specifically designed for veterans and their spouses. All vets have a certain amount of benefits they often don’t know they have. Even surviving spouses can receive a monthly pension after the veteran is deceased.
Ron is easygoing and loves to sit down with seniors and their loved ones to hear their stories and discuss financial options. Find out more about SFG at seniorsfinancialguidance.com or contact Fischer directly at 615-497-8604 or ron@seniorsfinancialguidance.com.
