Melissa Shaw became her mother's primary caregiver after a sudden terminal cancer diagnosis in October 2024. As a financial advisor, she faced unexpected challenges that highlighted the importance of end-of-life planning. Key lessons included the critical role of Medigap for covering medical costs, the necessity of having a healthcare proxy, and the value of life insurance. Her experience was emotionally intense, with her mother's rapid decline amplifying the significance of prepared decision-making and support systems, reinforced by TIAA’s caregiver benefits and her financial planning capabilities.
Medicare supplemental plans are essential. Since enrolling in Medicare at the age of 65, my mom opted for a Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) plan instead of a Medicare Advantage plan, and that decision proved vital.
I encountered completely different issues when my own mother became terminally ill and I became her primary caregiver in October 2024. Her diagnosis was sudden. Doctors found stage four cancer that had metastasized to her back.
Becoming her caregiver was emotionally intense. Initially, she seemed fine, but she declined rapidly. It was shocking and unexpected.
Thankfully, TIAA offers generous caregiver benefits and flexibility, and I had savings to help cover unexpected costs.
Collection
[
|
...
]