Long-Term Care Leaders Raise Awareness to Help Women Better Prepare for Caregiving Role

LifeSecure's Lisa Wendt and 3in4 Need More's Dr. Marion Somers Offer Tips for Planning Ahead to Care for Aging Parents & Loved Ones

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LifeSecure Insurance Company

Oct 17, 2011, 02:00 ET

BRIGHTON, Mich., Oct. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- LifeSecure Insurance Company has partnered with the 3in4 Need More campaign to help women better understand the challenges of providing long-term care to a loved one, and prepare for their role as caregivers. LifeSecure president and CEO Lisa Wendt and elder care expert and 3in4 Need More spokesperson Dr. Marion Somers recently spoke about the topic at the 12th Annual Solutions for Family Caregiver Expo in Novi, Mich. While women make up the majority of our nation's caregivers (61 percent)(1), many are not fully prepared to deal with long-term care issues or the impact they can have on their lives, finances, health and family.

"Even as an experienced long-term care insurance industry professional, I was still unprepared for the impact caregiving had on my life," said Wendt, who has firsthand experience as a family caregiver. "I experienced the stress it places on your personal health, finances and family relationships because I wasn't fully prepared to provide care. This is a critically important women's issue and an experience that many of us have in common. I encourage all women to plan for their later years by learning more about long-term care solutions that will work for themselves and their family."

As the primary providers of informal care to aging spouses, parents, and other loved ones, women are often more significantly impacted by the demands of long-term care, which can affect their health, careers, family relationships, and more. At the recent talk, Dr. Marion and Lisa Wendt shared their own experiences with caregiving, and urged women to be more proactive by educating themselves about care issues and costs, sharing responsibilities with friends and family, and setting aside time for themselves.

"The need for long-term care is reaching new heights as our population ages and lives longer than ever before. And while more men are sharing the burden, it's still women who traditionally take the role of primary caregiver," said Dr. Marion, an elder care expert, author, and geriatric care manager for more than 40 years. "Caregiving can be a completely overwhelming experience if you're not ready for it – but it doesn't have to be that way. Our message to women and their families is to plan ahead, so they can be better prepared to handle the impact of long-term care – physically, financially, and emotionally."

About LifeSecure Insurance Company

LifeSecure Insurance Company is based in Brighton, Mich., and is dedicated to providing uncomplicated insurance and non-insurance solutions to help people protect themselves from unforeseen health-related risks and expenses. Our guiding business philosophy is focused on delivering "easi:" expertise, accessibility, simplicity and innovation – both to our business partners and to consumers. The company's insurance products are sold through a network of independent marketing organizations, brokers and agents. Additional information is available at www.YourLifeSecure.com.

About 3in4 Need More and Dr. Marion

3in4 Need More (www.3in4NeedMore.com) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about long-term care planning. Members cross all industries, genders, and ages. The movement is nationwide and dedicated to promoting the importance of planning for long-term care needs. 3in4 Need More's national spokesperson is Dr. Marion Somers (www.drmarion.com), an elder care expert and author recognized as a visionary and thought leader in her field. Dr. Marion has worked with seniors and their caregivers for over 40 years, and helped millions of Americans through her books, website, syndicated columns, media appearances, speaking tours, and more.

(1) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health.

LifeSecure Contact:
Chris Spittal
810.220.4608
[email protected]

3in4 Need More/Dr. Marion Contact:
Jesson Burnam
609.279.0050x104
[email protected]

SOURCE LifeSecure Insurance Company