THE MEMBER INSIDER

From the classroom to caregiving:
One retiree's perspective on planning ahead
By Brian Johnson, MBA, CLTC

"You have to plan ahead. You might not want to think about the bad things, but that's life. You have to plan ahead because you don't want to be a burden to someone else." -- Ann Radish, retired UFT member

LONG-TERM CARE BY THE NUMBERS
• Nearly 70% of people turning age 65 today will need some form of long-term care.
• Women need care for an average of 3.7 years; men need care for an average of 2.2 years.
• 1 in 5 adults age 65 will require care for more than five years.
• Most long-term care is received at home.

Planning ahead can help preserve choice, independence, and financial security.

A Career Built on Learning
After spending 30 years helping students prepare for the future, retired educator Ann Radish is applying the same lesson to her own life: preparation matters. From managing retirement to helping care for her father, the longtime United Federation of Teachers (UFT) member has learned firsthand that planning ahead can provide something invaluable as we age: Choice.

Ann spent three decades with the New York City Department of Education, teaching elementary school students across a variety of grades and subjects. During her career, she taught computer science, creative writing, worked in the library, and embraced opportunities to learn and grow alongside her students.

Teaching was a natural fit. "I come from a long line of educators," Ann said. "I've always loved learning. I'm very inquisitive, and I love sharing what I've learned."

One of her proudest accomplishments was leading a hydroponic greenhouse initiative during the final decade of her career. What began as a grant-funded project became a beloved program for students, families, and staff. "It was such a gift," she said. "The kids loved it, the parents loved it, and I loved it."

Retirement Brings New Opportunities and New Responsibilities
Ann retired in September 2023, welcoming the freedom that comes after a successful career. The transition was both exciting and challenging. "Retirees will tell you it's like one continuous summer," she said with a laugh.

But retirement also arrived at a pivotal moment. Around the same time, her father's health began to decline, creating a new role for Ann as a caregiver and care coordinator. Because she was retired, she had the flexibility to help manage appointments, oversee his household needs, and assist with important aspects of his care. Fortunately, Ann’s parents purchased long-term care insurance years earlier. It's part of the reason why Ann decided to enroll in her own long-term care insurance policy.

"It was a blessing," she says. "My dad's long-term care insurance policy allowed me to be around to help manage and supervise his care, not provide it."

A Firsthand Look at Caregiving
Like many family caregivers, Ann quickly learned that caregiving extends far beyond medical appointments. "It's emotional, it's physical, it's time-consuming,” she explained. "You have to think about doctor's appointments, medications, meals, and making sure everything is coordinated."

Fortunately, her father's long-term care insurance has played an important role in helping him remain at home while receiving the assistance he needs. The policy provides support for in-home care and has helped fund equipment that makes daily life safer and more manageable.

"We use it primarily for his physical care at home," Ann said. "So I can concentrate on other, more important areas of his medical care."

The arrangement has allowed her father to receive care in familiar surroundings while preserving his independence and dignity. "If he didn't have it, he would be financially drained," Ann said. "And there's a chance he might have been in a facility at this point."

Learning From Experience
Watching both of her parents age gave Ann a new perspective on planning for the future. Her father had purchased long-term care insurance around the time he retired and often reminded her to think about it as part of her own retirement planning.

When Ann learned she was nearly the same age her father had been when he purchased coverage, she took a closer look at her own options. "The wheels started turning," she said.

Looking back, she believes planning earlier can make a meaningful difference. "Had I bought the plan before I retired, it would have been part of my overall retirement planning," she said. "Planning sooner is always better."

Why Planning Matters
Throughout her career, Ann encouraged students to prepare for the future. Today, she shares a similar message with fellow educators. Her advice? Save early, take advantage of available resources, and don't wait too long to think about tomorrow. "Plan, plan, plan," she said.

For Ann, planning isn't just about finances. It's about maintaining independence, protecting loved ones from difficult decisions, and preserving options down the road. As someone without children, she wanted to make sure she had a strategy in place for her own future care needs.

Some thoughts Ann shared about her decision to enroll in a long-term care insurance policy:

"I think it's one of those things where you hope you don't need it, but you're glad you have it. The alternative could really be financially draining."

"Choice and control of my future care. With choice comes peace of mind."

"I want to control what's going to happen with me when maybe I can't control it myself."

The best time to learn about your options is before you need them.

Learn More About Long-Term Care Planning
Your NYSUT membership provides you with access to discounted long-term care insurance plans from multiple highly rated insurance companies through New York Long-Term Care Brokers/Advisors Insurance Brokers. Plans are available for eligible individuals and include coverage for home care, assisted living, adult day services, nursing home care, and professional care coordination.

Brian M. Johnson, MBA, CLTC serves as the Director for New York Long-Term Care Brokers/Advisors Insurance Brokers.