St. Louis, MO estate & probate attorney Nikki Mitchell shares her advice for people concerned about their long-term care needs. She remarks that her advice to anyone considering long-term care is to start by simply thinking about it. Too many people delay even acknowledging the topic because it’s uncomfortable—no one likes to imagine growing old, becoming frail, or needing help to care for themselves. She encourages individuals to take the time to envision what they want their long-term care to look like and then speak with an attorney about how to make that vision a reality.

When she meets with clients early in the process, there are far more options available to plan effectively and structure solutions around their goals. That doesn’t mean last-minute situations are hopeless—her firm regularly assists families facing immediate nursing home placements or urgent care needs. Still, she believes that the earlier someone begins planning, the greater flexibility and control they’ll have, and the more her team can do to protect their wishes and resources.