What comes to mind when you think about aging? While gray hair and even health concerns come to mind, usually what we fear most is losing our independence. The idea that one day, someone else might make decisions about where you live, how your money is spent, or what kind of medical care you receive. This can all feel very unsettling, even frightening.

But here’s the truth: losing independence doesn’t have to be the natural outcome of growing older. With the right planning, support, and communication, you can shape the way you age. Especially shaping it in a way that reflects your values, your lifestyle, and your choices. Schroeder Larsen Law believes that you deserve peace of mind and the ability to protect the independence you’ve worked so hard for. Let’s explore some practical steps you can take now to hold onto control of your future. 

Step 1: Start the Conversation Early

One of the most powerful ways to protect independence is to begin conversations about long-term care before it feels urgent. Ideally, this happens in your mid-to-late forties. That might sound early, but think of it this way: the earlier you plan, the more options you’ll have. When families wait until a health crisis happens, decisions often get rushed. You might be left with fewer financial resources, limited care options, or choices that feel reactive instead of proactive. 

By contrast, when you start early, you can compare long-term care insurance plans, learn about Medicaid eligibility, and decide whether setting aside savings or exploring hybrid insurance products is the best fit. For example, imagine two families — one starts planning in their fifties, exploring insurance and talking with an estate planner about care preferences. When a health issue arises later, they already have a clear plan — and the family can focus on care, not scrambling for answers.

The other family waits until a sudden illness strikes, and they’re forced to make quick decisions under stress. The difference in independence and peace of mind is night and day.

Step 2: Know What Medicare Covers — and What it Doesn’t

Another major key to independence is understanding how health coverage really works. You might be under the impression that Medicare will take care of everything. Unfortunately, it doesn’t. Medicare covers hospital stays, doctor visits, and rehabilitation — but it doesn’t cover most long-term care, such as nursing home stays, assisted living facilities, or daily in-home help. Those costs can add up quickly, and if you haven’t planned for them, you may find your choices limited.

Early planning gives you flexibility. You might choose to explore long-term care insurance, set aside funds specifically for care, or work with an attorney on Medicaid planning. What matters is that you know the rules now — so you can decide for yourself how you’ll be cared for later.

Step 3: Think About Where You’ll Live 

Home plays a big role in independence. But the house that worked perfectly for you in your 30s or 40s may not serve you well later in life. That’s why it’s important to think ahead about where you’ll live and whether it allows you to age in place.

What to Consider: 

• Are there stairs you’ll have to climb daily? 

• Is the bathroom accessible, or could it be remodeled easily?

• Is the home close to family, medical providers, and support services? 

• Could a move now save you challenges later? 

If downsizing or moving becomes part of the plan, working with a real estate specialist who focuses on senior housing can be invaluable. They understand the unique considerations — like accessibility, location, and affordability — that come with this stage of life. 

Downsizing itself can be emotional. Letting go of belongings collected over a lifetime isn’t easy. A helpful approach is to ask:

• How much space do I really have?

• What do I truly use — daily, weekly, or seasonally?

• Which items bring me joy and connection?

By approaching downsizing thoughtfully, you make space for what matters most. In many cases, less really can be more — fewer items to manage means more freedom and independence in daily life.

Step 4: Keep Your Estate Plans Current

A strong estate plan is the foundation of independence. But creating documents once and filing them away isn’t enough. To stay in control, your plan needs to be active and up to date. 

This means you’ll need to:

• Look over and update your documents on a regular basis to reflect your current wishes.

• Check your beneficiary designations on accounts and insurance policies. If they don’t match your plan, your intentions may not be carried out.

• Make sure your trust is properly funded — a trust only works if your assets are titled correctly.

• Share your plan with the people who may need it.

• Plan out how you’d like to be remembered. Preplanning funerals or deciding arrangements for your remains is another way to make sure your voice is heard.

When your estate plan is current, it removes uncertainty. Instead of someone else stepping in to make decisions, your plan speaks for you. That’s the ultimate form of independence.

Step 5: Keep Your Incapacity Plan Current

As part of keeping your estate plan current, it’s important to regularly review your power of attorney documents. Make sure the person you’ve appointed as your agent is still the right choice, confirm when their authority becomes effective, and check that the powers you’ve granted still meet your needs. 

For example, if you want to plan for Medicaid eligibility in the future, you’ll want to be sure your document includes the necessary powers to allow your agent to act on your behalf. Regular reviews help ensure your plan works the way you intend—when you need it most.

Finally, be sure to share these documents with the appropriate people. Your agent, physician, and financial institutions can help you more if they are kept in the loop.

Step 6: Communicate and Stay Connected

No matter how thorough your documents are, communication is what keeps independence intact. Having conversations with loved ones about your wishes, your values, and your plan ensures everyone is on the same page.

It’s also important to build a support network — professionals who can guide you when decisions get complicated. That might include: 

• An estate planning attorney who makes sure your documents reflect your goals.

• A financial advisor who helps manage resources and plan for care.

• A real estate specialist who understands senior housing needs.

• Providers who not only explain your care options but also help you create a plan that works for your future.

Staying connected and having these conversations while you’re healthy and capable means you stay in the driver’s seat. 

Independence Is About More Than Health

Sometimes independence is thought of only in terms of physical ability. But independence also means:

• Having control over financial decisions.

• Deciding where and how you live.

• Making choices about healthcare now, in case you can’t later in life.

• Guaranteeing you have your legacy and wishes honored.

Planning ahead gives you the freedom to make these decisions now — so that later, you’re not dependent on others to guess what you would’ve wanted.

Secure Your Future — Book a Consultation!

Being afraid of losing your independence as you age is real — but it doesn’t have to define your future. By starting early, understanding your options, and keeping your estate plan current, you can hold onto control and peace of mind.

At Schroeder Larsen Law, my goal is to help you protect more than assets. I help you create a thorough and comprehensive plan that preserves your voice at all stages of your life. My focus is to protect what matters most: your dignity, your independence, and the story you want to leave for the next generation.

If you’d like to protect your future now, click here to schedule a consultation with me today!