The local Thrivent Financial office is hosting a workshop to outline steps residents can take to prepare for long-term care.

The presentation will be at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 28, in the Community Center.

“It’s no secret that our local population has been aging over the past decade,” said Mike Scharnow, a financial representative with Thrivent. “We believe it’s important for aging parents to have those critical discussions with their adult children about options surrounding long-term care and what their desires are.”

Jerrod Stearnes is also a financial representative with Thrivent and holds a certification for long-term care (CLTC).

“Caregiving is a family affair,” said Stearnes. “But that doesn’t mean family members are adequately prepared or equipped to provide care. Nor should they feel obligated to do so.

“That’s why it’s important to have an ‘extended care strategy’ in place – to help preserve family relationships. Call it a legacy of love, if you will.”

The workshop will briefly cover the three levels of long-term care, the various settings where it can take place, how care is defined and a discussion about the rising costs of long-term care.

“Strategies such as paying for long-term care out of your own pocket or relying on family members or Medicaid are often not viable,” emphasized Scharnow. “Long term-care insurance can help folks preserve the assets they’ve accumulated during their lifetimes.”

Time for questions and answers will be provided. The workshop is for informational purposes only; no products will be sold.

Snacks and refreshments will be served. Those interested in attending should RSVP at 480-498-6184.