Planning for Long‑Term Care with Suzanne Scheer

Written By Guest User

Long‑term care is one of the most misunderstood and emotionally charged parts of preparing for the future. For many families, the need for care arrives suddenly — and without a plan, the consequences can be overwhelming. To help readers understand what thoughtful long‑term care planning looks like, we spoke with Suzanne Scheer, an independent long‑term care insurance specialist whose work is shaped by deeply personal experience.

A Personal Story That Changed Everything

Suzanne was 33 when her parents’ health began to decline. Her mother faced serious medical challenges, and her father suffered a stroke followed by end‑stage dementia. At the same time, she was raising her 15‑month‑old son and navigating the emotional and logistical weight of caring for both parents.

Her parents passed away just five weeks apart. She was 41.

“I was an only child,” she shares. “I left my career as a family law attorney to care for my parents and my son. Living the contrast between having long‑term care insurance — and not having it — changed the course of my professional life.”

Her father had long‑term care insurance. Her mother didn’t, because she couldn’t qualify. The difference was profound.

Helping Families Plan Before They’re in Crisis

Today, Suzanne helps individuals and families make informed decisions about long‑term care before they’re forced to react in an emergency.

“Most people are surprised by what care actually costs,” she explains. “They’re also surprised by how many options exist to prepare for it — including policies that pay a death benefit if care is never needed.”

Suzanne works independently and represents multiple top‑rated carriers. Her only obligation is to her clients.

“No pressure, no rush — just honest, compassionate guidance.”

What She Teaches and How She Helps

Suzanne specializes in asset‑based (hybrid) long‑term care insurance, a modern option that allows families to reposition assets for maximum efficiency. If care is never needed, some or all of the premiums return to the people you love.

Her work includes:

  • Educating people about long‑term care insurance

  • Determining whether it’s a good fit for their needs

  • Customizing plans that support both the individual and their family

  • Staying current on new products and changing policies

  • Providing independent, unbiased recommendations

“Like Calm & Order, my goal is to make things easier for people and their families in life’s difficult moments,” she says. “Having a plan in place gives everyone involved options and peace of mind.”

The Most Common Mistake Families Make

“Hoping everything will be okay — and then reacting when it isn’t,” Suzanne says. “This is the worst possible scenario. Planning ahead makes everything easier. Not perfect, but much more manageable.”

The Conversations Families Avoid (But Shouldn’t)

Suzanne sees a pattern: aging parents rarely express their wishes should they need care. When the worst happens, adult children are left guessing.

“They have to figure out what their parents would want — and how to make that happen. It’s incredibly stressful.”

What Creates the Most Stress After a Crisis

“Going on a scavenger hunt for documents, information, and guidance,” she explains. When families don’t know where anything is — or what their loved one wanted — the emotional and logistical burden multiplies.

Where to Begin: Suzanne’s Advice

Her guidance is clear:

“Consult with trusted experts who can educate you and help you put a plan in place.”

She emphasizes working with a specialist — not a general insurance agent or financial advisor who only occasionally handles long‑term care insurance.

“There are new products coming to market and existing products are changing. You need someone who is up‑to‑date, independent, and committed to your best interest.”

Common Misconceptions About Long‑Term Care Insurance

Suzanne highlights several:

  • Medicare does not cover long‑term care. It only covers short‑term rehab after a three‑night hospital stay.

  • Health insurance doesn’t cover long‑term care either. Without a long‑term care policy, families are unprotected.

  • Long‑term care is not only for end‑of‑life. In fact, 37–45% of claims are filed by people under 65.

  • Waiting until age 60 is not ideal. Premiums are lower when purchased younger, and hybrid policies lock in rates at the age you obtain the policy.

What “Being Prepared” Really Means

For Suzanne, preparedness is a combination of:

  • A complete estate plan with the right people named

  • Strong financial footing

  • Long‑term care insurance (when appropriate and financially feasible)

  • All essential information compiled and accessible in a secure online vault

“Today’s long‑term care insurance is very different from your parents’ or grandparents’ policies,” she notes. “The newer plans have level premiums and return some or all of the premium if care is never needed.”

Preparedness is about options — and peace of mind.

Connect with Suzanne

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