Don’t assume Medicaid will take care of everything

Rudert also cautioned that people assume that once you are retired Medicaid will fill in all your health and long-term care needs. “It is important that everyone makes a plan early on for how they will handle long-term care,” Rudert said. “You practically have to financially impoverish yourself to qualify for Medicaid to pay for your home health or nursing home care. Medicare will pay for 20-100 days of custodial care once you are released from the hospital. After that you or your family will be expected to figure it out.”

Rudert said that there are solutions to the problem and insurance you can purchase ahead of time that will provide in those situations.

As a member of the Society of Certified Senior Advisors, Rudert said that he has attended many conferences and read “a lot of literature” on healthy aging.

“I have learned that there are some key things that make getting older easier,” Rudert laughed. “As people are living longer and longer you don’t want to outlive your money — preservation of your finances is key. Planning ahead can maximize your quality of life.”

Rudert has an office located at 504 Riverside Parkway where he can be found Monday through Friday. Anyone interested in learning more about issues with the elderly or seeking the advice for themselves or loved ones may contact Rudert at 706-378-8492. Those wishing to donate time or times to the Senior Promotions Council may contact him at the same number listed above for more information on locations and meetings.