Do You Have Life Insurance, or Do You Need Life Insurance That You Don’t Have to Die to Use?

Hi, I’m Rebecca Siddiqui, co-founder of ARD Strategies. Today, I want to talk about something that often gets overlooked: life insurance. But not just any life insurance—the kind that you don’t have to die to use.

Let me share a story with you. David had a friend named Mark, whose mom needed assisted living fast. She was falling often, her medications were a mess, and the bills? They were piling up. Mark had a life insurance policy for her, but as he sat there watching her struggle, he thought, “I’ve got the policy, but… she’s still here. Now what?”

Does this sound familiar? Maybe you’ve got a life insurance policy tucked away, too, but it’s sitting there waiting for the inevitable. But what if I told you there’s a life insurance option that flips the script? What if you could use it now, not just when the endgame arrives?

Let’s break this down.

You’re probably familiar with traditional life insurance. It’s a safety net designed to provide a payout to your family when you’re gone. Pretty solid, right? But here’s the issue: when it comes to senior care costs—ranging from $3K to $7K a month for assisted living—that policy is just sitting there, useless until the finish line. Meanwhile, you’re scrambling to manage savings, dealing with stress, and asking, “How do I keep Mom safe?”

Enter living benefits life insurance. This is a game-changer. David and I stumbled upon it while looking for options for families we work with at ARD Strategies.

This isn’t your grandpa’s life insurance. It comes with riders—a fancy word for add-ons—that let you tap into the death benefit while you’re still alive. Perfect for those times when you’re facing a chronic illness or need long-term care. In short, it’s cash when you need it—not later.

Here’s a story that really drove this home for me. A family we helped, let’s call them the Johnsons, was facing the overwhelming costs of assisted living for Dad. Their savings were running low, and stress was running high. What they didn’t realize was that they had a life insurance policy with an accelerated benefit rider—a feature they didn’t even know about.

With my years of experience in senior care, I spotted it right away. We helped them navigate the process, and they accessed the funds early. Today, Dad’s in a great care facility, enjoying the sunshine on a cozy patio, and all the while, the family avoided a financial crisis. That’s the power of life insurance you don’t have to die to use. It’s not just a payout; it’s a lifeline.

So, where do you stand? Do you have life insurance? If so, great—but let’s make sure it’s the right kind. Does it include living benefits, or is it the old-school “wait ‘til the end” kind?

If it’s the latter, it might be time to rethink your options. At ARD Strategies, we don’t just help you find the right care home; we’re here to help you find the right tools, like living benefits, that can ease the financial burden.

The costs of senior care creep up fast—the falls, the memory slips, the daily struggles—and waiting for your policy to kick in posthumously won’t cut it when the need is urgent.

Life insurance with chronic illness or long-term care riders can unlock cash to cover assisted living, home care, or anything else that keeps your loved one thriving. And the best part? It’s not about dying—it’s about living better.

Let’s get real: caregiving is tough enough without the added stress of financial worries. You’re not just a caregiver; you’re a warrior. And warriors need options. So, take a moment to dig out your policy, read through the fine print, or reach out to your agent.

Ask them: “Can I use this now if I need to?” If the answer is no, let’s talk. You can email me at rebecca@ardstrategies.com or text “QUESTIONS” to 602-332-0780, and I’ll be happy to share insights. Want more tips and stories like this? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Care Home Chronicle. Just send us a quick email, and we’ll get you set up.

At ARD Strategies, we’re here to help you match your loved one with the right care and give you peace of mind when it comes to finances. Life insurance you don’t have to die for? That’s not just smart we call it freedom. What’s your next move?