Easy Steps for Long-Term Care Planning

If you have kids in high school or college, you already feel it—time moves faster than you ever expected. One minute you’re helping with homework, the next you’re looking at graduation announcements and thinking about what comes next. But while you’re focused on their future, it’s just as important to think about your own.

The reality is simple: no matter your age, now is the time to plan for the possibility of needing long-term care. However, people often delay planning for long-term care because it’s uncomfortable to think about—but waiting limits your options and can leave families making difficult decisions in a crisis

Many people in this age group feel the need for long-term care is too far off to make plans for it.” — University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation, National Poll on Healthy Aging.

Longer Lives Bring New Challenges

You’re likely to live longer than previous generations. That’s good news—but it also comes with increased health risks that can impact your independence later in life. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about one in eight people over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. This isn’t a rare condition—it’s something affecting millions of families right now.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that worsens over time, and currently, there is no cure. That means many people will eventually need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or supervision for safety." — Alzheimer’s Association.

Why Planning Now Matters More Than Ever

With longer lifespans and rising rates of cognitive decline, the need for long-term care is growing. Federal data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows that 56% of adults who reach age 65 will require long-term services and supports that meet the formal definition of care.

You might tell yourself it won’t affect you—that it’s something other people deal with. But the reality is different. Aging and long-term care are real concerns, and conditions like chronic illness, mobility limitations, dementia, and frailty can make it difficult to manage everyday activities or require supervision for safety.

Ignoring the issue doesn’t make it go away. It often leads to a family crisis—one that no one is prepared for and no one wants to face.

Without a plan, that responsibility often falls on your family.

• Your spouse may become a full-time caregiver
• Your adult children may juggle careers and caregiving
• Your savings and retirement income could be quickly depleted

At the same time, the cost of care continues to rise across the United States. Whether it’s in-home care, assisted living, or memory care, the financial and emotional impact can be significant.

Planning Is About Control—and Peace of Mind

Thinking about aging and potential care needs isn’t easy. But taking action now gives you something invaluable: control.

Planning now, especially when you are younger and healthier, allows you to:

• Choose the type and quality of extended care you want
• Protect your income and assets
• Avoid placing a heavy burden on your family
• Maintain independence for as long as possible

Paying for Long-Term Care Costs

You might think health insurance or Medicare will pay for long-term care. You would be wrong, as they will only pay for short-term skilled care. Unless a loved one can quit their job and become a full-time caregiver, you will pay for your future care yourself, unless you have Long-Term Care Insurance and qualify for Medicaid because you have little or no money.

Long-term care expenses are mostly labor costs, but they are expensive and rising rapidly due to the growing need for extended care. LTC News surveys the cost of all types of long-term care services nationwide and has the most comprehensive calculator of current and projected long-term care costs in the United States.

You can plug in your zip code, city, or town name and see the current and projected median average cost of care, as well as the projected cost in the future.

👉 Find the current and future cost of long-term care services near you.

Time doesn’t slow down. The question is whether you’ll use it to prepare. You’ve spent years planning for your family’s future. Isn’t it time to protect your own? Start by exploring your options, understanding the real cost of care in your area, and having a conversation with your family. You don’t wait until you’re older—experts and common sense both say you should plan before retirement, when you have more choices and better options.

The decisions you can make today will shape your independence, dignity, and quality of life tomorrow.

Do You Have a Plan?

You may have a retirement plan. You may have savings, investments, a future income stream, and even a vision for how you want to spend your later years. But have you taken the next step and asked yourself a harder question—what happens if you need long-term care?

A real plan goes beyond simply buying insurance. However, for many people, Long-Term Care Insurance should be part of a comprehensive retirement strategy. Planning means thinking about longevity, how long you may live, and how those extra years could impact your health, independence, and finances. It means asking yourself: If you need help with daily living activities or supervision due to cognitive decline, how will that care be provided—and who will be responsible?

Retirement planning should involve more than a discussion of finances… people need to prepare for how longer lives will affect their health, well-being, and overall life course.” — Tamara J. Cadet, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice.

These are not easy questions, but they matter. Which one of your children would step in to help make decisions? How would that responsibility affect their career, finances, and family life? What about your spouse—how would caregiving change their lifestyle, health, and future? For many families, these decisions are made in a crisis, without a plan, and the emotional and financial consequences can be overwhelming.

Adding Long-Term Care Insurance is often a smart decision because the cost of premiums is typically far lower than the cost of care itself. But long-term care planning is not just about money. It’s about your family. It’s about protecting the people you love from the physical, emotional, and financial burden that can come when care is needed without preparation.

In the end, having a plan is about control. It allows you to make decisions on your terms, protect your legacy, and ensure that your need for care doesn’t redefine the lives of those around you.

To plan for your long-term care costs, answer the following questions.

• How close are you to retirement?
• What types of Long-Term Care Insurance programs fit into your budget?
• Without insurance, how do you plan on paying for the costs of long-term care?
• Which one of your loved ones could quit their job and become your future caregiver?

Then let that settle. How do you feel about placing the full responsibility of caregiving or managing future extended care on someone you love? How would that change their life?

Aging in Place

The idea of staying in your own home as you age is appealing. It’s where your memories are, where you feel comfortable, and where you have a sense of control. For many people, aging in place is not just a preference—it’s a goal. Being in your home can be an option that makes sense, but is your house age and disability friendly? Staying at home only works if your home can safely support you as your needs change. The question isn’t just where you want to live. It’s whether your home is truly age and disability friendly.

As mobility changes, everyday features can become obstacles. Stairs, narrow hallways, slippery bathrooms, and poor lighting can increase the risk of falls and injury. Simple tasks like bathing, cooking, or getting in and out of bed may require modifications or assistance over time. Without preparation, the home that once felt safe can quickly become a challenge.

Planning ahead can make aging in place a realistic and safe option. That may include:

• Installing grab bars and walk-in showers
• Improving lighting and reducing tripping hazards
• Adding stair lifts or considering single-level living
• Preparing for in-home care services if needed

Aging in place is not just about staying home—it’s about staying independent. Having a plan in place, including how care will be delivered and paid for, helps ensure your home remains a place of comfort rather than risk.

You can also set yourself up now by preparing your home for aging in place. That will come in handy for your future, and you'll be able to save on long-term care costs. Modifications you can make now include:

• Installing railings on both sides of the stairs.
• Using automatic night lights.
• Removing any loose carpeting or rugs.
• Installing grab bars in the shower or bath.
• Use non-slip covers in slippery areas.

Perhaps a new home that meets these future needs might work.

Being Proactive with Your Health

Aging in place is a good goal, but you should still retain fairly good health. You can take steps now by making better health choices, including:

• Starting a fitness routine.
• Eating a balanced diet.
• Seeing your doctor regularly.
• Reducing stress.
• Improving your sleep hygiene.

The fact is, taking care of your health today is one of the most effective ways to protect your independence tomorrow. The choices you make now can influence not only how long you live, but how well you live. Staying active, maintaining strength and balance, and managing chronic conditions early can reduce your risk of falls, disability, and the need for extended care.

Good health also supports your ability to remain in your home safely. Strong muscles, better mobility, and improved cardiovascular health make everyday tasks easier and lower the likelihood of injuries that could force a move to assisted living or skilled care. Even small, consistent changes—like walking daily or improving nutrition—can have a meaningful impact over time.

But being proactive doesn’t mean you can prevent every issue. Aging still brings uncertainty. That’s why a smart plan combines healthy living with preparation. If your health changes despite your best efforts, having resources in place—such as access to quality caregivers or Long-Term Care Insurance—ensures you can get the help you need without placing the burden on your family.

In the end, staying healthy and planning go hand in hand. One helps you delay the need for care. The other makes sure you’re ready if and when that need arises.

Medical Tests and Labs You Should Have Every Year After 50

Once you reach 50, routine health screenings become more important than ever. These tests help detect problems early—often before symptoms appear—so you can take action and protect your long-term health and independence.

Here are the key tests and labs you should discuss with your doctor each year:

Core Annual Blood Work

These basic labs provide a snapshot of your overall health:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Checks for anemia, infection, and blood disorders
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): Evaluates kidney function, liver health, and electrolytes
• Lipid Panel: Measures cholesterol levels and heart disease risk
• Blood Glucose or HbA1c: Screens for diabetes or prediabetes
• Thyroid Function (TSH): Detects thyroid imbalances

Heart Health Screening

Cardiovascular disease risk increases with age, so regular monitoring is critical:

• Blood pressure check (at least annually, often more frequently)
• Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) if recommended by your physician
• Advanced lipid testing (for those with risk factors)

Cancer Screenings

Early detection saves lives. These screenings are essential:

• Colorectal cancer screening (colonoscopy every 10 years or alternative tests as advised)
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for men (discuss risks/benefits with your doctor)
• Mammogram for women (typically every 1–2 years)
• Pap smear and HPV test for women (based on age and history)
• Skin exam for signs of skin cancer

Bone and Joint Health

• Bone density scan (DEXA): Especially important for women and those at risk for osteoporosis
• Vitamin D levels: Supports bone strength and immune health

Vision, Hearing, and Cognitive Health

• Eye exam: Detects glaucoma, macular degeneration, and vision changes
• Hearing test: Identifies early hearing loss
• Cognitive screening: Especially if there are concerns about memory or thinking

Additional Tests Based on Risk

Your doctor may recommend additional screenings depending on your personal and family history:

• Inflammation markers (CRP)
• Hormone levels (testosterone or estrogen, if symptoms are present)
• Liver ultrasound or cardiac imaging if risk factors exist

Why These Tests Matter

Staying on top of these screenings helps you:

• Catch conditions early, when they are most treatable
• Maintain independence and quality of life
• Reduce the risk of serious health events that can lead to long-term care needs

Even if you feel healthy, these tests are a key part of being proactive. Talk with your healthcare provider about what’s right for you—and make these screenings part of your annual routine.

The Odds of Health Issues Due to Aging

First, read this list of 10 common chronic health concerns for seniors. If you have any of the conditions in your family, you may have a genetic risk of getting them yourself. You can get tested for some of these issues, but be careful: Test results can impact your ability to get insurance in the future.

Other things that can affect your odds of getting a chronic illness or serious health issue include:

• Your gender: Women are more likely than men to get Alzheimer’s disease.
• Your health and lifestyle choices: If you are out of shape, have a poor diet, smoke, or abuse substances, you can reduce your odds of a healthy future. Other, less obvious issues can lead to life-threatening illnesses as well.
• Risk of injury: You also may require future care if you have problems with your joints or bones now. Take a bone density test and consider if you’ve had a prior injury, such as a bone fracture or torn ACL. These can affect your mobility in the future.
• Obesity: Obesity can shorten your lifespan by two to four years and up to a decade for those who are very obese. This may be just one of many factors that can add up to a shorter lifespan, but it’s one you may be able to control. Speak to your doctor right away about reducing this risk factor.

It’s never too soon to assess and plan for your future long-term care needs. Start working toward a healthy, long life now.

Seek Professional Help With Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-Term Care Insurance is not a one-size-fits-all product. Policies vary widely in coverage, benefits, underwriting, and cost. What works for one person may not work for you. That’s why getting guidance from a qualified professional is essential.

An experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist can help you understand your options and design a policy that fits your health, age, financial situation, and goals. They can explain key features like benefit amounts, elimination periods, inflation protection, and how benefits are paid. More importantly, they help you avoid costly mistakes—like underinsuring, overpaying, or choosing a policy that doesn’t align with your future needs.

Every insurance company has its own guidelines for determining who qualifies for coverage. This process, known as underwriting, evaluates your health and other factors against each insurer’s specific criteria.

A Long-Term Care Insurance specialist will ask detailed questions about your health, family history, and finances. Based on that information, they can match you with the company and policy that best fits your age, health profile, and long-term goals—helping you secure the right coverage at the best possible value.

Timing also matters. The best time to explore coverage is before retirement, when you are more likely to qualify, and premiums are lower. A professional can walk you through underwriting expectations and help position your application for the best possible outcome.

👉 Compare Long-Term Care Insurance Companies and Products

Just as important, working with an expert gives you clarity and confidence. You’re not making decisions based on guesswork or marketing claims. You’re building a plan designed to protect your income, preserve your assets, and reduce the burden on your family.

Finding qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialists can be tough. The vetted specialists who partner with LTC News are independent, highly experienced professionals dedicated to long-term care planning. Many hold the Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC) designation — the industry’s most recognized credential — and are endorsed by the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI). Several are also Ramsey Trusted Pros, recommended by Dave Ramsey’s organization for their integrity and expertise. In addition, some maintain strong ties with Christian and Jewish community groups, underscoring their commitment to ethical service and values-based guidance.

In the end, Long-Term Care Insurance is more than a financial product—it’s a critical part of your overall retirement and long-term care plan. Having the right professional by your side helps ensure you get it right.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When should you start planning for long-term care?

You should start planning for long-term care well before retirement—ideally in your 40s or 50s. Planning early gives you more options, lower costs for Long-Term Care Insurance, and time to prepare financially and emotionally.

What are the chances you will need long-term care?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 56% of people turning age 65 will need long-term services and supports that meet the formal definition of care. This includes help with daily activities or supervision due to cognitive decline.

Does Medicare or health insurance pay for long-term care?

No. Medicare and traditional health insurance generally only cover short-term skilled care under limited conditions. They do not pay for ongoing custodial care, such as help with bathing, dressing, or supervision due to dementia.

How much does long-term care cost?

Long-term care costs vary by location and type of care but continue to rise nationwide. In-home care, assisted living, and memory care can cost thousands of dollars per month. You can estimate costs in your area using the LTC News Cost of Care Calculator.

What is Long-Term Care Insurance and why is it important?

Long-Term Care Insurance provides tax-free benefits that help pay for extended care services, including care at home, assisted living, or nursing facilities. It helps protect your savings and reduces the burden on your family.

What does it mean to “age in place”?

Aging in place means staying in your own home as you grow older. To do this safely, your home must be adapted for mobility and safety, and you may need access to in-home care services as your needs change.

What are the biggest risks of not having a long-term care plan?

Without a plan, you may face:

• Financial strain from high care costs
• Dependence on family caregivers
• Limited care options during a crisis
• Loss of independence

How can you reduce your risk of needing long-term care?

While you can’t eliminate the risk, you can reduce it by:

• Staying physically active
• Eating a healthy diet
• Managing chronic conditions
• Getting regular medical checkups
• Maintaining strong social connections

Why is professional guidance important when choosing Long-Term Care Insurance?

Policies vary widely, and underwriting rules differ by company. A qualified specialist can help match you with the right policy based on your health, age, and financial goals—helping you avoid costly mistakes.

What should you discuss with your family about long-term care?

You should talk openly about:

• Your preferences for care (home vs. facility)
• Who would make decisions if you cannot
• Financial plans for paying for care
• How caregiving responsibilities could impact loved ones