5 misconceptions about aging care

Some things just aren’t what they used to be – but that’s not always a bad thing. Phones no longer have cords, cars can park themselves, and thankfully, aging care has evolved too.

Decades ago, aging care options were limited – nursing homes were often the default, or families provided the majority of care.¹ Today, the aging care landscape has changed. There are more choices than ever, from in-home care to assisted living communities to specialized services like dementia care. With the right knowledge, you can explore care options that align with your preferences and goals.

Despite all these options, some misconceptions about aging care still linger. Let’s look at a few of the biggest ones – so you can plan with all the right information. 

It’s common to assume that health insurance will take care of everything you might need as you age. After all, it can cover doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions – so wouldn’t it cover ongoing care, too?

While health insurance provides important medical coverage, it typically does not cover ongoing daily support like help with dressing, bathing, or meal preparation. It also won’t pay for home modifications, such as ramps or stairlifts, that can make aging at home safer and easier.

That doesn’t mean you’re out of options – you can pay for aging care with personal funds, government programs like Medicaid, and long-term care insurance.

Speaking of government programs, Medicare is a vital resource for many older adults and it’s understandable to assume it can also help with aging care. 

In short, Medicare does not cover ongoing aging care. Medicare is designed to cover short-term medical needs for adults over the age of 65. This means services like in-home care, assisted living communities, and nursing homes are not covered. 

As we explained, Medicare does not cover aging care, but it can cover some short-term home health care services. 

We all want to stay independent our whole lives, and for some people, that’s true. But the need for aging care is more common than you might expect. About 70% of adults over the age of 65 will need some form of assistance at some point in their lives.² 

Needing care doesn’t mean losing your independence – in fact, it means getting the right support so that you can maintain your independence. Planning for care now isn’t about assuming the worst, it’s about making sure you have choices and control of your life in the future. 

Wanting to stay in your home as your age makes perfect sense – your home is familiar, comfortable, and full of memories. For many people, aging in place is possible with the right aging care. 

But care needs can change over time and there may come a time when you need more extensive care. You may find that you want more community in your life, which assisted living and nursing homes can bring. 

As we mentioned, the aging care landscape has changed and the options today mean you can get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. 

Family can play a big role in aging care, and many people find comfort in the idea that their loved ones will be there to help when the time comes. For many people, caregiving is a rewarding way to support a loved one. 

As important as family caregiving can be, it can often be physically, emotionally, and financially demanding for a family member. Family caregivers often juggle full-time jobs, personal responsibilities, and their own well-being while providing care. For example:

• 41.8 million Americans have provided unpaid care to an older adult in the past year. 

• Caregivers spend an average of 23.7 hours per week providing care.  

• 21% of caregivers provide over 41 hours of care per week—the equivalent of a full-time job.³

Family can always be a part of your care plan, but exploring additional resources – like professional caregivers, respite care, or other aging care options – can ensure that both you and your loved ones have the necessary support.  

Aging care can be a tough topic for a lot of people and their families. It might not be something you want to think about, let alone discuss. But researching care options and making a care plan can clear up most misconceptions.