5 reasons to put a long-term care plan in place
Planning for long-term care is important because the majority of older adults will need it as they age. Having a plan in place means you can be prepared for care costs, get ahead of waitlists, and get care you need if your health needs change.
When you plan your retirement there can be a lot to get excited about – like spending more time with family, going on a cruise, or discovering new hobbies.
While it might not be the first thing on your mind as you set up your dream retirement, putting a long-term care plan in place can ensure you enjoy your aging journey, knowing the right support and resources are in place.
Having a long-term care plan in place can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones while ensuring you get the care that’s right for you.
Here are five key reasons why now is the best time to start thinking about your long-term care:
1. You may need it
Let’s be clear, not everyone needs long-term care, but as you age the likelihood of needing care can increase. Nearly 70 percent of older adults will need long-term care at some point in their lives.1
Planning for long-term care can take time. You’ll want to ask yourself what kind of care you want, who you want to provide your care, and where you want to receive your care. It can all feel a bit overwhelming at first, but with some planning you and your loved ones can be ready for when you actually need it.
2. You can know what to expect when it comes to costs
There are plenty of reasons you may need long-term care. Maybe you need a little extra support with the activities of daily living, like eating, bathing, or dressing. Maybe you have a chronic health condition that requires ongoing care.
As you plan for long-term care, you might be wondering how you can pay for it. Here is a look at the national monthly median cost for different types of long-term care in 2024, according to the latest Cost of Care survey tool:
Nursing home (private room): $10,646
Homemaker services: $6,292
Home health aide: $6,483
Assisted living community: $5,900
Adult day health care: $2,167
While those numbers can feel eye-popping to some, it’s important to remember there are different ways to pay for your long-term care. Many people assume Medicare or health insurance will cover long-term care costs, which is not the case so it’s important to consider using personal funds or purchasing a long-term care insurance policy.
3. It can provide legal security
Putting the right legal documents in place isn’t about expecting the worse—it’s about making sure your wishes are honored, and you and your loved ones stay in control.
A durable power of attorney allows you to choose someone you trust to step in and help with financial and healthcare decisions if the need ever arises. Instead of making tough choices during a moment of crisis, having a plan ensures your wishes are honored, your voice is heard, and your loved ones know how to support you.
4. Your health needs can change
While your health and abilities can change over time, who you are doesn’t. Having a long-term care plan in place means that if the day comes that you need extra support, how you want to live is honored and respected.
Your plans can change too. Maybe you had your heart set on in-home care, but you like the social aspect of an assisted living community. Whatever you decide, make sure you keep your loved ones in the loop.
5. You can get ahead of waitlists
One of the best parts of planning for long-term care is having options. Many assisted living communities, nursing homes, and in-home care services can have waitlists. Planning can give you time to research long-term care options for you before you need them.
If you’re considering nursing home care, it’s important to know that Medicaid-approved nursing homes have limited numbers of beds. CareScout Care Advocate April Martin advises checking with nursing homes if they accept Medicaid-pending residents.
Each state is different based on its income eligibility criteria for Medicaid so it’s best to check your state’s requirements.
By planning, you can secure a spot in a community, nursing home, or care service that aligns with your preferences rather than settling for what’s available at the last minute.
The best time to plan is now
The future may be uncertain, but your ability to plan for it is not. Starting the conversation with your family today means you can age with confidence. As long-term care costs rise and your needs shift, having a plan in place means you can focus on what matters most — living life on your terms, with the support you need.
Martin says to plan as much as you can and as soon as you can.
“It’s great to over-plan,” Martin said. “Express what you want now so the people in your life honor what’s important to you when you need care.”
Understand care costs
One of the most important parts of planning your long-term care is considering costs. Our Cost of Care survey tool helps you understand long-term care costs.
Expert reviewed by
April Martin, MSW, LSW
April has a Master of Social Work degree and is a licensed social worker with over 15 years of experience working in the social work field. Although working with the older adult population is her first love, she has worked in other professions such as mental health, c...
Written by
Brian Dowd
Brian is writer based on Cape Cod. He is a passionate storyteller with a knack for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. He joined CareScout as a Senior Content Writer in 2024. Before that, he worked as a content writer in the senior living industry and worked for several years as an assista...
