When Aging Loved Ones Need Extended Care: How to Navigate the Long-Term Care Maze

Aging brings inevitable challenges—chronic illness, mobility issues, dementia, and frailty can make everyday tasks difficult or even impossible. You may be seeing a decline with your parents or other older family members right now. It will happen to you at some point as well.

When that happens, long-term care becomes a necessity. Yet many families are unprepared for the complexities of finding care for a loved one, and adult children often bear the burden of navigating the system.

• What is Long-Term Care?

Understanding the types of care available, the costs involved, and how to pay for it is essential. Without proper planning, your family may struggle to secure quality care, risking financial and emotional strain. If you are in a family crisis now, knowing the next steps will make it easier for your loved one and the rest of your family.

Unexpected Reality of Long-Term Care

Many people assume they’ll never need long-term care. But the reality is stark—according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 56% of adults 65 and older will require some form of long-term care in their lifetime. Whether due to a sudden accident, a chronic illness, dementia, or simply the natural decline that comes with aging, most people will eventually need help with daily living.

Conditions that often lead to the need for long-term care include:

• Chronic illnesses – Heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and other conditions can make independent living impossible.
• Dementia and cognitive decline – Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia rob individuals of their ability to care for themselves safely.
• Falls and injuries – A single fall can result in a broken hip or other serious injury, requiring rehabilitation or full-time care.
• Frailty and mobility issues – Aging naturally reduces muscle strength and balance, making even basic tasks like getting dressed or bathing a challenge.

Recognizing when a loved one needs help is the first step in securing the right care. But where do you start?

Types of Long-Term Care: Understanding Your Options

Long-term care isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Different levels of care exist based on the individual’s needs. Here’s an overview of the most common types:

1. In-Home Care

For those who prefer to age in place, in-home care provides assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, meal preparation, and medication reminders. Some agencies also offer skilled nursing care.

✅ Best for: Individuals who need help with daily tasks but want to stay at home.
💲 Cost: Varies by state, but the national median cost is about $169 per day for a home health aide, according to the LTC News survey of long-term care costs.

2. Adult Day Care

Adult day care centers provide a safe and engaging environment during the day while family caregivers work or take a break. These programs offer social activities, meals, and sometimes limited medical care.

✅ Best for: Seniors who need help during the day but do not require full-time care.
💲 Cost: Averages $57 per day, according to the LTC News Cost of Care Calculator.

3. Assisted Living

Assisted living facilities provide a residential setting with private or shared apartments, along with assistance for daily needs. Services include meal preparation, housekeeping, and social activities, with medical staff available as needed.

✅ Best for: Seniors who need help but want to maintain independence.
💲 Cost: The national median cost, before surcharges, is about $4,630 per month.

4. Memory Care

A specialized type of assisted living, memory care facilities cater to individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia. These units offer secured environments, structured routines, and staff trained to manage cognitive decline.

✅ Best for: Individuals with dementia who require supervision and specialized care.
💲 Cost: Typically $5,830 per month before surcharges.

5. Nursing Homes

Nursing homes provide 24-hour medical care for individuals with severe health conditions. They offer skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, and assistance with all aspects of daily living.

✅ Best for: Seniors with serious health or cognitive needs or substantial disabilities.
💲 Cost: A private room in a nursing home can cost upwards of $9,656 per month.

Choosing the right type of care depends on your location, and the severity of a loved one’s condition, their personal preferences, and available financial resources.

You can find the current and projected cost of long-term care services near you with the LTC News Cost of Care Calculator:

• Find the Cost of Long-Term Care Services Near You

Paying for Long-Term Care: What You Need to Know

One of the biggest surprises for families is the cost of long-term care. Many assume Medicare or health insurance will cover it—but that’s not the case.

• Medicare and traditional health insurance only covers short-term skilled nursing care, such as rehabilitation after surgery or a hospital stay. It does not cover custodial care (help with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, or eating).
• Medicaid can cover long-term care, but only for those who meet strict income and asset limits. Many families lose most of their assets before qualifying.
• Long-Term Care Insurance pays for all types and levels of extended care, including at home.
• Out-of-pocket payments are common, and costs can deplete retirement savings quickly.

With the rising cost of care, many families find themselves in financial distress. This is why early planning is essential.

Finding Quality Care: How to Choose the Right Provider

Before you begin searching for care, it’s important to recognize the signs that a loved one may need help. Many older adults resist acknowledging their decline, and adult children may not notice subtle changes until a crisis occurs. Think about the level of care they require, their health status, and how much independence they want or can handle. Chronic condition care for seniors is essential to help manage ongoing health issues and improve their quality of life, ensuring they receive the proper treatment and support they need.

Look for these warning signs that indicate it may be time for additional support:

Signs Your Loved One May Need Help at Home

If your loved one is still living independently but showing the following signs, it may be time to arrange for in-home care:

• Changes in personal hygiene – Unkempt hair, infrequent bathing, body odor, or wearing the same clothes repeatedly may indicate difficulty managing daily tasks.
• Weight loss or poor nutrition – Expired food in the fridge, an empty pantry, or difficulty cooking meals can signal a problem.
• Increased forgetfulness – Missing doctor’s appointments, forgetting to pay bills, or leaving the stove on can indicate cognitive decline.
• Household neglect – Unpaid bills, clutter, unsanitary living conditions, or neglected pets may be signs they’re struggling to manage their home.
• Mobility challenges – Trouble getting up from a chair, frequent falls, or difficulty navigating stairs can be dangerous without help.
• Social isolation – A loss of interest in hobbies, avoiding phone calls, or withdrawing from friends and family can be an early indicator of depression or dementia.

If you observe any of these signs, in-home care services may help your loved one remain in their home safely by providing assistance with daily tasks, meal preparation, and medication reminders.

Signs Your Loved One May Need Assisted Living or Memory Care

For some individuals, in-home care may not be enough. If your loved one exhibits the following behaviors, a more structured long-term care facility may be the safest option:

• Wandering or getting lost – Individuals with dementia may leave home and forget how to return, putting themselves at risk.
• Frequent falls or injuries – Repeated hospital visits due to falls may indicate they need more supervision and assistance.
• Inability to manage medications – Taking too many or too few medications can lead to serious health complications.
• Aggressive or erratic behavior – Increased agitation, paranoia, or confusion can be signs of advancing dementia.
• Incontinence issues – Difficulty managing personal hygiene may require 24-hour assistance.
• Neglecting medical conditions – Skipping doctor’s appointments or failing to follow prescribed treatments can be dangerous.

Finding Quality Extended Care Services

Once you’ve determined the type of care needed, finding a reputable provider is the next challenge. Families often feel overwhelmed by the number of choices, but a few key steps can simplify the process:

1. Use Trusted Resources – The LTC News Caregiver Directory is a valuable tool for comparing providers by location and services offered. The directory has over 80,000 caregivers, home health agencies, senior communities, adult day care centers, assisted living, memory care, and nursing home facilities that you can search.
2. Visit Facilities or Meet Caregivers – Whether considering a nursing home, assisted living facility, or home care agency, visiting in person provides insight into cleanliness, staff demeanor, and overall environment.
3. Read Reviews and Ask for References – Online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can offer a clearer picture of the quality of care.
4. Check Licensing and Accreditation – Ensure that the facility or provider is licensed by the state and accredited by organizations such as The Joint Commission.
5. Understand Costs and Contracts – Before signing an agreement, fully understand what services are covered, the costs involved, and any potential rate increases.

LTC News can help your family through the paperwork required to obtain the benefits from any Long-Term Care Insurance policy. Partnering with Amada Senior Care, LTC News ensures that your loved one receives quality care without worrying about securing their LTC Insurance benefits. There is no cost or obligation for this service - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.

Preparing for Your Own Future Care Needs

While this article primarily focuses on helping a loved one find care, it's equally important to consider your own future.

• Start Planning Now – The earlier you plan, the more options you will have.
• Discuss Your Wishes with Family – Having open conversations about your preferences can make future decisions easier for your loved ones.
• Look Into Long-Term Care Insurance – It provides financial security and gives you more control over where and how you receive care.

How Long-Term Care Insurance Can Protect Your Family and Finances

Long-Term Care Insurance is one of the best ways to ensure that quality care is available when needed. Unlike health insurance, LTC Insurance covers custodial care and can be used for in-home care, assisted living, memory care, and nursing homes.

• What it covers: LTC Insurance pays for personal and health care services when an individual can no longer perform at least two activities of daily living (ADLs) or has cognitive impairment.
• When to buy: The best time to purchase LTC Insurance is in your 40s or 50s, when premiums are lower and you can still qualify based on health.
• Why it matters: Without LTC Insurance, families often have to pay out of pocket, rely on Medicaid, or provide care themselves—leading to financial and emotional strain.

According to Linda Weyer, an expert in long-term care planning, people want to have choice in the type of care they receive without placing a burden on loved ones.

Long-Term Care Insurance ensures that you have control over your care choices, protecting both your family and your assets.

Final Thoughts: Take Control of the Process

Long-term care is a reality for millions of families, even your family, yet too many people wait until a crisis before addressing it. By understanding care options, planning financially, and using trusted resources like LTC News, you can make informed decisions and ensure that aging loved ones receive quality care without unnecessary stress.

The best approach? Plan ahead, educate yourself, and take action before care is urgently needed. Don’t wait to add LTC Insurance to your retirement plan. Use the LTC News Long-Term Care Insurance Education Center to learn more about how to plan. Seek an experienced specialist to provide you with accurate quotes from all the top-rated insurance companies that offer long-term care solutions.

Aging brings unique challenges, from emotional stress to financial strain, knowledge and planning will make it easier.