Finding care for an aging parent is emotionally and financially draining. When you choose the right caregiver or long-term care facility for someone you love, you will avoid costly mistakes and ease family stress and anxiety.
When Your Parents Need Help, Are You Ready?
One phone call can change everything. Your mom falls. Your dad forgets the stove is on. Suddenly, you're faced with a tough reality: they need help, and fast.
"People are often shocked to learn that Medicare doesn't pay for custodial care, which is the type of assistance most seniors need as they age," says Matt McCann, CLTC, a nationally recognized expert in long-term care planning.
"Long-term care services include help with bathing, dressing, and eating—things we all take for granted until we can't do them alone. When that happens the family must act, whether they are prepared for not."
True Cost of Care—Health Insurance and Medicare Won't Cover It
Long-term care isn't short-term rehab. It's daily help—often for years.
- Medicare only pays for limited skilled nursing after hospitalization
- Health insurance typically excludes routine personal care and will only pay for a limited amount of skilled services
According to the LTC News survey of long-term care costs around the country, families find themselves facing the reality of high long-term care costs:
- Home health aide: $66,000+ annually, depending on location
- Assisted living: Often $58,000+ per year before surcharges that add even more
- Nursing home: $125,000+ annually in many states
That kind of expense can change lifestyles and wipe out savings fast. McCann says that since many people never thought about planning nor purchased Long-Term Care Insurance, the family goes into crisis.
"Families often try to provide care themselves at first. But when the demands become too great, they're forced to find outside help—and figure out how to pay for it. Neither step is easy."
When You Become the Caregiver—or Have to Hire One
Maybe you've already stepped in to help—driving to appointments, cooking meals, bathing them, keeping them safe. But caregiving is a full-time job, and most of us can't do it alone forever.
You have options. Here's what to consider:
Home Care Agencies
- Trained, insured professionals from licensed providers
- Offer personal care, hygiene help, medication reminders, and companionship
- Pros: Supervision, reliability, backup staff
- Cons: Sometimes more expensive than private caregivers
Independent Caregivers
- Found through referrals, online platforms, or bulletin boards
- Pros: Sometimes more affordable
- Cons: You handle screening, employment taxes, and legal liability. Scheduling and lack of backup can be problematic
- Warning: Many are unlicensed or lack background checks
Assisted Living
- Residential communities with meals, help with daily tasks, and social activities
- Pros: Community life, 24/7 support, privacy, couples can stay together
- Cons: It can be expensive, especially nicer places featuring higher monthly fees.
"In many cases, the home is sold, eliminating housing expenses. As a result, the higher cost of assisted living often balances out so people focus on chocie nd quality of care."
Nursing Homes
- For those usually needing medical care or substantial supervision for those with severe dementia
- Pros: Skilled staff, rehab services
- Cons: Costly, less homelike, often last-resort or Medicaid-funded
Make Your Search for Quality Care Easier
The LTC News Caregiver Directory helps you find:
- Local home care agencies
- Adult day care
- Assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities
You can filter by zip code, care type, and service level—all in one place. Profiles include reviews, contact details, and service offerings to simplify the process.
Plus, the directory is free.
What to Look for in a Caregiver or LTC Facility
Choosing care isn't just a transaction—it's a relationship. Prioritize:
- Credentials and Licensing: Ask for proof and verify it
- Experience: Specific training in dementia, mobility issues, etc.
- Background Checks: Especially important for in-home care
- Compassion and Communication: Does the caregiver make your parent feel heard and respected?
- Contract Clarity: Hours, responsibilities, rates, and cancellation policies
- Facility Transparency: Visit in person, review inspection reports, and talk to staff and residents
"Finding the right care isn't just about services—it's about your parent's dignity, happiness, and safety."
McCann says that's what makes the right caregiver or long-term care facility life-changing.
How Long-Term Care Insurance Changes Everything
If your parent has Long-Term Care Insurance, you have more flexibility—and peace of mind.
- Covers in-home care, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing
- Often includes case management to coordinate care
- Reduces physical, emotional, and financial strain
"Long-Term Care Insurance offers peace of mind, knowing that the financial resources to access quality care will be there when you need it."
Some policies even help pay for home modifications, like wheelchair ramps or walk-in showers.
Need help filing a claim? LTC News and Amada Senior Care offer free assistance—no matter which insurance company issued the policy. Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim has never been easier - Get Free Help Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.
Care is About More Than Health
McCann says the right caregiver doesn't just keep your parent clean and safe—they help your parent live.
Ask yourself:
- Will my parent feel respected, heard, and safe with this caregiver?
- Will their emotional needs—companionship, dignity, purpose—be met?
- Will this care plan adapt as their needs change?
These are hard questions. But they matter more than anything else.
What About Your Future?
You're focused on your parents right now. But this experience raises another question:
What happens when you need care?
"Understanding how longevity and living a long life will impact your family and finances is a key part of retirement planning."
McCann says you don't want your adult children to face a crisis 20 or 30 years from now, scrambling to find care for you.
Think about it now—while you still can.
Steps to Take Now
You don't need to figure this out alone.
"Finding quality care isn't just about logistics—it's about love, dignity, and peace of mind."
McCann recommends using the help of an experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist who represents the top-rated insurance companies offering long-term care solutions.
Most people acquire an LTC policy between ages 47 to 67, but your health will determine eligibility and even the cost of a policy.
Get Professional Planning Help Now
Matt McCann, CLTC is licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, representing top-rated insurance companies that provide long-term care solutions.
His innovative approach allows clients to consult with him over the phone while viewing his computer screen, ensuring a convenient and transparent process for learning about, exploring, and selecting the best options.
You can get free and accurate quotes from all the top companies, along with professional recommendations - Free and Accurate LTC Insurance Quotes.
Media Availability
McCann is available for radio, TV, and podcast interviews. He also speaks to groups and organizations worldwide on the issues of aging, caregiving, health, and long-term care.
Contact McCann through his website for information.