If you're noticing your parents beginning to decline, finding quality long-term care services can seem overwhelming. Learn the steps to recognize when help is needed, how to choose care options, fund care, and why this moment should inspire your own long-term care planning.

Watching Your Parents Age: A Wake-Up Call for Action

One day your parents are independent and vibrant; the next, you notice missed appointments, a dented car, or an unkempt kitchen.

Matt McCann, CLTC, a leading expert in long-term care planning, says it often catches families off guard.

"It's a wake-up call. Not just for their needs today, but for your future too."

Finding quality long-term care services for your parents doesn't have to be overwhelming. Knowing the right steps — and having a plan — makes all the difference.

When Do You Know Your Parents Need Help?

Many adult children miss early signs that parents are struggling. Spotting changes in behavior, health, or living conditions before a crisis is critical.

Common signs your parents may need care include:

• Frequent falls or trouble walking
• Poor hygiene or wearing dirty clothes
• Expired food or a messy home
• Forgetting medications or appointments
• Unopened bills or financial confusion
• Isolation or withdrawal
• Weight loss or malnutrition

If you notice one or more of these signs, it's time for a conversation — and an evaluation of their care needs.

"Families who plan ahead tend to avoid the emotional and financial chaos of a long-term care crisis," says McCann.

Home or Facility? How to Decide the Best Care Setting

The next big question is whether your parent can safely stay at home or needs to move to assisted living, memory care, or a nursing home.

Factors to consider:

• Level of care required: Occasional help vs. 24/7 supervision
• Home safety: Can bathrooms be modified? Are there stairs?
• Support system: Are family caregivers available?
• Cognitive ability: Are memory problems putting them at risk?

McCann notes that if your parent owns a  Long-Term Care Insurance policy, many companies offer care coordination services to help families make these decisions.

Moving to a facility might be the safest and best choice if their health needs are too great.

"Finding quality care is vital to maintaining a good quality of life," says McCann.

Use the LTC News Caregiver Directory to find vetted home care providers, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes near you.

McCann says LTC News, in cooperation with Amada Senior Care, will help a family complete the paperwork to file a claim for any LTC Insurance policy at no cost or obligation - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.

What If One Parent Needs Care and the Other Doesn't?

This situation is increasingly common: one parent remains independent, the other needs substantial help.

Options include:

• Hiring in-home caregivers so the healthy spouse can maintain independence
• Moving together into an assisted living community, allowing both partners to stay together

How Do You Pay for Long-Term Care?

Here's the reality:

• Health insurance and Medicare do not cover custodial long-term care.
• Medicaid may help — but only after assets are spent down.
• Personal savings and income often fund care unless Long-Term Care Insurance is in place.

If your parents have a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, review it now to understand the available benefits.

Policies typically cover:

• Home care
• Assisted living
• Memory care
• Skilled nursing facilities

Knowing the benefit amounts and covered services helps you plan more effectively.

How Does Long-Term Care Insurance Work — and When to Use It?

Triggering benefits from a Tax-Qualified Long-Term Care Insurance policy is straightforward.

Two Triggers for Benefits:

1. Inability to Perform Two or More Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Eating
• Transferring
• Toileting
• Continence

Certified by a licensed health care practitioner, your parent must require substantial help to complete at least two ADLs for at least 90 days.

2. Severe Cognitive Impairment: Conditions like Alzheimer's or dementia require substantial supervision to protect health and safety — even if ADLs can still be performed.

Next Steps After Qualification:

• File a claim: Submit medical verification and a plan of care.
• Plan of care: Developed by a healthcare provider in consultation with family.
• Wait out the elimination period: Most policies have a 90-day waiting period.
• Benefits are paid: Payments for approved services begin, usually made directly to providers.

Need help? Use the LTC News Claims Assistance Service.

Why Your Parents' Decline Should Motivate You to Plan Now

Watching your parents age is not just emotional — it's a wake-up call. Aging and health decline are inevitable. Whether you have a plan or not will make all the difference for you and your family.

"Long-Term Care Insurance isn't about fear. It's about ensuring your future dignity, independence, and peace of mind," McCann says.

Start thinking now:

• How will you fund care without draining assets or burdening your children?
• Will you be able to stay at home?
• What quality of life do you want to protect?

The LTC News Cost of Care Calculator shows you the rising costs of care — and can help you plan properly with the assistance of a qualified LTC Insurance specialist.

Bottom Line: Planning Means Empowerment

Finding quality long-term care for your parents is possible. It starts with recognizing the signs, understanding your options, knowing how to fund care, and using the right resources.

And it should inspire you to plan for yourself — while you're young enough to secure affordable options.

Most people acquire Long-Term Care Insurance between ages 47 and 67. Your good health today gives you the best opportunity to plan.

LTC Insurance is affordable — especially when you are younger and healthier.

How Much Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cost at My Age?

Get Professional Planning Help Now

Matt McCann, CLTC, is licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, representing top-rated insurance companies.

Through an innovative, no-pressure process, McCann allows clients to consult by phone while viewing his computer screen — ensuring a simple, convenient, and transparent experience.

You can get free and accurate quotes from all the top companies — plus professional recommendations — by visiting Free and Accurate LTC Insurance Quotes.

Media Availability

Matt McCann is available for radio, TV, and podcast interviews. He also speaks to groups and organizations worldwide about aging, caregiving, health, and long-term care issues.

Contact Matt McCann for interview opportunities or speaking engagements.