SingleCare.com
By Vanessa Ling
August 7th, 2025
Many Americans will need long-term care (LTC) at some point, but not everyone may understand what it really involves. These statistics illustrate the importance of long-term care and planning…
Despite its potential to help many people, LTC remains an often-overlooked part of health care. Most families don’t think about it until they need it, and by then, the options and costs can be overwhelming. This article breaks down key statistics on long-term care: who needs it, how it’s delivered, what it costs, and why it matters. Whether you’re planning ahead or navigating care now, these are the numbers worth knowing.
Planning early can offer more flexibility, better choices, and significant financial savings down the line. Here are a few key steps to consider:
- Develop a financial plan: Thinking ahead financially is one of the most important parts of long-term care planning. Start by evaluating your income, assets, and potential expenses.
- Consider the type of care you may need: It’s impossible to predict exactly what type of care you’ll need, but understanding your options is important. Research different care settings, such as home care, assisted living, or nursing homes, and compare their costs.
- Review your Medicare and health insurance benefits: While Medicare doesn’t cover all long-term care, some services like short-term home health care or skilled nursing after hospitalization may. Review your plan to be familiar with what’s covered and when.
- Determine how you’ll pay for care: Long-term care can be expensive. Most people rely on a mix of private funds, Medicaid, or long-term care insurance. Knowing your options can help prevent financial strain later on.
- Consider long-term care insurance: Purchasing LTC insurance can help protect your finances if you need extended care in the future. Premiums vary based on age, health, and policy features, so the earlier you buy, the better.
- Create an advance care plan: Advance care planning ensures your medical and financial wishes are followed if you become unable to make decisions. This may include advance directives, a healthcare proxy (medical power of attorney), a living will, and a financial power of attorney.
Open conversations with loved ones can make a big difference. They should understand your wishes and may also be involved in your future care or financial planning.
Being prepared for long-term care is important for all seniors. There are several ways to do this, but the reality is that most don’t plan for it. In our long-term care survey, only 17% of respondents said they had started planning by having conversations, researching options, or purchasing long-term care insurance.
Vanessa Ling
