No one likes to think about needing long-term care. But ignoring it can cost you everything you worked so hard to build.

It’s one of the most under-planned and financially devastating risks in retirement: needing extended care in your 70s, 80s, or 90s. The truth is, planning for it doesn’t just protect your health—it protects your family, your dignity, and your legacy.

The Financial Reality

The average cost of a private room in a nursing home is now over $100,000 per year—and climbing. Even home care adds up quickly. Medicare won’t cover long-term custodial care, and Medicaid requires you to spend down nearly all your assets to qualify.

Option 1: Hybrid Long-Term Care Insurance

Modern LTC policies are much better than the “use it or lose it” plans of the past. Hybrid plans combine life insurance with long-term care coverage—so if you don’t use the care, your family still receives a death benefit.

Option 2: Asset-Based Planning

Instead of traditional insurance, some retirees earmark a portion of their portfolio or real estate to fund long-term care if needed. But this needs to be done strategically, or it can trigger tax inefficiencies or create gaps.

Option 3: Trusts & Medicaid Planning

For those wanting asset protection, irrevocable trusts and early Medicaid planning can preserve wealth while ensuring care options remain available. The key? Starting years—not months—before you need care.

Don’t let healthcare costs blindside your retirement. Let’s create a plan that covers the “what ifs” so you can focus on enjoying the “what’s next.”