Guest Blog:
The Importance of a Written Long Term Care Plan
Written By: Michael Smith, LUTCF, CLTC, CPS Horizon Financial
As people live longer, the chances of needing long-term care at some point in life increase significantly. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 70% of people over age 65 will require some form of long-term care services. 56% of people will have a condition bad enough to qualify for a long term care insurance claim. Despite this, many individuals and families are unprepared for the complex decisions that come with needing extended care. Having a written plan in place can make all the difference—not just for the individual requiring care, but for the family members who will be involved in supporting and managing that care.
Understanding Long-Term Care Options
Long-term care encompasses a range of services designed to help individuals who can no longer perform basic activities of daily living independently. These services can be provided in various settings, including:
Home Health Care: This option allows individuals to remain in their own homes while receiving medical or non-medical assistance. Services may include skilled nursing, physical therapy, help with bathing, meal preparation, and medication management. Home health care can offer a high level of independence and familiarity, but it may require family members to be involved in caregiving or coordinating services.
Assisted Living: Assisted living communities provide housing, meals, and personal care support in a residential setting. Residents usually have private living spaces but receive assistance with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and medication administration. These facilities strike a balance between independence and support, but costs can be significant and typically aren’t covered by Medicare.
Nursing Home Care: For individuals with more serious health conditions, nursing homes provide around-the-clock medical care and supervision. This is the most intensive—and often the most expensive—form of long-term care. It is usually reserved for those who need a high level of assistance and medical oversight.
Why a Written Plan Matters
Clarifies Your Wishes: Without a written plan, decisions about care often fall to family members who may not know your preferences. A documented plan can include details about where you’d prefer to receive care, who you want to be involved in decision-making, and how you’d like to finance care.
Reduces Family Conflict and Stress: In the absence of a clear directive, family members may disagree on the best course of action, leading to emotional strain and fractured relationships. A written plan provides a roadmap, reducing uncertainty and conflict at a time when emotions are already running high.
Protects Financial Resources: Long-term care is expensive. A written plan can outline how you intend to pay for care, whether through savings, long-term care insurance, or Medicaid planning. This can prevent financial crises for both you and your family.
Ensures Continuity of Care: Care needs can change over time. A plan can anticipate different levels of care and specify how transitions should be handled. This continuity is crucial for maintaining quality of life and avoiding unnecessary disruptions.
The Impact on Family Members
When no plan exists, families often bear the burden—emotionally, financially, and physically. Adult children may be forced to become caregivers, take time off work, or spend their own savings to pay for care. The stress of caregiving can lead to burnout, strained relationships, and even health problems for the caregiver.
By contrast, when a written plan is in place, family members have a guide. They know your preferences, understand the financial tools available, and can act with confidence and unity. This peace of mind allows them to focus on providing emotional support, rather than being consumed by logistics and uncertainty.
Components of a Comprehensive Long-Term Care Plan
A well-prepared written plan should include:
Advance directives (e.g., living will, healthcare proxy)
Financial plan for covering care costs
Insurance information (including long-term care insurance, if applicable)
Preferred care settings and providers
Instructions for transitions between care types
Contact list of key individuals (family, attorneys, financial advisors)
Long-term care planning is not just a matter of practicality—it’s an act of love and responsibility. By documenting your wishes and preparing for the possibility of needing extended care, you protect your dignity, safeguard your finances, and spare your family unnecessary hardship. Whether care is needed at home, in an assisted living community, or in a nursing facility, having a written plan ensures that your future unfolds according to your values, not according to crisis-driven decisions.
Join us for our Long Term Care Webinar on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Take a deeper look into care options and how to discuss your plan with your spouse and family members. Learn more and register: shakespearewm.com/event/long-term-care-webinar/