When families become full-time caregivers without a plan, the emotional and financial toll can be devastating. Long-Term Care Insurance changes that — protecting retirement assets and giving families the freedom to focus on what matters most.
More than 63 million Americans are providing unpaid care to aging parents, spouses, and loved ones who need help with long-term care. As the nation's population ages and care needs rise, families are increasingly carrying the emotional, physical, and financial burden of caregiving—often with little preparation.
Experts say this growing reality highlights a simple truth: while money matters, family is priceless. And that is exactly why Long-Term Care Insurance has become a foundational part of modern retirement planning.
"Every week, I speak with adult children at the moment their parent goes on claim with their Long-Term Care Insurance policy," said Matt McCann, one of the nation's leading specialists in long-term care planning, who has worked in the industry since 1998.
"They almost always tell me the same thing: 'My mom or dad having a Long-Term Care Insurance policy gave our family the gift of time.' Time to stay family instead of becoming full-time caregivers. Time to focus on their parent's well-being instead of scrambling during a crisis." — Matt McCann, CLTC.
McCann notes that families are often surprised by two things:
- How profoundly an LTC policy protects family relationships, and
- How affordable coverage can be, especially when secured before retirement.
A Growing National Challenge
According to national caregiving data, unpaid family caregivers now provide billions of hours of support each year—help with bathing, meals, transportation, medications, mobility, and supervision for cognitive decline. The emotional toll is significant, and the financial impact can be devastating, with many caregivers reducing work hours or leaving the workforce entirely.
Long-Term Care Insurance helps families avoid those consequences by paying for professional care at home, in assisted living, memory care, or nursing facilities. McCann says that LTC policies give families choice, control, and dignity, allowing loved ones to receive quality care without draining retirement savings or placing the burden solely on family members.
Long-Term Care Insurance Offers Families Something Money Can't Buy: Time
"People plan for market risk, inflation, and taxes," McCann added.
"But the risk most likely to derail a retirement plan is a long-term care event. LTC Insurance is the missing piece that protects income, assets, and—most importantly—family." — Matt McCann, CLTC.
With modern policies offering flexible benefits, care coordination services, and options for home-based care, more Americans are recognizing LTC Insurance as a practical, compassionate component of a secure retirement strategy.
However, McCann emphasizes that while money is important, the impact of aging, declining health, dementia, and frailty has a tremendous impact on those we love.
"Long-term care planning is all about family. Yes, long-term care is a cash flow issue; we must address the cash flow issue, but it remains a significant family issue. Long-Term Care Insurance is the plan that offers guaranteed tax-free benefits not only to safeguard income and assets, but also to ease the stress and burdens otherwise placed on those we love." — Matt McCann, CLTC.
Family in Crisis? There is Help
If your family is already in crisis, seeking quality long-term care services, even part-time respite care, can provide meaningful relief and help you regain your footing.
Too often, families take on more than they can handle. McCann says that when caregiving falls on one person, it creates stress, physical strain, and family conflict that can fracture even the closest relationships.
"Seeking help isn't giving up; it's the smartest thing you can do for your loved one and yourself." — Matt McCann, CLTC.
McCann says some families delay using a loved one's Long-Term Care Insurance policy benefits, mistakenly believing they should save them for later.
"No need to wait for a rainy day when it's already pouring. If your loved one has an LTC policy, use the benefits and get them the quality care they deserve." — Matt McCann, CLTC — Matt McCann, CLTC.
Finding the right help starts with knowing where to look. McCann points families to the LTC News Caregiver Directory, the largest database of caregivers and long-term care facilities in the country. Search by zip code to find adult day care, respite care, and other quality options close to home.
McCann says LTC News has teamed up with Amada Senior Care to offer free, no-obligation assistance in processing a Long-Term Care Insurance claim — File a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.
If your loved one does not have Long-Term Care Insurance, but they do have life insurance, McCann says it might be worth considering selling that life insurance policy to find some of the necessary long-term care.
Long-term care planning isn't about preparing for the worst — it's about protecting what matters most. McCann says that families who plan now give their loved ones the dignity of quality care and give themselves the freedom to stay family. That is a gift no amount of money can replace.
Most people acquire a Long-Term Care Insurance policy between the ages of 47 and 67. No matter your age, seek help from a qualified specialist in long-term care planning who represents all the top companies offering long-term care solutions. McCann notes that underwriting guidelines and premiums vary dramatically between insurance companies.
About Matt McCann, CLTC
Matt McCann, CLTC, has spent nearly 30 years helping families plan for the costs and burdens of aging. One of the nation's most respected long-term care planning specialists, he is licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and represents the country's leading insurance carriers.
Matt's approach is personal and pressure-free. McCann allows clients to consult by phone at their convenience while viewing his computer screen — ensuring a simple, convenient, and transparent experience. He guides families through their options at their own pace — no office visit required.
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
McCann is a frequent media guest and speaker on issues related to aging, caregiving, retirement planning, health, and long-term care.
Contact McCann through his website for information.