Part of our guide: Long-Term Care Insurance: Costs, Options and Planning →
Adult children often see a parent’s care needs coming before the parent does. They’re also the ones who will carry the burden if there’s no plan. That makes them one of the most motivated audiences for long-term care conversations.
Key takeaways
- In one carrier survey, 85% of consumers agreed it’s irresponsible not to plan for long-term care, yet most hadn’t acted.
- Adult children often become the caregivers, and pay the price in time, money, and career, when parents don’t plan.
- Advisors can help adult children open the conversation and explore options, including insuring parents while they can still qualify.
85% agree it’s irresponsible not to plan for long-term care. Most still haven’t. Adult children are often the ones who get the conversation started.
Why adult children should care
When parents have no plan, their children usually become the plan, providing care themselves or paying for it. Costs are significant: in 2025, national medians were about $74,400 a year for assisted living and about $129,600 for a private nursing home room. See current care costs.
The planning gap
In a survey by one of our carrier partners, 85% of consumers agreed it’s irresponsible not to plan, 75% said other concerns kept it from being a priority, and 60% agreed long-term care insurance is the best way to handle the cost. Most people won’t act without someone prompting them.
How advisors can help
- Coach adult children on how to raise it with parents; see eight ways to ease into the talk.
- Quantify the risk to the parents’ assets and the family.
- Present options that insure some or all of the risk, including coverage adult children can help fund.
- Review the adult child’s own plan at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy long-term care insurance for my parents?
Adult children can help pay premiums on a policy their parent owns, if the parent qualifies. Hybrid policies are also options for older parents.
How do I talk to my parents about long-term care?
Start indirectly, such as discussing a friend’s situation or asking for their advice, and focus on their wishes rather than money.
Who pays for a parent’s long-term care without insurance?
The parent’s savings first, then often family members, and eventually Medicaid after assets are spent down.
Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-25
Tim Fuller
President, SRS Inc.
Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.
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