Part of our guide: Long-Term Care Insurance: Costs, Options and Planning →
Many people, especially women, spend years caring for others: children, spouses, parents. The people who provide the most care are often the least prepared for their own.
Key takeaways
- Women tend to live longer than men (about 81 vs. 76 years at birth) and provide most family caregiving.
- Married women often care for a husband first, leaving fewer assets for their own care later.
- Widowed, divorced, and single women are more likely to have no spouse to care for them.
She cared for her parents, then her husband. When it’s her turn, who will care for her — and what’s left to pay for it?
Why caregivers need a plan of their own
Caregivers spend time, money, and energy on others, often at the expense of their careers and savings. Women in particular live longer and make up about two-thirds of nursing home residents. See why women may be the answer to your LTC sales.
Scenarios to discuss
- Married couples: husbands often need care first, depleting assets the wife will need later. Make sure both spouses have a plan.
- Unmarried partners: accessing a partner’s assets for care can be complicated. Shared-benefit designs can help.
- Widowed or divorced: without a spouse or children nearby, there may be no one to provide care. See planning without children.
- Adult children caring for a parent: buying their own coverage can bring access to caregiver support services, useful when an uninsured parent needs care.
Reaching caregivers
Women’s organizations, caregiver support groups, and community events are natural places to offer LTC education. Our team can help you plan seminars and materials.
Frequently asked questions
Why do women need long-term care planning?
Women generally live longer, are more likely to be caregivers, and are more likely to be widowed or single later in life.
What happens if a caregiver needs care herself?
Without a plan, she may have depleted savings caring for others and have no one to care for her, which is why her own coverage matters.
Can long-term care insurance help caregivers?
Yes. Policies can pay for professional care and often include caregiver training and support services.
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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