Start LTC conversations with clients to help them prepare for future needs.

Client conversations about long-term care (LTC) often center on costs. While affordability remains a concern, more clients see LTC planning is about more than finances.

A recent long-term survey conducted by the Nationwide Retirement Institute^® reveal some non-financial concerns people have when they consider their possible future LTC needs, including when caring for others.

This is where financial professionals can help. While only 18% of respondents have discussed potential LTC costs with a financial professional, 63% of those who have a financial professional but have not discussed LTC costs with them plan to do so with their financial profsesional in the future. Starting long-term care planning conversations with clients can help them avoid some of the challenges if an LTC event occurs.

Many people prefer in-home care, but they're not preparing for it.

Nearly three-quarters (73%) said they would prefer to receive LTC in their own home (67%) or a loved one’s home (6%), but few have planned accordingly. This disconnect highlights the gap between how Americans want to age and how prepared they are to do so.

Among those who prefer to receive care at home:

37%

have created a savings or investment plan to cover LTC expenses

28%

have identified who their future caregivers may be

22%

have modified their homes to support aging in place

Woman in a nursing home sitting down and smiling at worker while drinking a cup of tea.

Caregivers have first-hand experience with the challenges of LTC.

Over half of Americans (55%) have stepped into a caregiving role for a loved one or family member. Although the majority of caregivers (77%) would choose to be a caregiver all over again if given the choice, they also reported planning challenges and financial concerns.

of caregivers with LTC experience observed challenges during the long-term care decision-making process

of caregivers were surprised how physically and emotionally demanding caregiving can be

were surprised how expensive caregiving can be

Man in his 60s meeting with a financial professional and getting a document handed to him.

“What if I’m alone?” Solo aging changes affects LTC decision-making.

The prospect of facing long-term care needs while living alone is a significant concern for people and influences their LTC planning

58%

have considered the possibility of living alone when they need LTC and three-quarters of them (75%) have accounted for this in their LTC planning at least somewhat.

84%

were concerned about not having someone to advocate for them if they were living alone vs. 16% if living with a partner

76%

were concerned about making the wrong care decision if they were living alone vs. 24% if living with a partner

Nationwide is your source for LTC planning resources.

Helping clients plan for long-term care can be complicated, but Nationwide is ready to support your efforts. From educational guides that explain the complexities of LTC, to calculators that give clients a personalized estimate of potential LTC costs, we help you prepare for difficult client conversations and follow up with workable solutions.

View our long-term care solutions and planning resources.

Disclosure

The research was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Nationwide among 1,208 adults aged 30+ who were the primary or shared financial decision-makers for their household. Respondents also had a household income of $75K+. The survey was conducted April 11-29, 2026.

For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact charley.gillespie@nationwide.com.

For financial professional use only.

This material is not a recommendation to buy or sell a financial product or to adopt an investment strategy. Investors should discuss their specific situation with their financial professional.