As we approach the end of the year, many retirees and those preparing for retirement are reviewing their investments, taxes, and income plans. One area that often gets overlooked — but has an enormous impact on long-term financial security — is long-term care planning ^1.

Whether you’re retired or still in the planning stages, year-end is an ideal time to step back and consider how future care needs may fit into your overall retirement plan.

Why Long-Term Care Belongs in Your Year-End Review

Long-term care isn’t just about nursing homes. It includes home care, assisted living, adult day programs, or support following an illness or injury. As we age, the likelihood of needing some level of care increases, and so does the importance of having a flexible plan in place.

A thoughtful strategy can help:

• Protect your retirement income
• Reduce the burden on family members
• Preserve your choices and independence
• Improve predictability for future costs

Even if you feel confident about your financial plan, reviewing long-term care each year helps ensure it still aligns with your inflation, your goals and changing life circumstances. ²

Key Questions to Consider Before 2026

1. How would you want to receive care if you needed it? At home? In a community? Knowing your preferences can guide which planning strategies make the most sense.
2. Have your health needs (or your spouse’s) changed this year? Life changes can impact which options are realistic and which aren’t.
3. Do you have a financial strategy in place to cover care costs? Common funding options include savings, long-term care insurance or hybrid policies, health savings accounts, and income strategies designed to maintain flexibility.

Even a simple conversation around these questions now can help reduce stress later!

Planning Options for Different Stages of Retirement

For Pre-Retirees

Your 50’s and early 60’s are ideal years to explore long-term care coverage options, evaluate costs, and determine what fits your overall plan. Premiums are often lower, and more options tend to be available.

For Retirees

Year-end is a good time to review how long-term care fits with your income plan, required minimum distributions (RMDs), portfolio risk, housing choices, and lifestyle preferences. Small adjustments can make a big difference in long-term flexibility. ³

A Simple Year-End Goal for Peace of Mind

This doesn’t need to be a major overhaul. The most valuable step is simply starting the conversation — or revisiting it if it’s been a while, to begin the process of building a plan. Understanding your options before you need them is one of the strongest forms of financial preparedness.

If you’d like help reviewing your long-term care strategy or seeing how it fits into your broader 2026 retirement plan, our team is here to guide you.

Sources:

1. SingleCare. “Long-term care statistics 2025.”
2. The American College of Financial Services. “Long-Term Care Strategies in Retirement Planning.”
3. Vanguard. “Retirement planning: Preparing for long-term care.”