Aging Life Care Managers Prove Vital as Long-Term Care Needs and Costs Soar, New Study Finds

Families navigating the complexities of aging, caregiving, and long-term care may find unexpected relief in the guidance of an Aging Life Care Manager® (ALCM). A groundbreaking study from Virginia Tech and the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA) reveals that Aging Life Care Managers — also known as geriatric care managers or elder care managers — can transform overwhelming crises into manageable plans, providing families with trust, stability, and peace of mind.

Survey Reveals High Satisfaction with Aging Life Care Managers

The Virginia Tech study found overwhelming approval from families who hired ALCMs:

• 99% would recommend an Aging Life Care Manager to others.
• 97% expressed deep gratitude for the support received.
• 93% believed the benefits outweighed the costs.

Families described ALCMs as “an extension of me,” providing clarity and emotional support during some of life’s most stressful moments.

She hears us and applies it to the situation. — caregiver told researchers as quoted in the report.

Expert Perspectives

This study confirms what we see every day: Aging Life Care Managers help families navigate the maze of elder care with confidence and compassion. They’re not just care coordinators — they’re advocates and allies who put clients’ needs first. — Julie Wagner, CEO of the Aging Life Care Association.

What is an Aging Life Care Manager?

Aging Life Care Managers are professionals trained in nursing, social work, counseling, gerontology, or related fields who offer holistic, person-centered support. They perform many tasks:

• Assess medical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs.
• Develop customized care plans.
• Arrange in-home care, assisted living, or memory care.
• Coordinate medical appointments and transitions between care settings.
• Mediate family conflicts and facilitate difficult conversations.
• Provide emotional support and ongoing monitoring.

ALCMs also help families avoid costly mistakes and can step in as advocates for loved ones who wish to age in place or transition smoothly to another care setting.

Who Pays for Aging Life Care Managers?

Families generally pay privately, with hourly rates averaging $100 to $250 depending on location and credentials, according to the LTC News survey of long-term care costs.

Medicare and health insurance do not cover these services, but some Long-Term Care Insurance policies include or reimburse elder care case management (also known as care coordination). Unlike private ALCMs, insurer-provided care coordinators focus on services covered under the policy. Still, many families choose to hire independent ALCMs for personalized, comprehensive advocacy.

Aging and Long-Term Care: A Growing Global and North American Crisis

The need for long-term care is rising rapidly across the U.S., Canada, and worldwide as populations age, life expectancies increase, and chronic health issues become more common.

In the U.S., more than 56% of adults turning 65 today will need long-term care, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In Canada, the number of seniors is projected to double by 2040, driving unprecedented demand for care services.

Costs are skyrocketing. Data from the LTC News Cost of Care Calculator shows average national costs of all types of long-term care services based on zip code:

• $60,000–$90,000 per year for in-home care
• $50,000–$75,000 per year (before surcharges) for assisted living, more for memory care
• Over $100,000 annually for private nursing home rooms

Yet Medicare and standard health insurance only cover short-term skilled care, not extended help with everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, or supervision for dementia.

The Financial and Emotional Toll on Families

Without proper planning, the costs of long-term care can quickly deplete income and assets, putting retirement plans and inheritances at risk. Beyond the financial burden, the emotional and physical strain on loved ones — especially adult children — can be life-changing:

• Many adult children reduce work hours or leave jobs entirely.
• Caregiving stress can trigger health issues like anxiety, depression, or chronic illness.
• Family conflicts often arise over caregiving roles or finances.
• Spouses and siblings may face resentment or guilt when caregiving falls unevenly.

Many families don’t realize how quickly caregiving responsibilities can turn their lives upside down. It’s not just a financial challenge — it’s an emotional and physical one that can affect every part of life.

A Call to Action

The Virginia Tech study confirms what many families have learned firsthand: Aging Life Care Managers are not a luxury — they’re a lifeline. As aging and long-term care needs increase, begin discussing your wishes, potential care needs, and ways to protect your health, finances, and family relationships with your loved ones today.

If a loved one has a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure to get details on what it covers and use the benefits without delay. Start by finding quality caregivers or facilities that are best equipped to provide the extended care your loved one deserves. The LTC News Caregiver Directory, is a free tool that helps you find local care providers.

If you are a provider, you can claim your free listing on the LTC News Caregiver Directory and/or upgrade the listing to enhance visibility and highlight your staff and services through the LTC News Directory Business Portal.  

LTC News partners with Amada Senior Care and provides free, no-obligation assistance in processing a claim for any Long-Term Care Insurance policy - File a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim. They can also help with care coordination.

Early planning can make all the difference in ensuring you receive the quality care you deserve while sparing your family unnecessary hardship. Planning usually starts before retirement.