The Caregiving Squeeze: How Lack of LTC Planning Derails Families
Kara Mitchell never thought she'd leave a job she loved. But when her father suffered a stroke at 74, the family had no long-term care plan—just panic.
“I was climbing in my career,” said Mitchell, a 47-year-old mother of two from Fort Wayne, Indiana.
But then Dad needed help with everything—bathing, walking, eating—and it all fell on me. There was no money for care, and no one else to help. I quit my job, and we nearly lost everything.
Mitchell is part of a growing demographic caught in a personal and financial storm: the sandwich generation. These are middle-aged adults—mostly women—caring for aging parents while still raising children.
A new 2025 report from the University of Phoenix Career Institute and Motherly reveals the scale of the crisis:
51% of sandwich generation mothers have left a job due to caregiving responsibilities.
And the impact goes far beyond career disruption. The emotional exhaustion, financial stress, and lack of long-term care planning are upending lives—and futures.
So many family caregivers say the same thing: caregiving is something no one prepares you for. These family caregivers are not just losing careers—they're losing themselves in the process.
Share your thoughts and experiences with aging, caregiving, and long-term care with LTC News – Contact LTC News.
Care Needs Happen Sooner Than You Think
Many assume long-term care is something only the very old need. But care needs often come earlier—and for more reasons—than most expect.
You may need long-term care if you face:
- Dementia or Alzheimer’s, which affects over 7.2 million Americans over 65, according to the the annual Alzheimer’s Association report
- Mobility issues from arthritis, strokes, or falls
- Chronic conditions like Parkinson’s, MS, diabetes, or cancer, for example
- Injuries or accidents at any age
- Age-related frailty, resulting in the need for help with daily activities
According to long-term care expert Paul S. Rothman, CLTC, most people don’t realize the risk is real until it’s personal. The care is expensive, but it’s the emotional toll on adult children that truly devastates families.
Rothman witnessed just how personal caregiving can become when his sister stepped in to care for their aging parents—a role that deeply reshaped their relationship.
My sister lived in the same state as my parents. Not having a Long-Term Care Insurance policy damaged the great relationship I had with her because she was forced to spend a lot of time caring for them because I could not.
The Emotional and Economic Fallout
The caregiving crisis isn’t just financial. It’s deeply personal.
More than half (52%) say over half their paycheck goes toward caregiving. Most are part of single-income households, making them especially vulnerable.
My son needed help with college essays,” said Laura Chen, 52, who left her job to care for her mother with dementia. “My mom forgot how to use the microwave. I couldn’t do both. I felt like I was failing everyone.
Other findings from the report:
- 62% say having a career feels like a luxury
- 60% want to work, but caregiving prevents it
- 57% feel stuck in jobs due to lack of qualifications or time to reskill
- 64% use paid time off or sick days for caregiving
- 75% have had to take unexpected time off for eldercare needs
- 66% say employer benefits don’t support adult caregiving needs
The Juggle
Juggling caregiving with work and family can feel like an endless balancing act—especially for sandwich generation caregivers who are pulled in multiple directions. To ease the burden, start by setting realistic boundaries. You don’t have to do everything yourself. Prioritize what truly matters each day, and don’t be afraid to ask for help—from family members, friends, or professional services. Using resources like adult day care, respite care, or in-home aides can give you breathing room without compromising your loved one's care.
It’s also critical to communicate openly with your employer. Many workplaces now offer flexible schedules, remote work options, or family leave policies under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Letting your supervisor know about your caregiving role can help create understanding and access to support. If available, explore Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which often include mental health services, elder care referrals, and stress management tools.
Most importantly, don’t neglect your own well-being. Chronic caregiving stress can lead to burnout, anxiety, and health problems. Carve out small moments for yourself—even 10 minutes of quiet time, a short walk, or a virtual caregiver support group can make a difference. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s necessary. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Reaching out for support and planning ahead, including exploring long-term care insurance or professional caregiving options, will help protect both your peace of mind and your family’s future.
Without Long-Term Care Planning, Families Pay the Price
The burden typically falls on the family if you don’t have Long-Term Care Insurance. And paying for professional help isn’t cheap.
According to the ongoing survey of long-term care services nationwide, the average cost of extended care continues to climb but will vary depending on your location and the type of services that are required.
- Home care costs average over $5,500 per month
- Assisted living base cost averages over $58,000 per year, not counting surcharges
- Nursing homes can exceed $125,000 per year
Families without LTC Insurance often:
- Use up much of their income
- Drain savings or retirement funds
- Sell homes or assets
- Rely on unpaid caregiving from children or spouses
Rothman says that Medicaid is a last resort and requires families to have limited financial resources to qualify. Planning will help ensure access to quality care without draining assets and placing stress and burden on loved ones.
How Long-Term Care Insurance Helps Families
Tax-qualified Long-Term Care Insurance offers a way to preserve dignity, savings, and relationships. Policies typically include:
- Guaranteed monthly or daily benefits to pay for extended care services
- Flexibility to receive care at home or in a facility
- Relief for family members who would otherwise be caregivers
- Inflation protection to match rising care costs
Experts say that an LTC policy gives families control.
Having an LTC policy means your spouse won’t have to bathe you. Your kids won’t have to quit their jobs. And your assets stay protected.
LTC News reports that most people acquire Long-Term Care Insurance between the ages of 47 to 67. This is usually an ideal time since most people still enjoy reasonably good health and premiums are lower.
Take Control Before a Crisis Hits
You may not know exactly when or how care will be needed—but odds are high that it will be.
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates 56% of Americans over 65 will need long-term care.
- Most won’t qualify for Medicaid without using their savings until they are spent down.
- Medicare only covers short-term skilled care, not long-term custodial care.
That’s why experts suggest it’s critical to start planning while you still can and not wiat for a fmaily crisis.
Final Thought
Caregiving shouldn't cost you your career, your health, or your future. But without a long-term care plan, it often does.
We didn’t have a plan for my mom, and it nearly broke us,” said Chen. “Now I have my own LTC policy. My kids won’t have to choose between caring for me and living their lives.
Helpful Tools and Resources:
- LTC News Cost of Care Calculator: Estimate current and future costs of long-tgerm care services in your area.
- LTC News Caregiver Directory: Find care providers for older family members who need care now.
- Talk with a licensed Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to explore your insurance planning options.
- LTC News Claims Resource Center: Partnership between LTC News and Amada Senior Care that offers free, no obligation processing of any Long-Term Care Insurance claim
- AARP Caregiving: Articles, checklists, and local resources for adult caregivers. Includes support on finances, health, and legal planning