HHS Expands Online Tools to Help Families Navigate Long-Term Care and Caregiving Needs

When someone you love begins to need help with daily activities, the burden often lands on your shoulders. The emotional stress, financial questions, and sheer logistics of caregiving can feel overwhelming.

That’s why the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has expanded its online long-term care resources—to help American families make informed, timely decisions about extended care.

The HHS portal, found at hhs.gov/aging/long-term-care, now includes updated planning tools, payment guidance, and caregiver support services. The stated goal is to demystify a complex system and empower families before a health crisis forces rushed choices.

Planning for long-term care can be daunting,” the HHS notes. “We provide the tools you need to make the best choices for yourself or a loved one.

Helping You Understand Care Options Before a Crisis Hits

The newly structured site walks you through what long-term care really means—not just nursing homes but also in-home care, assisted living, adult day care, and respite care for family members. Most long-term care is delivered outside of nursing homes, which is what most Americans say is their goal. It highlights the different levels of support available and what kind of help may be appropriate depending on health, mobility, or cognitive needs.

Here’s what you’ll find on the HHS long-term care site:

• Types of Long-Term Care: Learn what each setting offers—from personal care at home to full-time skilled nursing—and how to match services to your loved one’s condition.
• Paying for Care: Understand what’s covered and what’s not. HHS explains Medicare’s limits, Medicaid eligibility, and how Long-Term Care Insurance can help cover costs.
• Planning Ahead: Explore tools such as advance care directives, legal planning checklists, and ways to start conversations with family before a crisis.
• Caregiver Support: Get practical tips on managing caregiving stress, finding local resources, using respite care, and preparing for the future.

Why This Matters Now

Long-term care isn’t something most families want to talk about—but failing to plan can carry steep costs. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 56 percent of people over age 65 will need long-term care at some point. Yet many mistakenly assume Medicare will cover those services.

That’s rarely true. According to a regular nationwide survey of long-term care costs, the average monthly cost for in-home care now exceeds $5,500 in many parts of the country, substantially higher in some areas.

The base cost of assisted living facilities averages $4,900 per month, with surcharges adding a few thousand to the cost of care. On top of that, memory care and nursing homes can run over $10,000 a month.

Medicare (and health insurance) only pays for short-term skilled care, typically after a hospitalization, and Medicaid requires individuals to meet strict income and asset limits.

Many families are blindsided by the cost of care. This portal helps people understand their options before they’re out of time, money, or choices.

A Tool for the Sandwich Generation

More adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s now find themselves caring for both aging parents and their own children. The group falls into the sandwich generation, creating physical, emotional, and financial burdens for everyone. Juggling work, caregiving, and financial stress can take a serious toll.

That’s where this resource can help—offering clarity on benefits, care levels, and ways to preserve dignity and independence for aging loved ones. The site also connects you to caregiver support groups and federal programs that can provide relief.

This is the type of tool I wish existed when I started caring for my dad,” said Carla J., 52, of Jefferson, MO, who left her job to care for her father after a fall. “It would have saved us time, stress, and sleepless nights.

Don’t Wait to Make a Plan

The HHS portal encourages families to act early. The earlier you plan, the more control you and your loved ones will have—over quality of care, choice of providers, and financial protection.

Experts say that for those with Long-Term Care Insurance, having a policy as part of their retirement plan can provide access to top-quality extended care at home or in a facility without draining retirement savings. For those without an LTC policy plan, the site outlines how to explore Medicaid waivers or community services if the family has limited financial resources.

Finding Quality Care Can Be Overwhelming

The LTC News Caregiver Directory offers families a powerful resource during one of life’s most difficult chapters.

When your loved one starts to decline—physically, mentally, or both—it’s not just hard. It’s emotional. And if you’re navigating this without a Long-Term Care Insurance policy in place, you may quickly discover that finding quality caregivers and facilities can be not only expensive but incredibly frustrating.

Even with an LTC policy, you may still need help finding the caregiver or facility that works for your loved one.

You might have the income. You might have assets. But without a plan, securing the right care—especially in a crisis—is challenging. Waitlists are long. Quality varies. And the stress of managing it all while watching someone you love struggle takes a toll.

That’s where the LTC News Caregiver Directory comes in. This powerful, free online tool gives you access to the largest and most up-to-date database of care providers and facilities in the United States.

Whether you're searching for in-home help, assisted living, or skilled nursing, you can compare services, costs, and locations in one trusted place.

For many families, the directory has made a real difference.

We didn’t know where to start—every place either had a waitlist or didn’t return our calls,” said Tom L., 49, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. “Using the LTC News Caregiver Directory, we found a home care provider my mom liked, and we felt confident about. It saved us weeks of stress.

If your loved one has an LTC policy, be sure to use the benefits right away. The tax-free funds from the policy will pay for the caregiver or facility you find that meets your loved one's needs.

LTC News partners with Amada Senior Care to help you process any LTC Insurance claim at no cost or obligation- Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.

If you haven’t prepared for the reality of long-term care, take the time now. Most people add an LTC policy to their retirement plan between the ages of 47 and 67. Seek the advice of a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist representing the top-rated insurance companies that offer long-term care solutions. The specialist will show you accurate LTC Insurance quotes and help you through the application process.

Explore your options, create a care plan, and take advantage of tools like the LTC News Caregiver Directory. The right support can make all the difference—for you, your family, and your loved one.

Where to Begin

If you're beginning to explore care for a loved one—or planning ahead for yourself—start with these tools:

• Visit the HHS Long-Term Care portal.
• Compare care costs in your area with the LTC News Cost of Care Calculator.
• Search for qualified caregivers and care facilities with the LTC News Caregiver Directory.

Most experts agree that you don’t have to face this journey alone. With the right information and a little foresight, you can protect your loved ones—and yourself—with dignity, care, and confidence.