More than 7 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, according to a 2025 report from the Alzheimer’s Association. The emotional toll of watching a loved one struggle with the memory loss, depression, anxiety and cognitive decline is already overwhelming — but the financial burden can be significant too. Hopefully this disease will never touch your family, but it’s important to be financially prepared just in case. By planning to cover long-term care costs and creating a financial strategy for caregivers, you can help protect your family’s financial well-being.
Expenses related to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can be extensive. Families often face ongoing medical treatment costs, medical equipment purchases, home safety modifications, prescription drugs and personal care supplies. Long-term care represents one of the largest health care costs not covered entirely by traditional Medicare, making advanced planning crucial.
Here are a few essential planning steps to consider: Plan for care costs and identify insurance coverage. Start by understanding your family’s health insurance options, including Medicare, supplemental policies and veteran’s benefits if applicable. Determine coverage for adult day care services, in-home care services, full-time residential care and other longterm care options. Confirm whether you or your loved ones have long-term care policies or other insurance with long-term care riders.
