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One of the hardest parts of planning for aging is not knowing what it will cost.
Many families in San Antonio assume long-term care is something to “figure out later.” Then a health event happens, and decisions must be made quickly. The financial pressure can feel overwhelming.
A little information now can prevent a lot of stress later.
The Reality Most Families Aren’t Prepared For
According to national data, someone turning 65 today has almost a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care services in their lifetime .
That does not always mean a nursing home. It may mean help at home. It may mean assisted living. It may mean temporary support after a hospital stay.
But for most families, some level of support becomes part of the story.
Costs are also rising. National projections show many long-term care expenses increasing by more than 30% over the next decade .
That kind of increase changes the planning conversation.
What Does Long-Term Care Actually Cost?
Here is a snapshot of national monthly averages from the 2023 Genworth Cost of Care Survey :
In-Home Care
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Homemaker services: $5,720 (projected $7,657 by 2033)
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Home health aide: $6,292 (projected $8,456 by 2033)
Community and Assisted Living
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Adult day health care: $2,058 (projected $2,766 by 2033)
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Assisted living facility: $5,350 (projected $7,190 by 2033)
Nursing Home Care
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Semi-private room: $8,669 (projected $11,650 by 2033)
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Private room: $9,733 (projected $13,080 by 2033)
These are national figures. Costs in San Antonio and throughout Bexar County may vary. But even at today’s rates, long-term care represents a significant monthly expense for most families.
This is why early, thoughtful planning matters.
How Families Pay for Long-Term Care
Many adult children assume Medicare will cover long-term care. In reality, coverage is limited and often short-term.
Funding may come from several sources:
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Personal savings and investments
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Long-term care insurance
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Immediate annuities
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Medicaid (for those who qualify)
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Veterans benefits
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Reverse mortgage options for aging in place
For many seniors in San Antonio, their home is one of their most valuable assets. When ongoing care becomes necessary, the proceeds from selling a home can provide meaningful financial flexibility.
This is especially true when a move to assisted living or a long-term care facility better fits a parent’s changing needs.
The Role of the Home in Long-Range Planning
Conversations about selling a home can feel emotional.
That house may hold decades of memories. It may represent independence. It may also represent financial security.
Part of long-range planning is understanding how the home fits into the overall picture:
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Does staying in the home require expensive modifications?
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Would selling create funds that support better care?
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Would downsizing reduce monthly stress?
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Could multigenerational living be an option?
There is no one right answer. Each family’s situation is different.
What matters is approaching the conversation early, calmly, and with good information.
A Slower, Smarter Approach to Decision-Making
One of the biggest surprises for families is that these decisions rarely follow a straight line.
Parents may feel ready one week and hesitant the next. Adult children may worry about finances while also wanting to preserve dignity and independence.
That tension is normal.
When families take time to understand costs, options, and housing flexibility before a crisis, decisions tend to feel less reactive and more confident.
Planning does not mean rushing. It means preparing.
When You’re Ready for a Conversation
If you are beginning to think through long-term care planning for a parent in San Antonio or the surrounding Hill Country, you do not have to sort through it alone.
Sometimes the next step is simply a conversation about what options might look like. I am always happy to be a resource as you explore what makes the most sense for your family.
Clarity brings peace of mind. And peace of mind is worth planning for.
Source & Credit
Long-term care cost statistics and projections referenced in this article are based on data from the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, December 2023, as presented by the Center for REALTOR® Development (CRD) and the Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) program.
