Long-Term Care Planning: A Practical Guide to Better Medical Care for Older Adults

April 2025 | National Care Planning Council

Quick summary

  • You have more control over your health and care than you may think.
  • The right team (geriatric-trained providers, coordinated care, family support) improves outcomes and reduces ER visits.
  • A simple care plan—appointments, medications, daily routines, and support—can prevent crises and lower costs.
  • We can help you build your plan in one call.

1. Aging and healthcare in America: Why this matters

  • Cultural bias: U.S. media and workplaces often see aging as decline. That mindset can lead to missed diagnoses and fewer preventive screenings for older adults.
  • Impact on care: Seniors are less likely to get certain screenings or timely treatment, and many report feeling “invisible” in clinical settings. What you can do
  • Bring a one-page health summary to every visit (conditions, meds, allergies, goals).
  • Ask directly: “Is this normal aging—or is there a treatable cause?”
  • Bring a care partner to appointments to listen and take notes.
Senior woman discussing healthcare plan with doctor in a modern clinic.
Older adult practicing tai chi outdoors promoting healthy aging and positive mindset.

2. Your mindset, your health

  • Staying engaged works: Learning, movement, and social connection support memory, mood, and heart health at any age.
  • Common barriers: “It’s too late to start,” or “slowing down is inevitable.” Evidence shows benefits even when starting later in life. Try this week
  • 150 minutes of light movement: 20–30 minutes a day (walking, chair yoga, tai chi).
  • 2 brain-engaging activities: puzzles, learning a phone feature, or a new hobby.
  • Simple nutrition wins: add one protein, one fruit/vegetable to each meal; keep water nearby.

3. Getting the care you deserve

What to expect from providers

  • Preventive care still matters after 65: screenings, vaccines, fall-risk checks, depression screening.
  • Ask about coordination: “Who is my point person? How do you share results with my other doctors?”
  • If you hear “it’s your age”: ask for the differential diagnosis and what tests could rule out treatable causes. Appointment checklist
  • Bring: updated med list (include OTC and supplements), BP/sugar logs (if relevant), symptom timeline, goals of care.
  • Ask: What’s my diagnosis? What are my options? Risks and benefits? What can I do at home? When should I call you?
  • Leave with: a written plan, follow-up date, and contact method for questions.
Senior couple consulting with healthcare provider about medical care and treatment options.
Healthcare team providing coordinated in-home care for an older adult.

4. A holistic approach that works

  • What “good” looks like: care plan + medication review + movement + nutrition + mood support + family involvement + regular check-ins.
  • Proven models: geriatrics teams, in-home “house calls,” and systems that coordinate across providers reduce hospital stays and ER use. How to get it
  • Ask your insurer or doctor about care coordination, chronic care management, and home-visit programs.
  • Invite family or a trusted friend into your support circle and share your plan.

5. Depression is common—and treatable

Know the signs

  • Persistent sadness, loss of interest, sleep changes, low energy, hopelessness, thoughts of self-harm. What helps
  • Talk therapy, activity, social connection, and sometimes medication. Ask for a depression screening and a mental health referral.
  • If you or a loved one is in crisis, call or text 988 (U.S.).
Older man talking with therapist about depression treatment in a supportive setting.

6. Nursing homes and alternatives

  • Two tracks: rehab (short-term) and long-term care (ongoing support).
  • Many residents could improve with better activity, therapy, and nutrition. Before choosing a facility
  • Tour at mealtimes. Ask about staffing ratios, therapy frequency, activities, falls, and hospital transfer rates.
  • Consider alternatives: home care, adult day programs, assisted living, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), and “culture-change” models (e.g., Eden Alternative). Evaluation checklist
  • Is there a personalized plan with goals? Daily movement? Outdoor time? Family involvement? Clear process to escalate concerns?

7. Safe medication use

  • Older adults use more medications and face higher risks from side effects and interactions. Safety steps
  • One pharmacy if possible. Annual “brown bag” review (bring all meds to your visit).
  • Use a pill organizer and set reminders (phone, smart speaker).
  • Keep a current med list on your phone and in your wallet.
  • Ask: “Do I still need this? Can we simplify my regimen?”

8. Geriatric care and how to find it

  • Geriatricians specialize in older adults but can be scarce. Options
  • Ask your primary doctor who in their practice has geriatrics experience.
  • Look for hospital-affiliated geriatric clinics, home-visit programs, or telehealth geriatrics consults.
  • Use directories: health system sites, insurer directories, or your local Area Agency on Aging.

9. eHealth and telehealth

  • What to try: patient portals (test results, secure messages), telemedicine for routine follow-ups, remote BP or glucose monitoring.
  • Benefits: fewer trips, faster answers, fewer errors.
  • Privacy: use strong passwords and two-factor authentication; designate a trusted proxy user if needed.

10. Build your long-term care plan in 7 steps

  • List your priorities: health, independence, budget, location.
  • Appoint decision-makers: healthcare proxy, power of attorney.
  • Organize your medical info: diagnoses, surgeries, allergies, current meds.
  • Align your care team: primary doctor, specialists, dentist, eye care, pharmacist; add a geriatrics resource if available.
  • Plan for daily support: home safety, mobility aids, transportation, meals, social connection.
  • Understand coverage and costs: Medicare, Medigap/Advantage, Medicaid eligibility, long-term care insurance, VA benefits (if applicable).
  • Put it on paper: include emergency contacts and how to reach your doctors; share with family and your care team.

FAQs

What is long-term care planning?
It’s a written plan for your medical care, daily support, and financial coverage so you can avoid emergencies and stay independent as long as possible.
Does Medicare pay for long-term care?
Medicare covers medical care and short-term rehab but not long-term custodial care. Medicaid and long-term care insurance may help with ongoing support.
How do I find a geriatrician?
Ask your primary doctor, check your hospital system’s directory, or search your insurer’s network. If none are nearby, ask for a primary doctor with geriatrics experience and consider telehealth consults.
How can I reduce ER visits?
Keep an updated care plan, use telehealth and nurse lines, manage medications, and schedule regular follow-ups. Ask your doctor about care coordination or chronic care management services.
Are there alternatives to nursing homes?
Yes. Home care, adult day programs, assisted living, PACE programs, and small “culture-change” homes. Choose based on your goals, safety, and budget.