Frederick Orentlich – Founder and President of Senior Financial Services Inc

As the population ages, demand for long-term care is rising—but so are the costs. For families searching for safe, reliable care for aging loved ones, nursing homes have long been considered the highest level of residential support. Yet the price of this care has reached levels that place a heavy burden on individuals, families, and even government programs. 1. The Growing Financial Burden Nursing home care is among the most expensive forms of elder care. Monthly costs often range from $7,000 to more than $10,000 , depending on location and level of care required. This means annual expenses can easily exceed $100,000 , a figure far beyond what the average retiree or family can afford without assistance. Several factors contribute to these high costs: Skilled medical staffing such as registered nurses and specialists 24/7 supervision , including personal care support Specialized services for conditions like dementia or chronic illness Regulatory requirements ...

Nursing homes play a crucial role in supporting older adults who need 24/7 supervision or skilled medical care. But there’s no denying it—the cost of nursing home care has become overwhelming for many families. In many areas, a private room now costs upwards of $10,000 per month , pushing annual expenses well into six figures. Staffing shortages, increased medical needs, and rising operational costs all contribute to these soaring prices. The misconception that “Medicare will cover it” leads many families into crisis. Medicare only covers short-term rehab, not long-term care. Medicaid does help, but only after individuals have spent down most of their assets—a process that can be emotionally and financially draining. Families facing these challenges often experience: Stress over finding safe, reliable care Guilt about financial limitations Confusion over insurance rules Fear of compromising a loved one’s well-being With the aging population growing, these problems will onl...