Kim Berling, 66, and her husband, 72, are delaying retirement to cover $11,000 monthly in long-term care costs for her 99-year-old mother-in-law in Dallas. The couple, who live in Albuquerque, manage the care while working full-time—Berling as a financial advisor and insurance salesperson, and her husband as an ATM technician for his own business.
Berling’s mother-in-law, who purchased a long-term care insurance policy in her late 70s, continues paying $405 monthly premiums despite her health decline. The policy provides a death benefit but accrues no cash value. Her health complications began at age 90, when she mistook the brake pedal for the gas and crashed her car into a tree. After her younger son restricted her from driving, Berling took over her care, hiring a companion to assist with daily activities and transportation.
At 92, she suffered a femur fracture after falling off a ladder, requiring surgery. Berling and her husband now oversee her care remotely, traveling to Texas periodically to ensure her needs are met. Berling’s own mother, 86, lives independently nearby with the support of Berling’s four siblings.
Berling had previously invested in long-term care insurance for herself, though her husband’s medical history may prevent him from qualifying for similar coverage. She anticipates eventually becoming his caregiver as well.
The financial strain of long-term care has forced the couple to postpone retirement, highlighting broader challenges faced by families navigating elder care in the U.S. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 70% of Americans turning 65 will need some form of long-term care, with costs varying widely by location and level of care required.
Experts note that while long-term care insurance can mitigate expenses, premiums and policy terms often leave significant gaps. The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance reports that the average annual cost of a private room in a nursing home exceeds $110,000, while a home health aide averages $60,000 annually—figures that continue to rise with inflation.
For Berling and her husband, the decision to prioritize their mother-in-law’s care has reshaped their retirement plans. "We never expected to be in this position," Berling said. "But we made a commitment, and we’ll see it through."