For many Gen Xers, financial planning no longer revolves only around saving for their own retirement or children’s education. A growing number now face a new challenge: helping to pay for their parents’ long-term care. With life expectancy increasing and care costs rising fast, this situation has become a reality for millions across New York and beyond.
At Galaxy Home Care, we understand the emotional and financial stress that comes with this responsibility. In this guide, we’ll break down practical, budget-friendly steps Gen Xers can take to ensure their parents receive the care they deserve—without sacrificing their own financial stability.
Why Long-Term Care Is Becoming A Gen X Responsibility
Baby boomers are aging rapidly. While many benefited from lower living costs during their working years, today’s long-term care (LTC) expenses are soaring. As a result, their children—mostly Gen X and older millennials—are stepping in to cover these costs.
Melissa Murphy Pavone, a Certified Financial Planner, says this “sandwich generation” is under intense pressure. They’re raising children, saving for their own futures, and now also paying for aging parents’ needs.
Step 1: Start With A Realistic Budget
The first move is simple but powerful: take a detailed look at your finances. Many families don’t realize how much room they have to adjust spending until they map out cash flow and prioritize essential needs.
Ask yourself:
- What are my current monthly expenses?
- What recurring income do I have?
- Are there subscriptions or costs I can reduce or eliminate?
With a clear picture, you can better prepare for care-related expenses without going into debt or disrupting your financial goals.
Step 2: Explore Long-Term Care Insurance Options Early
If your parents are still in good health, you might consider long-term care insurance, hybrid life insurance with LTC riders, or annuities designed to cover care needs.
But don’t wait too long. These options are often only affordable or available if arranged before health issues arise. Acting early can save thousands down the road—and dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs later.
Step 3: Never Miss Insurance Payments
If your parents already have a long-term care policy, ensure premiums are paid on time. A single missed payment could result in canceled coverage, which can be nearly impossible to reinstate.
It’s a small but critical detail. You might even set up automatic payments or reminders to avoid lapses.
Step 4: Set Boundaries With Love And Clarity
Helping your parents doesn’t mean you must sacrifice your own well-being. Financial expert Jay Zigmont encourages families to set clear boundaries on what kind of support they’re able to provide.
For instance, if unable to offer housing or full-time care, you can still provide emotional support, coordinate services, or contribute financially within your means. Boundaries don’t mean less care—they mean sustainable care.
Step 5: Understand The True Cost Of Care
The numbers are startling. A private room in a skilled nursing facility can cost over $115,000 per year. On average, men spend 2.2 years in care, while women average 3.7 years.
And if your parent has Alzheimer’s or dementia, those costs can rise even more. These figures make it crucial to explore more affordable alternatives, especially for those on tight budgets.
Step 6: Don’t Rely On Medicare Alone
Medicare doesn’t cover most long-term care. If your parents don’t have significant assets, you may want to prepare for Medicaid as a possible option.
Medicaid can help pay for in-home care, which is often a better and more personal solution than institutional care. With planning, you may even be able to protect certain assets while securing necessary services.
Step 7: Consider In-Home Care As A Smart Alternative
According to Yelena Sokolsky, founder and CEO of Galaxy Home Care, in-home care is a cost-effective and emotionally supportive alternative to nursing facilities.
“Home care can provide a broad range of personal care, companionship, homemaking, and live-in care services—as well as skilled nursing and specialty care for dementia or Alzheimer’s patients,” Sokolsky says.
In-home care often eliminates high lodging fees associated with nursing homes while allowing seniors to remain in a familiar, comfortable environment.
Step 8: Tap Into Other Financial Resources
Beyond Medicaid or insurance, you might explore:
- Auto accident insurance (if relevant)
- Worker’s compensation
- Private/self-pay plans
- Support from religious or social service organizations
At Galaxy Home Care, we help families explore all available funding sources, so they don’t feel stuck or unsupported.
Galaxy Home Care: Your Partner In Affordable, High-Quality Support
Supporting your aging parents doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your own goals or peace of mind. At Galaxy Home Care, we provide personalized, professional services designed to meet the specific needs of disabled and aging adults—all while helping families stay financially stable.
Why Choose Galaxy Home Care?
✅ Skilled nurses and trained caregivers
✅ Flexible care plans tailored to your budget
✅ Transparent pricing and insurance support
✅ Specialty care for chronic conditions and memory loss
✅ Friendly, respectful, and compassionate professionals
We believe in making care simple, personal, and affordable.
Ready To Build A Care Plan That Works For Your Family?
If a Gen Xer facing the challenge of supporting your parents’ long-term care, you don’t have to do it alone. Let Galaxy Home Care in New York help you navigate your options and find a solution that works—for your parents and for you.
📞 Call Galaxy Home Care today for a free care consultation.
🌐 Visit www.galaxyhomecareny.com to learn more about our in-home services.
📍 Proudly serving families across New York City and surrounding areas.