A Place for Mom: The Cost of Waiting to Talk About Senior Care
Richard Wexler, APlan2Age’s CEO, and partners with APlan2Age, are quoted in the following article.
How Delayed Care Planning Impacts Families
For many families, senior care planning is something they intend to discuss “one day.” Meaningful planning involves thinking through long-term care goals, understanding financial considerations, and having a series of open, ongoing conversations with loved ones. Yet, when life feels stable enough or a parent seems mostly independent, bringing up long-term care can feel uncomfortable or premature, and it’s easy to delay discussions.
Some families, like Sherry L.’s, avoid the topic altogether.
“My parents hid my mom’s dementia diagnosis from everyone — including me, her only child — for several years. My 90-year-old dad felt like he could continue caring for her in their home,” she recalls.
But when a loved one’s health changes suddenly — after a fall, a new diagnosis, or a noticeable decline in memory or mobility — senior care conversations become urgent. Families who haven’t talked about their preferences, options, or what comes next often find themselves navigating an unfamiliar system under emotional and financial pressure.
The Real Cost of Family Caregiving
Family caregiving, at its core, is both an act of love and a long-term financial and emotional commitment. According to A Place for Mom’s 2025 State of Caregiving Report, family caregivers spend an average of 23 hours per week on caregiving tasks, and 75% of family caregivers provide care for at least a year.7 That’s the equivalent of a part-time job on top of working, parenting, and other personal responsibilities.
Richard Wexler, J.D., CEO of the nonprofit APlan2Age, is all too familiar with the multifaceted struggle that family caregivers face.
“I’m an older parent, and some years ago my wife and I found ourselves providing care for all four of our parents while taking care of two young kids. That experience was so stressful and difficult,” he says.
In addition to the risk of caregiver burnout, 69% of family caregivers say the role places a significant strain on their finances.7 While many families hesitate to acknowledge caregiving as a financial burden — seeing it instead as their duty — the cumulative effects can follow caregivers and their family members for years.
If you want to continue this conversation or need guidance, I’m here.
Richard Wexler,
CEO and Co-Founder of APlan2Age
📩 Email: rwexler@aplan2age.org
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Our country is entering a new chapter, one we have never seen before… over 100 million people are 50 years of age or older, and the need for care is going to be more and more prevalent. We are dreaming of a nation where aging and care are understood and become part of our normal conversations with family.
To make this a reality, we need your help!