CJ Karrer
Writer · Reviewed by Richard ChanUpdated Jun 12, 2026
1 min read
Original Medicare generally does not cover long-term custodial care, such as assistance with daily living activities in a nursing home or assisted living facility.
Medicare Part A will cover short-term, medically necessary care in a skilled nursing facility after a qualifying hospital stay of at least three days.
Proper retirement planning often requires exploring separate long-term care insurance or Medicaid, as Medicare's coverage for extended care is limited.
It's a deeply personal question that keeps many of us up at night: Who will step in to care for me as I age? Whether you're surrounded by a robust support system or navigating the future solo, maintaining your quality of life requires a rock-solid plan. Drawing on the insights of Joy Loverde, author of Who Will Take Care of Me When I'm Old, we explore empowering strategies to help you independently build a secure, healthy, and fulfilling life in your later years.