Re the friends who advised against LTCI…one couple died in their 80s needing help only for the last few months each. One couple in their 70s, no problems (yet-). Another woman cared for by a son & DIL for a couple of years in their home before hospice & death. So, so far they were right–for themselves. There is no dementia as far as we know in either of our families. My parents had no LTCI nor advised us to get it. My father needed hospice for 6 weeks–mom could’ve used help with him a couple of months sooner (children & grandchildren took turns visiting during the end-game to help–I begged mom to hire help or get hospice sooner). My mother has no LTCI, but her SS, company profit-sharing invested as an IRA when she retired, and the sale of her house, are enough to pay for for AL (my parents didn’t save anything). Rather short-funded for the nursing home, but in her mid-90s, shouldn’t outlive her stash.