In the five years since COVID-19 swept quickly through nursing homes, Americans’ desire to age in the comfort, privacy, and independence of their own homes has only grown stronger.

In a recent survey, 82% preferred to reside at home as they age. However, a third have never considered how they’ll pay for that care.

Even more striking, 83% said they haven’t taken any steps to plan for the possibility of needing care at all.

That disconnect—clear preferences without a real plan—leaves families vulnerable. Clients risk losing the ability to choose how and where they receive care later in life, unless they begin discussing it now.