What elder care looks like today: 8 people told us their stories

Five figures a month.

That’s how much elder care in the US can cost.

As the boomer generation ages, many families are grappling with the question of how to pay for the care their loved ones need. Roughly 70% of Americans who reach age 65 need long-term care during their remaining years, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.

The costs are steep: The average cost of home care in the US is about $51,480 a year, according to the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program. Assisted living and nursing homes run even higher, averaging $66,132 and $112,420 a year, respectively.

Business Insider journalists around the globe have been reporting on the lengths to which families go to find care for their loved ones, create a safe environment, and make ends meet as expenses mount. Some have moved to new cities or countries; others have given up their careers or their homes.

Here are eight of their stories.