Episode 026 — Overcoming Long-Distance Eldercare with Matt McCann

When a parent needs help and they live in another state, the stress compounds fast—logistics, sibling dynamics, time off work, and the emotional weight of watching someone decline. In this episode of Overcoming Anything, host Anne Vryonides sits down with Matt McCann, who shares what most families don’t learn until they’re already in crisis: how long-term care really works in the U.S., what decisions to slow down, and how to create a plan that protects both your parents’ quality of life and your family relationships.

Matt McCann is the CEO of LTC News, a leading resource on aging, health, and long-term care planning, including a caregiver directory that isn’t locked behind a paywall. After working in radio in Chicago, Matt’s personal experience navigating care needs in his own family led him to become a long-term care specialist—helping families understand options, reduce crisis-driven decisions, and plan ahead so family can stay family.

Key Takeaways

• Most families assume Medicare covers long-term care—it generally does not (beyond limited skilled care)
• The real “enemy” is the family crisis: denial, rushed decisions, and one person carrying the entire load
• Quality care is often about planning early—so care doesn’t become a financial ruin or a relationship breaker

Timestamps

• 00:00 — Introduction: why long-term care becomes a crisis for most families
• 02:00 — Matt’s mantras: “It is what it is” + “This too shall pass”
• 05:00 — From radio to long-term care: overcoming fear, shyness, and a new career path
• 09:30 — The hidden crisis: families don’t plan, don’t talk, and get forced into fast decisions
• 12:30 — The Medicare myth: what it covers—and what it doesn’t
• 16:00 — Caregiving reality: why the emotional part is harder than the physical work
• 19:00 — How family resentment builds—and how to reduce it
• 22:00 — A practical moment to start the conversation (holidays + family gatherings)
• 26:00 — Aging-friendly living: stairs, falls, and why “downsizing” is preparation—not surrender
• 30:00 — Planning windows: when most people should start thinking about long-term care
• 34:00 — Respite care + adult day programs + technology: options that reduce the burden
• 39:00 — Real story: assisted living resistance → thriving (and what the family learned)
• 44:00 — What Matt wants every listener to hear: you must have a plan
• 48:00 — Where to find resources and how to reach Matt

Connect with Matt

• Matt’s website: https://radioltc.com 
• LTC News: https://ltcnews.com

Closing

If your parents live out of state—or you’re already feeling that “sandwich generation” pressure—this episode will help you slow down, get clear on options, and start the conversations that prevent a crisis from becoming a family fracture. Share this with a sibling, a spouse, or a friend who’s quietly carrying the load.

If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs proof that it is never too late to rebuild a life, reclaim dignity, and make a meaningful impact. 

❤️ Anne

Disclaimer

The content of this episode is for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy, diagnosis, legal, or medical care.

#OvercomingAnything #Eldercare #Caregiving #SandwichGeneration #AgingParents #LongTermCare #CaregiverSupport #FamilyCaregiving #AssistedLiving #HomeCare #AgingWell #CaregiverBurnout #HealthyBoundaries #FamilyDynamics #PlanningAhead #HealthcarePlanning #RespiteCare #AdultDa

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