Moving slowly but surely as you educate yourself is definitely the best advice. But to not even "attempt" something, if that includes getting estimates to see what all your options are, is not.
Both my parents bought LTC policies while in their early to mid 80s (they are both now almost 89 y.o.), and it cost them together under $400 a month. We didn't buy it as a cure-all, but as one tool to help with their goal of staying at home until they died. My mother started tapping into it in late 2009 (about 5 years into it), so she no longer pays premiums; she has a few months left to go before she caps at $78,000, her lifetime benefit. Together, with a combination of state funds and private funds, it has helped us get 24/7 care with 3 caregivers around the clock for both of them. My father still pays $131 a month for his policy (his policy pays $100 a day). So it is possible and doable. I wouldn't have mentioned it if I didn't have personal knowledge. Yes, it is insurance like fire and car and medical; and yes, you have to pay for it; and for however much you paid for it, you always hope you never end up using it but are sure glad to have it when you need it.
I don't know if Jean will qualify for it based on her health, and she may want more than $100 a day which will increase the cost, but I would think home care would be a lot cheaper in Baton Rouge. Perhaps her children will step in and take care of her; or perhaps she decides to move in with them. It's her choice if she wants to "gamble" on that kind of insurance; but the point is that she should know her choices.
Don't say "No" until you "Know" what you are declining, whether a LTC policy or reverse mortgage or annuity or investment or whatever. That is the point of education. Once you have all your options, you can decide which is good and bad, which is better and best for you. It will be different for someone else.