A diagnosis may be alarming enough, but equally frightening can be the costs for medical treatments, home renovations and other expenses. Some people with disabling conditions may be forced to retire earlier than they had planned, resulting in a loss of income and potential retirement savings.

One of the first steps is to build a team of professionals, experts say. Besides your doctor, your team could include an elder-law attorney, who could draw up health care and financial directives and plan for Medicaid to pick up the costs of long-term care if assets are depleted, along with a financial adviser who has experience with chronic-illness planning. A geriatric care manager, hired even for just a few hours, could give advice for care, home modifications and other services.

Local community groups geared to older adults could recommend a variety of services, including rental subsidies or housing with amenities for those with disabling conditions. Some programs match older adults with younger roommates who can provide help in exchange for no or low rent.

Another possible source of guidance is an advocacy organization.

Read more in the New York Times.