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What is<br/><strong>Long-Term Care?</strong>

What is
Long-Term Care?

Defining What it Means to Need Extended Care

Extended care, or "long-term care," is often associated with nursing homes. However, is not limited to a specific place and instead, pertains to the level of assistance required due to physical and or cognitive challenges. Think of a family member or a friend who needs assistance at home with daily tasks and or care for their memory... This is a broader view of extended care. 

Now, the impact of such care extends beyond the individual receiving the care. At first, this responsibility falls heavily on spouses, partners, children, siblings, and grandkids who contribute to the care of the one in need who is unable to manage independently. It becomes a significant concern and burden for the caretaker(s), who could be playing this role for years. Unfortunately, the greatest impact is felt by those providing care rather than the recipients.

When planning for extended care, this is one of two major concerns - the other is how to fund the plan. 

Download our free informational eBook to learn what extended care is (and what it's not), the impact of needing care, and other considerations about planning for it.


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The Odds of Needing Care

Anticipated care needs are often influenced by the aging process, with increasing chances of dementia, Alzheimer's, strokes, and debilitating conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Family health history and chronic illnesses further elevate the likelihood of needing extended care. 

  • There is greater than a 69 percent chance that an individual who reaches age 65 (today) will eventually require some type of formal paid care over his or her lifetime.1 

    1https://acl.gov/ltc/basic-needs/how-much-care-will-you-need

  • Women generally live longer than men, which means they would require care for longer. Typically, men tend to need care initially, so their spouse steps in first. On average, men require 2.2 years of long-term care while women require 3.7 years of long-term care attention.1

    1https://acl.gov/ltc/basic-needs/how-much-care-will-you-need

  • The U.S. Census indicates that only 14.3% of adults aged 85 and older live in nursing homes. The percentages decrease for younger age groups, with 3.5% for those aged 75-84 and 0.9% for adults aged 65-74. These figures emphasize a relatively low prevalence of permanent residence in nursing homes among the elderly and instead, should focus on receiving care at home.1

    1U.S. Census, 2010; National Nursing Home Survey, U.S. Centers for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov/nchs/nnhs.htm.

Who Pays?

Your income, assets, Medicare, Medicaid, health insurance, and veteran’s programs may not be enough to cover the costs of extended care services.

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Who is Affected?

Extended care is a life-changing event, primarily for your spouse and your family. Consider the personal consequences for your loved ones.

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What Can You Do Today?

A Family Care Plan ensures organization, preparation, and financial allocation, equipping your family for potential extended care needs well in advance.

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