Why long term care planning is Important
By: Cliff Marshall
Long Term Care Overview
- Why Long Term Care planning is an important
- When do I need Long Term Care
- Types of Long Term Care
- Cost of Long Term Care
- Preserving your Assets
- Impact on Family & Loved Ones
Why long term care planning is Important
Many people can expect to need long term care at some point in their lives. They may suffer from a disabling accident, chronic illness or be unable to complete simple activities such as dressing, bathing or moving around the house.
Receiving help for these activities can be expensive and may require the possibility of a loved one needing to provide care. Becoming a caregiver can impact their income, assets and lifestyle, just as much as it could impact the person they are caring for.
There is a big difference between caring about your loved one and caring for your loved one. Many people use Long Term Care insurance as a way to cover future costs associated with these situations and help protect their assets and loved ones.
When Do I need long term care?
It could be any reason at any point in your life. It’s any scenario where you need help with at least two activities of daily living (bathing, continence, dressing, eating, toileting and transferring) for at least 90 days or are diagnosed with a severe cognitive impairment.*
Buying Long Term Care insurance while you are healthy and younger allows for it to be more affordable. Statistics show that people 65 and older have a 70% chance of needing some type of long term care or assistance in their remaining years and an unfortunate diagnosis may limit you from qualifying for any coverage
Types of Long Term Care
Home Health Care- Home care services allow you to live in your own home or return to your home and help manage tasks you can’t manage yourself
Facility care services- Facility care services include assisted living facilities which offer on site support for activities of daily living and nursing facilities which offer more intensive care related to patient supervision, therapies, rehabilitation, and medication.
Long Term Care
Cost of Long Term Care
With medical and technological advances, we are living better, healthier and longer lives. It is because of this longevity that we might need someone to help take care of us later in life. Living a long life has become a reality. Planning for it has become a necessity since long term care is expensive and costs are expected to increase each year
Long Term Care
Preserving your assets
Some people think they’ll need less income in retirement because their children are grown, and the mortgage might be paid in full. But they find that in reality, they want or need to spend about as much as they always did – except that now it’s on different things, including long term care costs. You’ve worked hard to build a nest egg to insure that you continue to lead a comfortable life, preparing now will help you protect your assets and give you the peace of mind you deserve if you and/or your spouse would need care.
Impact on Family
The physical, financial and emotional burden placed on an unpaid caregiver, often a family member, is something to be seriously considered when determining your long term care plans.
Long Term Care