Developing a long-term care plan isn’t something you can do overnight. It’s a process that requires careful consideration, research, and thought.
Most people don’t think about the possibility of needing long-term care one day. However, as we age, the likelihood of requiring assistance with daily living tasks increases. According to an HHS research brief,
56 percent of Americans turning 65 will suffer from a condition that requires long-term care.
So, whether you or a loved one requires long-term care in the future due to chronic illness, an accident, or simply aging, chances are you will need it at some point. However, you can safeguard your health and finances by planning, even if it feels uncomfortable.
What Is Long-Term Care?
The term “long-term care” refers to a variety of services aimed at satisfying the medical, social, and personal needs of people who can no longer manage their daily lives independently. These tasks are more than minor inconveniences; they are essential to our autonomy and dignity. A few common examples are bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring (moving from a bed to a chair), and maintaining continence. If these abilities diminish, long-term care can provide the necessary assistance.
