Long Term Care
Financial Services for Long-Term Care Concerns
For most of us, it is unpleasant to envision a time when performing routine tasks may become difficult as the result of injury, illness or aging. If the time comes when you need substantial assistance performing daily tasks, it is unlikely you will want cost to be the primary decision-making factor for your long term care. Long term care (LTC) services can be expensive and costs generally continue to rise. Planning early can help ensure that you have more control in receiving the type of care you want—in the setting you choose, should the need arise.
What is Long Term Care?
Long term care includes a variety of services and supports to help meet personal care needs over an extended period of time. The services include help performing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as bathing, continence, using the toilet, transferring to/from a bed or chair, dressing, and eating.
Long term care services are generally not covered under personal health insurance or Medicare because they are not intended to cure, improve, or treat a specific medical condition. Medicaid may help individuals with income and assets below state requirements.
Whether long term care services occur in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or your own home, the costs can be a huge expense. The average stay in a nursing home is 835 days (2.3 years) and $183,700.2 The national median hourly rate for a home health aide is $20 and that can add up quickly.
Potential Ways to Pay for Care
A variety of sources may be used when expenses do not qualify under Medicare or personal health insurance.
Making It Work
As you can see, there are many alternatives to consider when preparing for the possibility that you may need long term care. Generally, beginning early has advantages. First, at younger ages, you are more likely to be healthy and qualify for various types of insurance. Second, starting early means you may be able to meet your goal with lower installment savings amounts or annual premiums.
You don’t have to prepare for long-term care expenses alone. Our Financial Services Representatives can review a variety of solutions that may help you meet your goals.
MM202508-302381