In the year 2000, almost 10 million people needed some form of long-term care in the United States. Of this population, 3.6 million (37%) were under age 65 and 6 million (63%) were over age 65 (Roger & Komisar, 2003). Almost 70% of people turning age 65 will need long-term care at some point in their lives. This section of the website provides basic information so you can begin to think about how you will h andle the need for long-term care. Your path will be unique to you, and based on your preferences and circumstances. Let’s look at the basic questions covered in this section:
- What is long-term care?
- Who needs care?
- How much care will you need?
- Who will provide your care?
- Where can you receive care?
- Who pays for long-term care?
Many people think the phrase “long-term care” refers to an insurance policy. While insurance may be part of your strategy, long-term care encompasses everything from long-term services and supports and finances, to where you will live and how you will navigate the myriad of legal, family, and social dynamics along the way.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “The Basics” http://longtermcare.gov website. Accessed July 2, 2014. http://longtermcare.gov/the-basics/
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