What is

Long-Term Care?

When asked, many think long-term care is about nursing homes. The reality is that long-term care is not a place, but a full-scale response to an event or condition. It describes the care someone needs if they become incapacitated, either physically or cognitively, due to a degenerative disease or incident.

More times than not, the need for long-term care is a family crisis as spouses, partners, children, siblings, grandchildren will try to help their disabled loved one get the care they need. In fact, the need for long-term care will likely have the most significant impact on the loved ones trying to provide care. The individual needing care, will receive needed care.

For a brief, but impactful review of what long-term care is, and what it is not, click the link below to read “Straight Talk About Common Misperceptions: Long-Term Care Basics”.

We estimate that over half (56%) of Americans turning 65 today will develop a disability serious enough to require Long-Term Care Services and Supports.1

The Impact of Long-Term Care on Retirement Confidence:

A recent study2 found that 70% of respondents were confident they will have enough money to live comfortably in retirement.

70% of respondents were confident

However, 83% were very or somewhat concerned that future LTC needs could impact their retirement confidence.

83% were very or somewhat concerned

There are only four kinds of people in the world––those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.

– Rosalynn Carter, Former First Lady

1 ASPE 2022 Research Brief, “LONG-TERM SERVICES AND SUPPORTS FOR OLDER AMERICANS: RISKS AND FINANCING.

2 How a Caregiving Experience Informs Future Planning, commissioned by Certification for Long-Term Care, Home Instead, Milliman, TCare, September 2023.