Most individuals are unaware of long-term care until they or a loved one needs it.
What is meant by Long Term Care?
If you are unable to carry out daily tasks on your own, you may require long-term care. That includes activities like eating, taking a bath, getting dressed, transferring, and using the restroom. Maintaining your lifestyle as you age is the aim of long-term care. Long-term care is typically not covered by Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance, or any workplace health insurance you may have.
Why would you need Long-Term Care?
Long-term care may be required as a result of mishaps, illnesses, aging, strokes, or other chronic disorders.
Learn how aging impacts your mobility, hearing, and vision.
Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders are causing society more and more anxiety. 6.2 million Americans currently have Alzheimer’s disease, and that figure is continuously rising. In fact, it is anticipated that this number will reach approximately 13 million by 2050. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a person can expect to live an average of 8 to 10 years, during which time they may need extensive long-term care.
Who is Affected by Long-Term Care?
Long-term care needs affect the entire family, not just the person who needs care. For instance, if your son or daughter is taking care of you, it can somehow strengthen your relationship. However, giving that care can take a lot of time, be unpleasant, or be draining for the caregiver. Additionally, it diverts people from their own responsibilities, such as those to their spouses, kids, and jobs.
What are the factors that affect who needs long term care?
- Age: As you get older, the more likely you will need long term care.
- Gender: Since women often live longer than men, they have a greater likelihood of needing long term care.
- Family & Housing Situation: People who live alone are more likely to need care from a paid caregiver.
- Health: Having a chronic health condition like diabetes or high blood pressure or a family history of them may increase your risk.
- Lifestyle: Poor diet and lack of exercise may increase your risk.
Choices in Care Settings
While the majority of people want to receive long-term care services in the home they’ve always lived in, that option isn’t always right depending on the need. It’s important to familiarize yourself now with the choices available so you can live life on your terms later. Figuring out where to receive care starts with knowing what the options are.