No one wants to think about the chances of needing long-term care in the future. According to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey, seven out of ten people are estimated to need long-term care. Therefore, planning for long-term care is crucial since you might require these services after age 65.

Consider a long-term care plan as part of your retirement preparations to provide you peace of mind and security in your golden years. This article will discuss the importance of planning ahead, available services, and how to afford them.

The importance of long-term care planning

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) estimates that people turning 65 today have a 70 percent chance of needing long-term care assistance when they are older. Most people will require some form of long-term care at some point in their lives, and individual needs will vary.

Planning ahead means you can better prepare for your future care requirements and exercise more control over where and how you get long-term care services if you are familiar with the costs and types of long-term care services available. What are the benefits of planning ahead?

It assists in easing future financial strains.

Individuals may have difficulty paying for long-term care out of pocket, which is why financial preparation is essential. Long-term care costs can negatively impact your standard of living and financial security if you do not plan ahead. In addition to creating a financial plan for long-term care, you will also be able to leave your loved ones more of your estate since you will not have to spend all your financial resources on care.

It provides you with the freedom to decide.

Having a plan in place might ease your mind if you are incapacitated and incapable of taking care of yourself. As you age, this can help you and your loved ones feel less stressed and more secure. It might be a helpful decision-making approach since it allows everyone to weigh in without placing one person under excessive stress.

Independent living

An important benefit of preparation is the assurance of greater autonomy in the event of a long-term care need. You’ll have more options if you have made preparations ahead of time, such as remaining at home or receiving services in the community.

The types of long-term care services.

Various long-term care services are available to people who cannot care for themselves due to chronic illness or disabilities, all of which are designed to fulfill their changing medical and nonmedical requirements over a period of time. The hallmarks of long-term care are individualized and coordinated services that promote autonomy, improve patients’ quality of life, and meet their long-term care needs.

Often, long-term care involves custodial care and non-skilled assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, ambulating, and using the toilet.

In recent years, medical professionals have become increasingly important in providing long-term care due to the complexity of problems experienced by the elderly. Long-term care isn’t only reserved for the elderly but can be needed at any age.

Although it is impossible to predict the type of care you need, understanding the different types of facilities will help you choose the right one for your needs or the needs of a loved one. Let’s explore the various options.

• Nursing home care: A nursing home is appropriate for anyone who requires continuous nursing care and has difficulty performing everyday tasks. Nursing homes can be an alternative to long-term care facilities for those who are no longer independent or can’t be cared for at home.
• Assisted living facility: Assisted living facilities provide residents with 24-hour supervision, meals, assistance with everyday tasks, and healthcare services in a home-like setting.
• Independent living communities: Residential care facilities provide care for groups of people living together and assisted living services for those seeking something more private and homelike. Additional nursing services and amenities may vary between facilities.
• Adult day care: The purpose of adult day care is to offer daily long-term and transitional care services to older individuals in a non-residential setting.

Financial Planning: How to pay for long-term care

If you begin planning ahead, you may prefer investments or long-term care insurance since care expenses could deplete cash or retirement savings. If you meet the eligibility requirements, Medicaid might be an option.

In addition to the type of care you need, your age, and your current health status, long-term care costs can add up quickly. The average cost for assisted living is $4,500 for a one-bedroom apartment in 2021. In 2021, Genworth’s cost of care study revealed that the national median for a nursing home room would be $9,034. Hiring a home health aide will cost you $5,148 per month.

FAQs

What is the most significant risk factor that leads to the need for long-term care?

Risk factors associated with age are by far the most common, and Statistics show that about a quarter of adults age 85 and older reside in nursing homes. Cognitive impairments can strike at any time, but their chances of being affected significantly increase as people age.

What are the 3 C’s of long-term care?

With a hybrid nurse staffing and scheduling strategy that balances the three Cs – costs, coverage, and consistency – nursing homes can solve their toughest challenges and meet the needs of both patients and nurses.

What is the most common setting for long-term care?

Usually, it is unpaid loved ones like family or friends who will provide long-term care at home. Community-based care, such as nursing homes or adult day care centers, may also be available.

Final Thoughts

For your retirement years to be enjoyable and financially secure, you must prepare for your long-term care needs. Purchasing long-term care insurance is a viable option. Many plans cover care at home and in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, hospices, and adult day care centers.