Long-term care involves a wide variety of services for people with a
prolonged physical illness, disability or cognitive disorder (such as
Alzheimer's disease). Long-term care is not one service, but many
different services aimed at helping people with chronic conditions
compensate for limitations in their ability to function
independently. Long-term care differs from traditional medical care
as it is designed to assist a person to maintain his or her level of
functioning, as opposed to care or service that are designed to
rehabilitate or correct certain medical problems. Long-term care
services may include, but are not limited to, help with daily
activities at home, such as bathing and dressing, respite care, home
health care, adult day care, and care in a nursing home.
Persons with cognitive impairments generally need supervision,
protection or verbal reminders to accomplish everyday activities.
Persons with physical illnesses or disabilities often need hands on
assistance with activities of daily living. The activities of daily
living, shown below, are considered personal care (also know as
custodial care) and are generally not covered by Medicare, Medicare
supplement insurance, or major medical insurance provided by most employers.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-term Care Insurance can help you shift a significant portion of
the financial burden to a third party should you need long-term care.
Current studies show that over half of women and nearly one-third of
men age 65 years or older will need some type of assistance or will
enter a nursing home. Long-term Care Insurance is currently the
fastest-growing type of insurance being sold in the U.S.
