The answer to the question; At what age should I consider a Long-Term Care Insurance Policy? “Somewhere between ages 50 and 65 is generally the most cost-effective time to buy.” according to Charles Schwab Financial Planning. For more information go to Learn about Long-Term Care Insurance.

It’s surprising that while we plan to live a long life, we do not plan for a long-term care crisis that could occur from that longevity. 

• You need to discuss putting a plan in place to protect that need. 
• You need to speak to your children about their future care expectations. 
• Thinking that family members will be able to provide care may not be realistic.

Women and Long-Term Care-Women are the Nation’s caregivers.

Approximately 75% of those providing home care are females. When women become caregivers, they are 2.5 times more likely to end up in poverty and five times more likely to depend on Social Security. Also of note, is the toll caregiving takes on personal health and mental well-being.

Long-Term Care is a women’s issue!

While there is an important need to improve awareness of long-term care planning among all Americans – women face significant challenges with living independently as they age.

• Women live longer than men. Women outlive men by about 5 years on average.
• Women need more long-term care than men. Because women live longer, they require more years of long-term care than men. Roughly two-thirds of long-term care claims were paid to women needing care.
• Women are often aging alone. Almost 70% of women aged 75 and older are widowed, divorced, or never married. Because women are more likely to live alone, they have no one in their household to help with daily activities.

Women have the potential of being caregivers at least 3 times in their lives. First as mothers, then as caregivers to their parents, and finally as caregivers to their spouse or partner. Who will provide care to them when they need it and how they will pay for it? This is the pressing issue for women.

Conclusion:

Long-Term Care is need for both men and women, this article points out that women in most cases become the long-term care giver. Also, the need for women to have long-term care is much greater as they live longer. For more information go to Long-Term Care Information.