Paying for Long-Term Care

Abstract

With an estimated 33 million Americans age 65 and older and more than 4 million age 85 and older, paying for long-term care is a national concern. In 2004, there were over 1.4 million nursing home residents. The demographics point to ever increasing numbers of older adults in need of care and assistance. The need for long-term care seems certain to increase in the years to come. While age alone does not equate with poor health, still, over 770,000 individuals age 85 or older reside in nursing homes. And adults age 85 or older are the most rapidly growing elderly age group. This article explores the various ways in which older individuals can pay for long-term care, including both public and private sources of payment.

Keywords: Long-term care, payment, expense, nursing home, assisted living facility, in-home care, later life planning, savings, retirement savings, annuities, family assistance