No one wants to think about a time when they might need long-term care, so planning ahead for this possibility often gets put off. Most people first learn about long-term care when they or a loved one need care. Then their options are often limited by lack of information, the immediate need for services, and insufficient resources to pay for preferred services. Planning allows you to have more control over your future.

There is a good chance you will need some long-term care services if you live beyond the age of 65. About 70 percent of people over age 65 require some services, and the likelihood of needing care increases as you age. Contrary to what many people believe, Medicare and private health insurance programs do not pay for the majority of long-term care services that most people need. Planning is essential for you to be able to get the care you might need.

Planning helps you understand what service options are available in your community, what special conditions may apply for receiving services or other eligibility criteria, what services cost, and what payment options – public and private – apply. Having this information helps ensure you will have a range of options when you need long-term care, and makes it more likely that you will have more choice and control over where and how you receive services.

The cost of long-term care services often exceeds what the average person can pay from income and other resources. By planning, you may be able to save your assets and income for uses other than long-term care, including preserving the quality of life for your spouse or other loved ones. With planning, there is a greater likelihood of being able to leave a legacy to your heirs, because you are less likely to use up your financial resources paying for care.

Finally, for many people, one of the most important advantages of planning means less emotional and financial stress on you and your family. It can provide a way to involve your family in decisions without depending on them to bear the entire burden alone.