Of the Americans needing long-term care services,
more than you think are in your age bracket:
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information. 2009
As people age and our average life span increases, the chances of needing long-term care increase. After age 65, an American has more than a 70% chance of needing some form of long-term care.1 In general, the longer you live, the higher your odds of needing long-term care.
While most people think all long-term care is provided in nursing homes, it also is provided at home, in adult day care facilities or in assisted living facilities.
Currently, 83% of long-term care is provided in the home or community, while only 17% is provided in a nursing home.2 Most long-term care services are provided by family members and friends.
1 “Americans Fail to Act on Long-Term Care Protection,” American Society on Aging, May 2003.
2 Georgetown University Long-Term Care Financing Project, Fact Sheet Article: “Who needs long-term care?,” May 2003.
