Understanding types of long-term care services
As we age, it’s natural to think (or maybe worry) about what happens once we near and enter our golden years. We hear the term “long-term care” bandied about, but it’s really an umbrella term for various types of services, depending on what someone needs. Let’s demystify this important topic and clarify what long-term care typically entails—and how long you or a loved one might need it.
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Understanding long-term care
Long-term care differs fundamentally from medical treatment intended to cure an illness. Instead, long-term care encompasses a range of services designed to support your daily life when you need a little (or a lot of) help with routine activities, commonly referred to as activities of daily living (ADLs). They include fundamental tasks like:
- Bathing: The ability to get in and out of a bathtub or shower and wash yourself.
- Dressing: The ability to choose and put on clothing.
- Eating: The ability to prepare and eat food.
- Toileting: Managing personal hygiene related to using the bathroom.
- Continence: Managing control over bladder and bowel functions.
- Transferring: The ability to move independently, for example, from a bed to a chair.
Some people need help with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)—tasks crucial for maintaining independent living within a community, like managing medications, preparing meals, doing housework, handling finances and arranging transportation.
Types of long-term care
We cover different types of long-term care in more detail here but here’s a quick overview of the services you can receive in various environments.
- In-home care: Many people prefer to receive care within the familiarity and comfort of their own homes. Home health aides can provide personal care, perform light housekeeping and sometimes offer skilled nursing services.
- Adult day care centers: These facilities offer supervised care, social engagement and certain health services during the day. Adult day care centers are a valuable resource for those who use them, while offering respite for family members who often provide the bulk of the care.
- Assisted living facilities: These communities strike a balance between independence and support. Residents typically live in private apartments but receive assistance with ADLs and meals, and have access to social activities to minimize isolation.
- Skilled nursing facilities: For those requiring continuous supervision and comprehensive medical care, these facilities provide 24/7 care and extensive support with all daily activities.
An important note: Medicare generally doesn’t cover long-term care. While it may cover short-term skilled nursing care following a hospital stay, it typically excludes ongoing personal care if that’s your primary need. Medicaid does provide coverage for long-term care, but eligibility is contingent upon meeting stringent income and asset criteria.
Defining the “long” in long-term care
Everyone’s circumstances are unique, so there’s no one-size-fits-all definition. But we can gain some insights by looking at the statistical averages and probabilities. According to a 2022 study commissioned by the Department of Health and Human Services:
- 65% of adults over age 65 will develop a significant disability.
- 22% of adults (about one in five) will need long-term care for over five years.
- 33% of adults need long-term care for less than a year.
- Women need, on average, 3.6 years of long-term care.
- Men need, on average, 2.5 years of long-term care.
The DHHS also estimates that someone turning 65 today has a 70% chance of needing some form of long-term care services and support during their remaining years.
Why this information matters to you
Even if you currently enjoy robust health and an active lifestyle, no Magic 8 Ball can accurately predict the future. The costs associated with long-term care are significant. According to Jeremy Clerc, founder and CEO of Assisted Living Magazine, “Home-based or home care can easily exceed $15,000 per month. Adult day and respite care range between $95 and $100 per day. Assisted living costs an average of $64,000 annually. Skilled nursing facilities vary between $8,700 and $9,700 per month on average. Memory care starts around $7,000 per month but can cost $15,000 or more in some states.”
If you’re unprepared, these costs can deplete your savings and assets before you blink. Knowing what long-term care entails and the average time you might need this care can help you make informed planning decisions, whether that involves long-term care insurance, personal savings or other financial strategies.
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