Designing and creating a long-term care plan for you, a loved one or a parent is important, but first you need to understand what long-term care is and how it can effect you.  Once this is understood, we can sit down to create a plan that is appropriate for you and your needs.  Every company has their own focus, so it is very important not to just apply for coverage - you must be sure that you are working with a company that is going to suit your needs and desires for future care.  Since everyone has different needs and circumstances, please read below for a general understanding then talk to us to customize a plan specifically for you with the right company.

WHAT IS LONG TERM CARE?

     Long term care refers to the wide range of supportive services that are required by an individual who cannot meet his or her daily living needs for an extended period of time, 90 days or longer.  This may be due to an accident, illness, or the aging process, including cognitive impairment from conditions such as Alzheimers, stroke, Parkinson's, etc.  These individuals may also need help with daily living tasks such as managing the household, shopping and cooking, self-care, paying bills, taking medication,etc.   Therefore, long term care requires someone to provide this support for the individual in need.  This support can be provided at home, in an assisted living or nursing homes, depending upon the support available, and the nature of the disability. 
     The long term care system has evolved over the years, and the nature of long term care in our society is changing.  We are living longer, and that brings with it prolonged health problems requiring long term care.  Also, many families now live further apart which leaves them less able to help, so the support often comes from outside the family.  This  leaves the question of how to manage and pay for long term care services.

WHAT IS LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE? 

Long term care planning is one the most ignored areas of financial planning.  It involves planning for how you will pay for the likely cost of long term care.  While much attention is given to the importance of retirement savings, little attention is given to how to protect those assets.  A lifetime of savings can be wiped out by an unexpected need for nursing home care, assisted-living, retirement home or home care services, home nursing or hospice care.  Most people are not aware that Medicare and health insurance do not cover the costs of long term care.   Nursing homes can average more than $83,000/year** - in some regions it can easily cost twice that amount.   A variety of options are available to pay for long term care: your personal savings, long term care insurance, reverse mortgages, and even Medicaid (if you qualify).  Which option is best for you depends on your own situation and desires.  There is no simple answer to the problem of long term care planning.  

WHAT LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE CAN DO FOR YOU:

• Long term care insurance coverage can protect your retirement savings from being wiped out by long term care needs.
• It alleviates financial hardships that might otherwise impoverish your spouse or children paying for your long term care needs.
• It enables you and your spouse to maintain financial independence throughout your lives.
• It gives you the dignity of choice by covering a wide range of services in a variety of settings.

Many people feel that long term care insurance can be expensive.  We find that many people are amazed how affordable it really is.  You don't need the most expensive plan or buy more insurance than you need.  It is about having a plan that will meet your needs and most of all fit in your budget.

Long-Term Care plans today, are so advanced and so many carriers provide long term care programs, so what are you to do? We have experienced long term care counselor available (at no cost to you) and they will help you design a plan that will meet your needs and fit into your budget.

We are here to help you - even if you choose to do business with someone else. 

Get started now with a professional in your area by sending in your request below:

**US Department of Heath and Human Services