Are You Likely to Need Long Term Care?
According to statistics, 19% of Americans 65 and up experience some degree of chronic physical impairment. Among those who are 85 years old and older, the amount of people who need long term care jumps to 55%. Family and caregivers are the main source of care for the majority of these people. According to a study from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, people over 65 face a 40% risk of entering a nursing home. 10% will stay there for five years or even longer.
The odds of needing to stay at a nursing home for a small or large amount of time depends on several factors, with age being the main factor. 22% of those 85 and older are currently in a nursing home.
If you have a chronic condition, or impaired living, and feel that you may be a good recipient for long term care, you may be able to obtain it. Long-term care includes more than just medical care and nursing home care; it includes many different types of assistance and can provide for people with not only physical ailments and chronic conditions, but certain disabilities as well. Long-term care can even cover costs for those who have been in debilitating accidents in some cases.
There are a great deal of services available in the community for long-term care patients. Nurses, home health aides, home delivery of meals, adult daycares, respite homes, hospices and visitor programs are just a few. To find out what is offered and covered in your community, call your local Area Agency on Aging.