Connecticut Better Business Bureau Helps you Determine Whether you May Require Long Term Care

WALLINGFORD, Conn. - June 20, 2013 - PRLog -- Life expectancy is longer than ever, but for some, those extra years may require extra help to maintain a comfortable quality of life.  In some cases, that means long term care may be required.

According to the National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information, long term care is “a range of services and supports you may need to meet your health or personal needs over a long period of time.”

These services fall into two major categories:  “Activities of Daily Living” (which includes bathing, dressing, transferring to or from a bed or chair), and meals.

The category “Instrumental Activities of Daily Living” includes - but is not limited to - housekeeping, taking medication, running errands, caring for pets and using communication devices.

The need for long term care, which can be provided at home or in a special facility, usually stems from a health condition, such as a chronic illness or disability.  Age-related factors can also increase the likelihood for needing services.  

The Clearinghouse is a government website that provides information and resources to those who are inquiring about long term care needs for themselves or a family member.  

Here’s a short list of age-related factors or risks they cite when considering long term care:

Age: The older you get, the more likely it is that you’ll need help.

Living alone: If you live alone, you’re more likely to need paid care than if you live with others.

Gender: Women are more likely to need long-term care than men, primarily because women tend to live longer.

Lifestyle: Poor diet and exercise habits increase the chance that you’ll need long term care.

Personal history: Health and family history can indicate the likelihood you’ll need long-term care.

The cost of long term care is a major issue to consider, and you may benefit from signing-up for coverage early on.

Medicare, Veterans Administration benefits and employer programs cover some costs of long term care however, more and more people are adding private long term care insurance policies to their retirement planning.

You may want to make that decision sooner rather than later; the younger you are when you buy a policy the less it will cost you. Once you have a major health issue, such as stroke, Alzheimer’s, cancer or Parkinson’s, you may no longer be able to obtain coverage.

To find out more about long-term care, go to www.longtermcare.gov.  

For more consumer tips or to check out a business or charity, go to www.bbb.org.