We Americans are living longer than ever before. Someone aged 65 today is expected to live to an average of 83.7 years of age.

And, “The longer people live, the greater the chances are that chronic conditions may develop, resulting in an increased need for assistance with everyday activities. (from National Alliance for Caregiving)

That means you – or your parents – could maintain good health and independence for many years. However, at some point, you may experience an injury or illness that leads to a need for long term care. An estimated 70% of people who reach age 65 will need some form of long term care before they die.

What if you had to care for an aging parent? How would it affect your practice?

Here’s the typical profile of family caregivers:
• Two-thirds of caregivers are women.
• Caregivers are twice as likely as non-caregivers to have health problems of their own.
• Working caregivers are more likely than non-caregivers to miss work.
• Women ages 50 to 64 are most likely to be caring for sick or disabled family members.
from (“A Look at Working-Age Caregivers’ Roles, Health Concerns, and Need to Support.” The Commonwealth Fund. Issue Brief. 08/05)

What if you needed long term care? What does long term care cost?
Long term care services can be very expensive. The national average to have a home health aide for 8 hours a day is $4,623 a month or $55,480 a year. With home care, you also have ordinary home and living expenses. The national average daily cost for a private nursing home room is $213, or $77,745 a year. And those numbers can be almost double in some areas of the country.

Long term care insurance can help you plan for the high cost of future care. You probably have health, homeowners, and auto insurance to help protect you from everyday risks. Now is the time to consider long term care insurance to help protect you and your family from the high cost of long term care.

Long term care insurance can help you:
• Protect your assets, investments, retirement funds and your estate – including your home
• Maintain your spouse’s standard of living, financial security, and peace of mind
• Relieve family and friends from the emotional burden of providing for your care
• Preserve your independence, allowing you to live where you wish
• Give you more choices and control over your future care
There’s a clear advantage to buying long term care insurance at a younger age. Premiums are typically lower than if you wait. You’re more apt to be healthy and qualify for coverage.

Discounts on long term care insurance are available to PMZ agents and staff.