According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 70% of people turning 65 can expect to use some form of long-term care during their lives. But less than one-third of Americans 50+ have begun saving for long-term care.
Long-term care includes a range of personal daily living services. Most long-term care isn’t related to medical care, but rather assistance with daily bathing, dressing, using the toilet or eating. Other common long-term supports include help with housework, managing money, taking medication and shopping.
Many Americans mistakenly believe that Medicare pays for the bulk of long-term care. In fact, Medicare only pays for long-term care if you require skilled services or rehabilitative services, and it will only do so in a nursing home for a maximum of 100 days (the average is 22 days), or at home for a much shorter period.
