Step 1: Personal planning

Assess your likelihood of needing long-term care services.

Talk with your doctor about whether you might be more likely to need long-term care based on your medical and family history or lifestyle choices. You should also evaluate your likelihood of needing care based on key factors.

• Your age and gender: The chance of needing long-term care generally increases as you get older. Because women live longer, they are more likely to need long-term care than men.
• Your family history: Have other members of your family needed long-term care services? If so, what type and for how long?
• Your current health: Are you in good general health? Do you have any current health conditions that may increase your likelihood for needing long-term care?
• The national average: According to AARP, the average length of a nursing home stay is approximately two-and-a-half years.
• Changing needs: Remember, the amount and type of long-term care services you will need often increases over time.
• Your family situation: You might plan for less overall long-term care if you have family members or loved ones who agree to provide—even for a limited time—any of the home-based care you need. If you are single, however, you may be more likely to need care from a paid provider.

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Maintain your health and independence.

Many people fail to make the connection between healthy behaviors today and the impact on life as you age. Healthy eating, physical activity, mental stimulation, and regular health care are important in maintaining health and independence.

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Talk with your family about caregiving.

It is estimated that individuals turning 65 today could need up to three years of long-term care services, with almost two years of that care provided at home. At-home support could range from giving medicines, providing transportation, helping with bathing and other personal care, to performing simple nursing tasks.

Talk to your family (spouse, adult children, siblings) or friends who have the ability and desire to care for you if you became ill or disabled for a long time.

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Get familiar with local resources.

The time to become familiar with the long-term care services and resources in your area is well before you may ever need them. Visit local facilities and talk to them about their services and costs so you can know your options ahead of time.

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