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Long Term Care / Life

| April 21, 2014 8:07 AM

Long Term Care insurance is a subject that many of us don’t want to think about. The prospect of needing long term care is daunting and many times we are in denial that “it won’t happen to me”. Yet statics show that 1 out 2 people will need some type of Long Term Care in their lifetime. It's not something any of us like to think about, but the reality is that many of us will need this type of care in our lives, and it can be financially devastating. Long Term Care policies offer a wide variety of built in options when it comes to types of policies and benefits offered. Please contact us for the most update policies offered and your free Long Term Care Insurance Guide.

WHAT IS LONG TERM CARE?

Long term care is the care people need when they can't perform the tasks of ordinary living independently. Long Term care refers to a wide range of medical, personal and social services. This type of care may include help with activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, transferring, bathing, toileting and continence. It can also be care related to cognitive impairment like memory loss or dementia. A person may be able to dress themselves and get around, but they may have trouble remembering to take their medication. Many policies also offer a Care Coordinator benefit which gives you the benefit of having a licensed health care professional who can assess your needs and develop an individualized care plan. This is an extremely helpful benefit for those friends or family members who are coordinating your care. Long Term Care may include care in the following settings:

At Home

Long Term care insurance helps pay for services provided by home caregivers and if they are new to care giving, pay for their training as well as things like medical monitoring equipment, home modifications and durable medical equipment.

Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living facility combines residential housing, personalized support services and health care for people who need some help with daily living activities. Assisted living facilities offer the freedom of independent living within a monitored environment.

Nursing Home

Nursing homes provide a living environment with 24-hour access to skilled nursing care, including medical service and monitoring your needs.

TERM LIFE INSURANCE VS. PERMANENT INSURANCE

Deciding between term and permanent insurance can be tricky. Term is cheaper right away, but the premiums usually increase every year and it only pays out if you pass away within the stated time (term). Permanent costs more during the early years, but includes a savings feature that may end up being worth more than the amount you pay in premiums - and pays your beneficiaries no matter when you pass away. So how do you decide? Generally speaking, if you're going to have the policy for 10 years or less, choose term. If you'll keep it 20 years or more, choose permanent. Between 10-20 years, consult a professional.