If I Need Long-Term Care, Will I have to Go to a Nursing Home?

Most people don't realize that now adays care in a nursing home is a last resort, and that by planning ahead for long-term care, it is very unlikely you will need to enter a nursing home for an extended period of time.

It's very common for people to mistakenly assume that "long-term care" is synonymous with "nursing home care." In reality, a person's care normally progresses through a continuum of care that rarely requires nursing home confinement.

For example, older people experiencing the frailties of aging may first require only a minimal amount of assistance in their home for a few hours each week. If the condition worsens and they experience problems with maintaining their balance, taking medications, or memory loss, a move to an assisted living community or Alzheimer's facilities may be the next step on the continuum of care.

The continuum of long-term care includes all the settings in which long-term care services are provided:

• The Family Home
• Board and Care Homes
• Assisted Living Communities
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities
• Alzheimer's Facilities
• Nursing homes

Get a free copy of my e-book "How to Plan for Long-Term Care" to learn more about this critical financial planning topic: email info@superiorltc.com with "Free E-Book" in subject line.