Personal Factors
On this page:
Age
The older you are, the more likely it is that you will need long-term care. You might also consider your family history. Did your parents or grandparents have a disability? Also consider that:
- between ages 40 and 50, on average, eight percent of people have a disability that could require long-term care services;
- while 69 percent of people age 90 or more have a disability.
Although being older means you are more likely to need long-term care, having an accident that causes a disability when you are younger cannot be predicted. Some private financing options, for example long-term care insurance, cost much less when you are younger and reverse mortgages are only available at or after age 62.
This website’s section on Private Financing provides more information on financing options including long-term care insurance.
Back to top
Gender
Women outlive men by about five years on average, so are more likely to live at home alone and without assistance when they are older. Women who take time out of the workforce to have and raise children or care for other family members end up with lower pension and social security benefits than retired men. As a result, women in particular should actively plan for their future long-term care needs.
Back to top
Lifestyle
If you exercise regularly and eat healthy foods, you are less likely to develop many types of chronic conditions and are more likely to avoid developing a disability.
Back to top
Health status
If you have chronic conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, you are more likely to develop a disability. You might also consider your family history. Did your parents or grandparents have chronic conditions?
Bear in mind that some methods of paying for long-term care services require that you undergo health screening. While some options require that you be in relatively good health, other options are only available to you if you are in poor health. This website’s section on Evaluating Your Private Financing Options provides more information.
Back to top
Financial resources
Long-term care can be costly. If you have more than $100,000 in savings that is not used as a source of income, you may be able to pay for long-term care on your own—generally at least:
- a little longer than a year in a nursing home;
- 2.5 years in an assisted living facility;
- and several years of home care.
If you have less savings, but are not poor, consider the various private financing options outlined in this website’s section on Private Financing.
If you have low income and little savings, review this website’s section on Medicaid to see whether you might be covered.
Back to top
Housing
In making decisions about long-term care, think about where you want to live and whether your home will continue to meet your needs. For example, are your bedroom and bathroom on the first floor? Are your doors wide enough for a wheelchair? This website’s sections on Housing Considerations and Planning Steps provide further information.
Are you ready to take steps towards planning? Visit this website’s Planning IQ Quizfor some ideas on easy first steps.
Back to top