Who Needs Long Term Care?

After turning 65, 58 percent of men will need long term care, while 79 percent of women will need some long term care.¹ As you age, there is a much greater likelihood that you will either need long term care or provide assistance to a friend or relative who needs care. By 2020, it is estimated that 12 million older Americans will need long term care services.² That number is projected to steadily increase as Baby Boomers age.

However, a person of any age can require long term care. In fact, 40 percent of people receiving long term care services are between the ages of 18 and 64.³ In addition, 80 percent of those applying for long term care insurance are under the age of 65.⁴

1	Kemper, Peter, Harriet L. Komisar, Lisa Alecxih, “Long-Term Care Over an Uncertain Future: What Can Current Retirees Expect?” Inquiry Journal 42 (Winter 2005/2006)
2	www.medicare.gov/longtermcare/static/home.asp
3	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information, www.longtermcare.gov
4	Broker World “Long Term Care Insurance Survey” (2009)