By presidential proclamation, November is National Family Caregivers Month. Each day, parents, children, siblings, and spouses selflessly sacrifice their time and energy to care for family members affected by illness, injury, or disability. Caregiving can exact an emotional, physical, and financial toll. It is important for caregivers to know that their labors of love are appreciated, and to recognize that they need care and support as well. Caregiving often involves providing for the needs of our older population. As the number of older Americans rises, so will the number of caregivers. While we take this time to recognize our caregivers, it's also a good time to consider planning for potential long-term care. According to recent U.S. Department of Health & Human Services information (www.longtermcare.gov), almost 52% of people over age 65 will need some type of long-term care during their lifetimes. Between the ages of 40 and 50, on average, 8% of people have a disability that could require long-term care services. The average yearly cost for long-term care in a nursing home is about $82,182 for a semiprivate room, while the average annual cost for care in an assisted-living facility is $43,536. Now is a great time to educate yourself about the significance of caregiving in general and the importance of planning for long-term care. Here are a few great articles on our site that can help you calculate the cost and learn what to look for in a long-term care policy . |
November is National Family Caregivers Month
