Start the Long-Term Care Insurance Conversation
Worldwide, more than 55 million people live with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, and it is important to know when and why to have a conversation about long-term care. Long-term care refers to a wide array of medical care, personal assistance and social support services for people who are physically or mentally unable to independently care for themselves for an extended period of time. Whether you need long-term care insurance depends on your age, health status, overall retirement goals, income and assets.
When is the time to have a long-term care conversation?
Many people who are approaching an older age often don’t understand that they may need extra care in the near future. However, caretakers in their 40s and 50s benefit from this coverage, whether directly for them, their grandparents or their parents. According to the Health Insurance Association of America, the average age at which people purchase long-term care insurance is 62.
However, while you may pay for an extended period of time, taking out a policy around age 50 allows you to enjoy the peace of mind in knowing that you or your loved ones are covered. Purchasing at an earlier age can also provide a lower premium before significant health issues arise. Many people pay for long-term care out of their own pocket, but looking into a long-term care insurance policy may be a great solution to help with costs.
A long-term care insurance policy covers any or all of the following types of services:
- Personal care coverage
- Home health care coverage
- Adult daycare center coverage
- Assisted living facility coverage
- Nursing home coverage
Actual long-term care benefits are chosen at the time the application is completed. Start preparing today by having a conversation with your doctor and/or loved ones in order to see if you need to start preparing for your future care. Our team at Shepherd Insurance is here to help with any questions you may have about long-term care insurance. You can contact us by clicking here.
And in honor of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month, we wanted to provide you with some tips on improving your brain health and creating awareness for those who suffer from Alzheimer’s and other brain-related diseases. Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects behavior and thinking, and along with many other brain-affecting diseases, it can and, most likely, will get worse over time.
One way to delay the effects of Alzheimer’s is to keep your body active so that you can protect your body as you grow older. According to health.gov, staying active can be instrumental in keeping your brain healthy.
Here are some ways you will improve your brain health by keeping your body active:
- Improve your balance and prevent falls
- Live on your own longer
- Improve your mood and sleep
- Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Improve your ability to think, learn, and make decisions
It’s never too late to join the fight against Alzheimer’s. Interested in learning more? Visit the Alzheimers Association website to help find a cure.
