What Are the Odds of Needing Long-Term Care?
When we think about retirement and the years ahead, most of us hope to stay healthy, active, and independent for as long as possible. And while none of us can predict exactly what the future will bring, planning for the possibility of needing additional support can help you feel more confident about the road ahead.
So, what are the odds that you will need long-term care?
The answer isn't quite as simple as a percentage. Every person's experience is different, and averages don't necessarily tell us what our individual future will look like. That's why we, at Brio Living Services, believe long-term care planning is less about predicting exactly what will happen and more about being prepared for the possibilities.
How Likely Is It That You'll Need Care?
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 70% of people who reach age 65 will need some type of long-term care services during their lifetime.
That statistic can sound concerning at first, but it's important to understand what it includes. Long-term care can mean many different things, from a little extra help around the house to more significant assistance with everyday activities.
These activities may include what are known as the six activities of daily living (ADLs):
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Eating
- Using the restroom
- Moving from one position to another
- Managing continence
Long-term care statistics may also include assistance with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), such as preparing meals, managing a household, or completing everyday chores.
In other words, needing long-term care doesn't necessarily mean needing extensive or around-the-clock care. For some people, it may simply mean receiving a little extra help so they can continue living safely and comfortably at home.
The Important Thing to Remember: Everyone's Journey Is Different
Statistics can help us understand the bigger picture, but they can't tell us exactly what our own future will look like. Some people may never need significant long-term care. Others may need occasional assistance for a short period of time, while some may eventually require more comprehensive support.
It’s also important to remember that today's statistics are based largely on the experiences of previous generations. As people live longer and have more opportunities to enjoy active, independent lives well into their later years, the ways in which we experience aging and care may continue to evolve. That's why having a plan is so valuable!
Planning for Possibilities, Not Probabilities
Long-term care planning isn't about expecting the worst. It's about giving yourself more choices if your circumstances change.
Thinking ahead can help you consider questions such as:
Where would I want to live if I needed additional support?
Who would I want involved in helping me make decisions?
How would I want to pay for care?
What would allow me to remain as independent as possible?
At Brio Living Services, we believe planning for the future should be about more than preparing for care. It's about preparing for the life you want to continue living. Whether you’re in a Brio community or taking advantage of home-and-community-based services, Brio provides a way to plan ahead for future health and support needs while maintaining the freedom and independence you value today. Because when you have a plan in place, you can spend less time worrying about "what if?" and more time enjoying what's next. Learn more about how Brio Living Services can help you prepare for the possibilities ahead by exploring our locations and services.