Commentary: Long-Term Care Insurance a Wise Choice

This is an op-ed from a retired college professor who talks about his first-hand experience with his wife's Long-Term Care. He shares how their LTC policy helped his family.

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Commentary: Long-Term Care Insurance a Wise Choice
3 Min Read July 22nd, 2015 Updated:February 6th, 2024

BY: Thomas Crawford, a professor emeritus of chemistry at the University of Louisville.

He wrote the following op-ed regarding his wife's experience and how essential Long-Term Care Insurance was to benefit his family and finances. 

This is a rather personal note and therefore, a difficult one to write, but in doing so I hope it prompts someone who reads it to take note of my experience.

My wife, Wanda, spent two years in what are referred to as memory care units; she was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Knowing that there was some strong possibility that Wanda might inherit whatever genes her father had, and which he inherited from his mother, both of whom were Alzheimer’s victims, I made an important financial decision in the year I retired, 1998.

At that time Wanda showed no symptoms of having Alzheimer’s disease. She was a loving and supportive wife, mother and grandmother and a very giving person, who enjoyed having guests in our home and was an excellent cook. She enjoyed having a number of close personal friends, and those who knew her considered her quite special.

The financial decision I made was to purchase long-term health care insurance, and while my life has not been distinguished by a history of insightful financial choices, this was an uncommonly wise choice.

My recommendation is that you investigate long-term health care insurance, especially if you have a family member who is in that age bracket where the prospect of developing Alzheimer’s is increased, and especially if there is any history of Alzheimer’s or other dementia in your family.

Reality - Long-Term Care Costs are Expensive

Here is the reality of what you may be facing: a nursing home monthly fee of $6,000 or higher. You may feel prepared financially to cover that kind of expense, but that’s just the beginning. It can easily go over a total of $80,000 a year, when you add in medications, doctor’s fees, personal needs, transportation, etc. At that rate, it doesn’t take long to wreck an estate you had planned to leave for your children and grandchildren.

The hardest part of all of this is seeing someone you love slipping away day by day. Looking into eyes that only a few months ago were full of life, but now seem empty and on a given day may not even recognize you as someone with whom she or he spent all those years together since high school.

That’s not the way you wanted to see it come to an end. But as painful as that can be and as great as the emotional cost is, what you don’t need is an additional crisis because of the financial cost of the care your loved one requires. So, think about long-term health care insurance. I hope you don’t need it, but if you do, health insurance will help with one aspect of this terrible disease.

On June 11, 2014, complications from Alzheimer’s disease took Wanda. Even though the previous two years were in excellent nursing facilities, and I saw her almost every day, most of those days were not the best of times. But, at least I did not have to worry about going bankrupt because of the expenses.

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About the Author

An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.

LTC News Contributor James Kelly

James Kelly

Contributor since August 21st, 2017

Editor's Note

When you have a plan in place, your family will find it much easier when you need long-term health care in the future. You can prepare your family and finances for declining health and aging with affordable Long-Term Care Insurance.

When you own an LTC policy, you own a policy helping you avoid being dependent on your loved ones. The guaranteed tax-free benefits give you access to your choice of quality care services, including in-home care. However, keep in mind that you must have your coverage before you get older and experience substantial health changes. 

Caregiving is hard and demanding. Not only are family caregivers stressed physically and emotionally, but they also are not trained to provide the quality care that a loved one usually needs. 

The goal is to safeguard your income and assets from the future costs and related burdens of long-term health care. You want to give your loved ones the time to be family. You want to make certain you have your choice of quality care, including in-home care. According to almost every survey, most people are concerned about being a burden on those you love. There is no need to place the burden of caregiving on your family.

Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance is the solution. However, don't delay; obtaining coverage in your 40s or 50s is ideal for saving money and ensuring you have the most available choices. There are options for those in their 60s and beyond, but seek help from a qualified LTC Insurance specialist to help match you with the most affordable options based on your age and health.

An LTC Insurance specialist will show you accurate quotes from all the top insurance companies offering long-term care solutions.  

·        Find a Qualified, Independent LTC Insurance Specialist

Quality Caregivers and Facilities are a Search Away

The LTC NEWS Caregiver Directory is a helpful tool when looking for caregivers for older family members. It's like an extensive list of caregivers and facilities that provide long-term care services. In fact, you can search from among over 80,000 listings nationwide. The directory from LTC NEWS makes it easy to find quality caregivers or long-term care facilities. You can look for caregivers or facilities near where you or your loved one lives and learn about their qualifications and options. And the best part is, it's free to use!

If you are a care provider, claim your free listing and even upgrade your listing (at a modest charge) - Visit the LTC News Directory Business Portal

For those with an LTC policy, LTC NEWS can help process claims from any Long-Term Care Insurance policy. LTC NEWS, in partnership with Amada Senior Care, a nationally recognized in-home health care agency, ensures that you and your loved ones receive the quality care you deserve. This service comes at no cost or obligation - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.

These four LTC NEWS guides will assist you in trying to find appropriate long-term services for a loved one:

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