As the population ages and as lifespans increase, the numbers of those needing long term care are sure to rise.

These factors increase one’s risk of needing long term care:

• Age: The risk generally increases as one gets older.
• Marital status: Single people are more likely to need care from a paid provider.
• Gender: Women are at a higher risk than men, primarily because they tend to live longer.
• Lifestyle: Poor diet and exercise habits can increase one’s risk.
• Health and family history

Other facts and statistics point to the growing need for long term care:

• More than 6 million elderly Americans need assistance from family or friends if they are to live at home.
• At least 2/3 of all home-care assistance is provided free by family members and friends.
• By the year 2020, one of six Americans will be 65 or older.
• 70% of people turning 65 will need some long term care before they die.
• More than 50% of the U.S. population will require some type of long term care during their lives (nursing home care, home health care, assisted living, or rehab facility care).
• 2021 is the year the oldest baby boomers will turn 75. As the population ages, research has predicted the nursing home population to grow to 3 or 4 million residents.