However, long-term care insurance costs a pretty penny itself and simply doesn't make financial sense for most people. Here are some basics to help you decide if you are a good candidate for this type of policy. Many people live to a healthy ripe old age and remain perfectly independent. But it's impossible to predict who will have that kind of luck and who will be hit with an illness or disability that will require some kind of on-going help. Long-term care is provided by home care agencies, senior centers, adult day care centers, traditional nursing homes and continuing care retirement communities.
Families often provide long-term care as well.
Below is an explanation of the three major types of long-term care. Skilled nursing care is needed for medical conditions that require care by skilled medical personnel such as registered nurses or professional therapists. This care is usually needed 24 hours a day and is ordered by a physician who outlines a treatment plan. Some people need skilled care for a short time after an acute illness, while others require it for longer periods. Skilled care is usually provided in nursing homes but visiting nurses or therapists may also give it in a person's home.