When a person needs assistance to perform normal daily activities, such as bathing, dressing and walking, that is considered a need for long-term care. The cause may be an accident, illness, or simply the aging process.
Most people receive initial care in their home environment.
Many graduate to a nursing home. As the chart shows, half the people in nursing homes are paying out of their pockets. Another 4 out of 10 are paid by Medicaid. The risk of a person requiring long term care is actually quite high. Depending on the circumstances, the cost of home care can be nearly as expensive.