Long Term Care

Individuals who require long-term care are generally not sick in the traditional sense, but instead, are unable to perform the basic activities of daily living (ADLs) such as

• Dressing
• Bathing
• Eating
• Toileting
• Continence
• Transferring (getting in and out of a bed or chair), and walking.

Long term care insurance helps provide for the cost of long-term care beyond a predetermined period.

According to the 2006 Canadian Census, the number of Canadians aged 65 and older increased by 11.5% compared to 2001, and has almost quadrupled since 1956. The proportion of seniors in the Canadian population could nearly double within the next 25 years .The average life span has steadily increased over the last century, due in large part to better detection and treatment of illness. Diseases of old age remain prevalent and are costly to treat. Frailty makes the elderly more vulnerable to accident and disease: a simple fall can lead to life-threatening complications.

Reports show that Canada's health care system is challenged. The shifting demographics and the realities of aging will place severe challenges on the government's ability to provide adequate publicly funded long term care. In order for elderly to get the quality of care they want and need, there is a solution: long term care insurance. Women are more likely to see long term care situations first hand and are more likely to appreciate the need for insurance. Women tend to outlive men by several years, and therefore face a much higher likelihood of entering a nursing home after age 65.

Why to plan for Long Term Care Insurance?

• Preparing for long term care is the responsible thing to do
• Not be a burden on your family
• Quality time for you and your family
• Have the option of choosing where to receive care
• Make sure you have control over decisions about your care
• Protect your retirement