Most of us are familiar with the type of health insurance that pays for doctor visits and hospital bills. However, the type of insurance that pays for nursing home stays and home health care is entirely different.

Long-term care is a step beyond medical and nursing care. It includes all the assistance you could possibly need if you ever have a chronic illness or a disability that leaves you unable to care for yourself for a prolonged period of time. Individuals can receive long-term care at home, in an assisted living facility or in a nursing home. Long-term care is assistance with any activities of daily living, which can include bathing, dressing, transferring, eating and continence. Long-term care can also include short term rehabilitation; for example, a three-month rehabilitation after a knee replacement.

Older people use the majority of long-term care services; however, long-term care can also be used by a younger person who has suffered a serious illness or been in an accident. Approximately 1/3 of LTC cases are people under 60.

In addition to nursing homes and home health care, there are a variety of services that fall under long-term care needs. Some of these services include respite services for caregivers who need a break, adult daycare centers, visiting nurses, and homemaker companion services. Long term care insurance offers long term peace of mind.