While the life expectancy in the United States has inched upward during the past couple of decades, it hasnt jumped as some may have expected when medical breakthroughs were occurring throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Currently, women can expect to live, on average, 81 years and men 76.3 years. However, those numbers of from birth. When a person reaches 65, they may expect to live another 19 to 21 years and that means support and assistance will be likelier as a result.
In home care is currently the number one job creator in the United States as the baby boomer generation retires and reaches the age when they might begin to require assistance. With greater numbers of seniors as a demographic, it equals a greater need for short and long-term support, especially at home.
With people living longer, its essential that they understand the importance of incorporating the potential need for in home care into their retirement.
According to U.S. News, in the article, How Living Longer Will Impact Your Retirement, written by contributor Maryalene LaPonsie:
Health care costs may eat up funds.When it comes to the price ofhealth care in retirement, the numbers can be staggering. Fidelity Investments estimates a 65-year-old couple retiring in 2018 will need $280,000 to cover health and medical care costs in retirement. Ongoing long-term care is among the most significant health care costs faced by seniors today. While many older Americans rely on Medicare for their health care coverage, Medicare will not coverout-of-pocket costssuch as nursing home, assisted living or home health care that is intended to help with activities of daily living such as eating, bathing and dressing. State Medicaid programs may pay for this type of care but only after seniors have depleted almost all their assets and savings.
Not only should people be made more aware of the prospect of in home care, but also how to better plan for it. Sitting down with family, trusted friends, and advisors is an integral part of proper long-term planning. It may also be a benefit to consider long-term care insurance, which could not only protect a persons savings and retirement funds, but also provide them more choices if or when the time comes to need long-term care.
Home care agencies are the ones on the ground, helping people in need, and sharing information about various services they offer. The more these agencies reach out to their communities, the greater they impact they might be able to make.
