One solution is using long term health care insurance but for many the cost of insurance seems prohibitive. But the cost of not having it is far greater. Most people underestimate the emotional impact a long-term illness will have on a family. It is a dark cloud that can’t be lifted. The assistance paid for by a long-term care insurance policy helps the family the deal with the emotional issues they face instead of focusing on full time care giving.
Without long-term care insurance caregivers are on call twenty-four/seven. Caregivers don’t get days off or an opportunity to punch out for a quick break. Those caring for loved ones often suffer from sleep deprivation and high stress levels. Healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced diet and regular sleep go out the window.
Studies have shown that long-term caregivers have a shorter life span and increased health problems than their same-age counterparts.
For some families it’s even worse. My Uncle performed care giving for his wife who became ill with Alzheimer. His care giving went from months into years and years and then just 6 months after she passed so too did he.
Of course we all feel pain and sadness when someone we love is ill. But caregivers focus so much on the needs of their loved ones that their own needs go unmet. Many times they feel guilty expressing their own problems when someone they love is suffering so much. Caregivers often stuff their own needs and go into ’survival mode’, just trying to get through one day or one hour at a time.
Compounding all of these difficulties is the financial impact of long term care.
Not many can afford professional nursing beginning at $25 an hour for any extended period of time. On top of that, the cost of custodial care is not covered by typical health insurance plans or Medicare. And Hospice only chimes in when a terminally ill patient no longer seeks treatment.
If you’ve never considered long term care insurance, please think again. Long-term care insurance is as much for the family as for the patient. The reality is that many of you reading this will experience either the giving or receiving end of long term care. Having long term care insurance will go a long way in reducing the inevitable suffering that long term illness brings, both for the caregivers and the patient.
Selecting the proper long-term care policy isn’t always easy and that’s why it is recommended you check out Insider’s Secrets to long term care insurance. Read the guide and watch the videos today.
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