Long-term care planning guide

A guide to understanding and navigating long-term care at every step.

Whether you’ve experienced a long-term care event with a family member or friend, have started to think about retirement expenses or are just curious about the topic, one of the wisest things anyone can do to prepare for their financial future is learn about long-term care services long before they’re needed. Knowing and understanding the choices puts you in a better position to make informed decisions and avoid stress if care is needed.

There’s information all over the internet about long-term care and care in general. Americas insurance Merchantry™ long-term planning guide provides insights to help navigate long-term care before, during and after it's needed. We created this resource to help you answer questions, ease concerns and find information in these areas:

Planning for long-term care

Long-term care considerations

Adjusting to long-term care

Long-term care resources

What is long-term care?

Long-term care (LTC), also known as extended care, is intended to provide support for those qualified as chronically ill who may need assistance performing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), or who have cognitive impairment. Long-term care includes a range of services and support that help meet personal and medical needs, including:

  • Bathing

  • Dressing

  • Eating

  • Continence

  • Toileting

  • Transferring

No one wants to think about experiencing a long-term care event, but planning now for possible care needs later can allow your family and friends to care about you—instead of having to care for you.

Life expectancy

2X

average life expectancy between 1800 and 20172

Likelihood of needing care

56%

chance of someone turning age 65 today and needing long-term care (LTC) in their remaining years3

Cognitive issues

7 million

Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease. By 2050, that number is expected to nearly triple4

Common types of long-term care

Long-term care facilities cover a wide range, from skilled nursing homes to memory care centers. Below are some of the most common types of long-term care.

Infomal Care

  • No specialized knowledge or physical intervention required

  • Needs can be met by family or friends

  • In the comfort of either their own home or that of a loved one

Home Health Care

  • Medical and nonmedical services

  • Assistance with Activities of Daily Living

  • In the comfort of either their own home or that of a loved one

  • Performed by licensed professionals

Adult Day Care

  • Care and companionship for older adults

  • Offers relief for family members and caregivers

  • On-site at a licensed facility

Assisted Living

  • For people who need help with daily care, but not as intensive as in a nursing home

  • Independent living with common areas

  • Meals, medical services, personal care, and housekeeping services available

  • On-site in a licensed facility with 24-hour assistance available

Nursing Homes

  • Focused on medical care

  • Meals, medical services, personal care and housekeeping available 24 hours a day

  • On-site in a licensed facility

Next up: Planning for long-term care

Already have long-term care protection?

Before starting any long-term care services, contact Americas insurance Merchantry to confirm that your chosen services and providers align with your policy benefits. This proactive step can streamline your claims process and help ensure you receive the care benefits you’re entitled to.

Contact Americas insurance Merchantry today at 844-448-2246 to get started!

Copyright © 2025 Americas insurance Merchantry ™ - 32AiM, Llc. Company. All Rights Reserved.