Who Needs Long-Term Care?

Whether you require long-term care depends on your level of disability. The chances of needing long-term care usually increase as a person ages, but long-term care may be needed at any age.

It is important for you to recognize that at some time in your life you may require long-term care services. Therefore, you should think about how to pay for this care.

In Wisconsin in 2005, 4.3% of all people age 65 and over resided in a nursing home. That number increased to 15% for persons above age 85.*

The longer a person lives, the more likely it is that he or she will need some kind of long-term care. Some people who have acute illnesses may need nursing home or home health care for only short periods. Others may need care for many months or years. Many people who need long-term care receive that care in their own homes through services provided by home health agencies, relatives, or friends. Others receive care through nursing homes, group homes, or assisted living facilities.

*Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services