Who Needs Long-Term Care?

It is difficult to predict how much or what type of long-term care a person might need. Several things increase the risk of needing long-term care.

• Age. The risk generally increases as people get older.
• Gender. Women are at higher risk than men, primarily because they often live longer.
• Marital status. Single people are more likely than married people to need care from a paid provider.
• Lifestyle. Poor diet and exercise habits can increase a person’s risk.
• Health and family history. These factors also affect risk.