Alzheimer's Disease & Related Dementias

Previous research demonstrates that lack of planning for the potential need for long-term services and supports (LTSS) is associated with lack of knowledge about these services. People who do not have a firm understanding of their longevity risks, probability of needing and using LTSS, and the associated costs for services may be less likely to plan for their future LTSS needs.

This issue brief examines concerns individuals have about becoming disabled and needing long-term services and supports (LTSS), how these concerns vary by household income and assets, what actions people are willing to take to address their LTSS needs, and how homeowners who are willing to use home equity to finance LTSS differ from those who are not willing.

Despite the high costs for long-term services and supports (LTSS), the current financing system inadequately protects people from the financial devastation of long-term disabling conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or stroke. Private long-term care (LTC) insurance coverage is low and Medicare does not cover LTSS.

Briefing for ASPE Long-Term Care Financing Colloquium Melissa Favreault Washington, DC

Informal caregivers, who are caregivers not paid for their assistance, are generally family members or friends of individuals in need of long-term services and supports.

Disclaimer and AcknowledgmentsThis project was funded by the Administration for Community Living under contract no. HHSP23320095651WC. The statements contained in this report are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Administration for Community Living.

This Research Brief, authored by Allison Carbonaro and Helen Lamont.

This revised Research Brief, authored by Melissa Favreault (Urban Institute) and Judith Dey (Department of Health and Human Services), presents information about the risk of needing care and associated costs to provide content for policymakers and others considering long-term care financing proposals. 

This Research Brief, authored by John Drabek and William Marton, estimates the number of older Americans with a disability based on a widely-used definition established by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, and other recently available data.