Which of the following statements about long-term care is true?

Oct 9, 2025 2 min read •

senior care long-term care Healthy Aging

Approximately 70% of people turning 65 will need some form of long-term care services in their lifetime. Understanding which of the following statements about long-term care is true is crucial for informed decision-making and planning for yourself or a loved one.

Quick Summary

The most accurate statement about long-term care is that the majority of residents in care facilities have chronic conditions. It is also a common misconception that Medicare covers extended care, or that it is only provided in nursing homes.

Key Points

Chronic Conditions are Common: Most individuals in long-term care facilities have chronic health issues requiring ongoing support.
Care is Diverse: Long-term care settings are varied and include home care, assisted living, and adult day centers, not just nursing homes.
Medicare's Coverage is Limited: Medicare provides minimal coverage for extended long-term custodial care, primarily covering short-term skilled services.
Financing Requires Planning: Due to high costs, financing involves personal funds, private insurance, or Medicaid for eligible individuals.
Proactive Planning Benefits: Early planning, including legal documentation and family discussions, is vital for managing future care needs effectively.

Understanding Long-Term Care

Long-term care is not solely for the very elderly; it supports people with chronic conditions to maintain independence and safety when they require assistance with daily tasks.

Chronic Conditions and Care Needs

Individuals in these settings typically require consistent medical and personal care due to long-lasting health problems.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Common misunderstandings include where care is provided (not limited to nursing homes, often at home or in assisted living) and Medicare's coverage (mostly short-term skilled care, not extended long-term care).

Care Settings and Options

Care is available in diverse settings, tailored to individual needs and circumstances. Options include in-home care, assisted living, and nursing homes.

Financing Long-Term Care

Funding care is a significant concern due to costs. Options typically involve personal funds, private insurance, and Medicaid.

Financing Options Overview


Feature	Personal Funds (Out-of-Pocket)	Private Long-Term Care Insurance	Medicaid	Medicare
Coverage	Pays for all care types in any setting.	Based on the policy's terms (benefit amount, duration, services).	Covers a wide range of services for those with low income and limited assets. State variations exist.	Very limited coverage for long-term custodial care; covers short-term skilled care only.
Eligibility	No eligibility requirements; depends on personal savings and assets.	Requires a medical evaluation; eligibility is not guaranteed, especially with pre-existing conditions.	Means-tested; requires spending down most income and assets to qualify.	Based on age (65+) or disability status, regardless of income.
Flexibility	Maximum flexibility to choose care setting and services.	Greater flexibility than Medicaid, allowing choices for in-home or facility care.	Less flexibility; facilities may not accept Medicaid, and options may be limited.	Almost no flexibility for long-term care services.
Drawbacks	Can rapidly deplete savings and assets.	Can be very expensive; premiums increase with age and health status.	Requires giving up most assets and income to qualify; limited choice of providers.	Does not cover the long-term custodial care most people need.

The Importance of Early Planning

Planning ahead is crucial. This involves understanding costs, exploring funding, establishing legal documents, and discussing with family. {Link: Administration for Community Living https://acl.gov/ltc/basic-needs/how-much-care-will-you-need} offers relevant resources.

Conclusion

Understanding that long-term care primarily supports chronic conditions is fundamental. Addressing myths about care locations and payment sources, along with proactive financial and legal planning, enables better preparation and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

A true statement about the cost of long-term care is that it can be very expensive and is not fully covered by Medicare. Most individuals rely on a mix of personal savings, long-term care insurance, or Medicaid to cover expenses.

A true statement is that long-term care can be provided in various settings, including the person's own home, assisted living facilities, and adult day care centers, not just in nursing homes.

No, this is a false statement. Most people in long-term care facilities have chronic conditions, such as Alzheimer's or arthritis, that require ongoing assistance rather than end-of-life care.

It is true that Medicaid is a major payer for long-term care services, but only for those who meet strict financial eligibility requirements. For those who qualify, it may cover extended stays in a nursing facility.

A true statement is that private long-term care insurance can offer greater flexibility in choosing care settings and services than Medicaid, but it can be very costly and requires medical underwriting.

This is a false statement. While many stays are long-term, some residents, particularly those receiving rehabilitative care, can return to their home environment after treatment.

It is true that military veterans may be eligible for long-term care services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in various settings, including VA-run facilities, assisted living, and at home.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.