Long-term care refers to a broad range of supportive medical, personal, and social services needed by people who are unable to meet their basic living needs for an extended period of time.

An individual's long-term care needs often require assistance from another person, such as a spouse, adult child, or sibling; whereas others rely on assistance from a paid professional. This support can be at home, or in a setting such as a nursing home or an assisted living center. Studies find that about two-thirds of all Americans will likely need some type of supportive services after age 65.

South Dakota supports many services to assist people with their long-term care needs; including nutrition and wellness programs, nursing home and assisted living services, along with respite care, homemaker and nursing services. Learn more...

Most people do not realize that long-term care is not currently paid for by Medicare or private health insurance plans. Most long-term care is paid for out-of-pocket by consumers and their families. While Medicaid pays for long-term care, it does so only on behalf of those with limited income.

People should understand that long-term care needs are best met when they are properly planned for. People have independence, peace of mind, and control over their care choices when they take the time to learn and think about long-term care well before they may need it. Not only is long-term care about finances, it is about family relationships, housing, as well as health and personal needs.

If you do not plan in advance, it can be very difficult to arrange for the type and amount of care you might need someday. Thinking about care choices before you need them gives you more options and more time to choose what is right for you and your family.