An interesting article published on BizTimes.com has highlighted a recent study which shows women are less likely than men to plan for their long term care. Overall women have a better understanding of long-term care options, but they fall short when it comes to taking action toward preparing for the time when they may need it.

The survey, conducted by Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. in an attempt to gather information about American views on long term care planning, lists these surprising statistics:

• 80 percent of women are confident in knowing what they would and would not need assistance with for a long term care event.
• 30 percent of women are unsure how to plan for their long-term care needs. Only 18 percent of men were uncertain.
• 24 percent of women were unsure of the options available to them in the case of long term care need. 17 percent of men were uncertain.
• 37 percent of women are actively saving for long-term care needs. 47 percent of men reported actively saving.

With an estimated 70 percent of seniors over the age of 65 expected to require some form of long term care services, women should not be so lax about their futures. As the statistically longer living gender, women are more likely to need to act on a long term plan.

The importance for a person, male or female, to begin planning ahead is immeasurable. Without a proper plan, individuals may find themselves in need of health services with limited options due to inadequate savings. If you were to look into Maine long term care you would discover the average daily nursing home rate ranges for $$246.00 – 273.00, depending on if you have a private or semi-private room. The hourly rate for a home health aide averages $20.00. These are no small fees, especially accumulated over weeks and months. There are options out there, but you will need time to research your options.

Aside from financial reasons, women should empower themselves by making the decisions for themselves instead of waiting for family members and medical professionals to intervene. If you are the child of aging parents, talk to them and make sure they too are well prepared. Start a conversation about their long term care plans.

Not sure where to start? Give MAS Home Care a call.

MAS Home Care provides in-home care services in New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Maine.