Carrie E. Henning-Smith and Tetyana P. Shippee of the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health examined expectations about future need for long-term services and support among adults ages 40-65, including how these differed based on current living arrangements. The results showed a disconnect between current perceptions and likely realities in the future.
Respondents currently living with minor children were the least likely to expect to need long-term care. In contrast, those living alone were the most likely to say it was "very likely" they would need such support. Overall, 40 percent of all respondents believed they were likely to need long-term services and supports in the future. In contrast, evidence suggests that almost 70 percent of older adults will need them at some point. The authors say the findings underscore the need for programs encouraging people to plan appropriately for long-term care needs.
Study: Expectations About Future Use Of Long-Term Services And Supports Vary By Current Living Arrangement, Carrie E. Henning-Smith and Tetyana P. Shippee, Health Affairs, doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2014.0556, published January 2015.