With the average life expectancy now at nearly 79 years, making long-term care plans earlier in life is crucial for most Americans, yet the average American underestimates the cost of in-home, long-term care by almost 50 percent, according to a 2016 Genworth Cost of Care Study.
The same study reported the median cost for long-term care per year ranges from $43,539 to $92,378 depending upon care setting chosen.
Anyone interested in learning more about care choices can attend a free seminar, Understanding Long-Term Care Insurance and VA (Veterans) Benefits, the next event in the AgingWell series hosted by Perry Lutheran Homes. The featured speaker will be Sonya Ackerson, founder and CEO of Advocate 4 the Aging.
Ackerson is Life and Health Licensed and a Certified Senior Advisor. She specializes in financial case management for seniors and their families and works with Medicaid, Medicare, long-term-care insurance, health plans, VA benefits and private-pay clients.
Topics open for discussion at the free seminar will include the what, why and how of long-term care insurance as well as cover the ins and outs of VA health care benefits for veterans, their spouses and dependents.
The AgingWell seminar will take place at 12 noon Thursday, Jan. 31 at the Dallas County Hospital Community Room at 610 10th St. in Perry. Lunch will be provided.
To reserve your spot and free lunch, call or email Matt Crooks today at 515-465-7563 or mcrooks@dallascohospital.org.
Mollie Clark is the director of marketing for the Perry Lutheran Homes.
