Aging Women and Long-Term Care: Truth and Consequences

Abstract

As the primary givers and recipients of care, elderly and middle-aged women comprise the population segment most significantly affected by the long-term care issue. Salient demographic and social factors relating to this phenomenon are explored, and the benefits and shortfalls of the current long-term care payment sources are identified. Despite the recent financial protection afforded by Medicare "Catastrophic Coverage," financing (or directly providing) long-term care still remains the responsibility of the elderly and their families. Privately purchased long-term care insurance provides some protection to those who can afford it, but elderly women continue to constitute a group at high risk for devastation by long-term care needs and costs.