November is Long-Term Care Awareness Month in Michigan

Education, preparation are keys to meeting the demands of care

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Nov 04, 2013, 10:00 ET

BRIGHTON, Mich., Nov. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Roughly two-thirds of Americans believe they can rely on their families to help provide long term care in a time of need. Yet few are aware of the significant financial, physical and emotional toll providing care can have on a family, which can be reduced with proper planning.

November is Long-Term Care Awareness Month (LTCAM) in Michigan to raise awareness of the care needed by individuals who require ongoing assistance with daily living activities due to a physical or cognitive disorder and to encourage families to plan ahead for potential long-term care needs.

"While most people acknowledge that they will need long-term care, few put a plan in place," said Lisa Wendt, president and CEO of LifeSecure Insurance Company. "This can have serious consequences once care is needed – from erasing a lifetime of savings to taking a major toll on a family's physical and emotional health. Learning about potential solutions and planning ahead now will better prepare families to live well in their later years."

Some 70 percent of people over age 65 will require some form of long-term care during their lifetime. Unfortunately, most people underestimate the need to plan ahead and only explore long-term care options following a crisis when care is needed, which can place an immense amount of stress on one's personal health, finances and family relationships. For example, the average cost of one year of care in a Michigan nursing home is more than $87,000, according to a recent study. Family caregivers are also more likely to suffer from serious health problems, such as depression, anxiety, or heart disease.

Since 2007, LifeSecure has worked with the Governor's Office to designate November as LTCAM. By supporting LTCAM once again, LifeSecure is continuing its mission to advocate for proper long-term care planning and the importance of finding solutions that work best for families.

About LifeSecure Insurance Company

LifeSecure Insurance Company is based in Brighton, Mich., and is dedicated to providing
uncomplicated insurance and non-insurance solutions to help people protect themselves from unforeseen health-related risks and expenses. Our guiding business philosophy is focused on delivering "easi": expertise, accessibility, simplicity and innovation – both to our business partners and to consumers. The company is licensed in 46 states and Washington, D.C., and its insurance products are sold through a network of independent marketing organizations, brokers and agents. Additional information is available at www.YourLifeSecure.com.