AUDIENCE FOR BOOK: People who must make long-term care decisions for themselves, a spouse, or other family member. Anyone who wants to plan for their own or a loved one's future care needs. REASONS TO BUY THIS NEW EDITION: As the U.S. population ages and more boomers reach their 70s, more people need long-term care. Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance are all explained, in plain English Long-term care options are compared, helping readers choose one that matches their needs and budget. There are 1.5 million people in nursing homes, and the average stay is more than two years.

Many more people receive care in their homes or at day care facilities. Medicaid and Medicare pay for some of this care, but most use some sort of private funding. (CDC.) Average cost of long-term care services went up 4.5% from 2016 to 2017. The median cost of a nursing home was $8,121 per month and an assisted living facility was $3,750 per month in 2017. (Genworth Annual Cost of Care Survey 2017).