Marlene S. Stum, Ph.D. Family Social Science

People of all ages are at risk for needing long term care.

The need for long term care can come at any age. People who need long term care need help with activities of daily living. Activities of daily living are things such as: eating, dressing, bathing, transferring, walking, using the toilet, taking medication and shopping. Individuals are at risk of having an accident or disease that would cause them to need help with these types of activities.

The majority of people who need long term care are elderly, but younger people and children also need long term care because of disabling diseases, car accidents, AIDS, brain injuries, strokes and other disabling events. Of the approximately 12 million people in the US who say they need assistance with activities of daily living, it is estimated that about 40% are working age.