Pragmatism is key if you want to be truly prepared for the eventualities of aging. Some contingencies are not especially pleasant, but they are realities all the same and you have to take appropriate action.

It may be difficult to envision a time when you cannot take care of all of your day-to-day needs on your own, and this can lead you to think that you need not concern yourself with the possibility of long-term care expenses.

In fact, the United States Department of Health and Human Services tells us that most people who live long enough to attain senior citizen status will in fact need long-term care eventually.

If you combine the average cost of residence in an assisted living community or a nursing home with the typical length of stay, the total expense may exceed $200,000. Most people need some advance preparation to be able to absorb such an expense comfortably.

Many people will do what is necessary to qualify for Medicaid to pay for long-term care, but this requires some careful planning. Others will purchase long-term care insurance. And of course, you may be fortunate enough to be able to pay for long-term care out-of-pocket if you plan ahead intelligently.

The best way to prepare yourself is to engage expert assistance. If you’re ready to get started, right now would be a good time to pick up the phone to arrange for a consultation with an Ashland, Kentucky elder law attorney.