Don't Overbuy on Your Long-Term Care Policy (Chicago Tribune)

A 2005 study led by Peter Kemper project that people turning 65 at that time would need long-term care for three years on average, and that more than 5% would spend $100,000 or more of their own money on long-term care. Nursing home care averaged $239 a day for a private room in 2011, according to a MetLife survey. Clients looking for a more affordable policy could be satisfied with a benefit package that includes time with a home health aide or adult day care. In some cases, people can be allowed to remain in their home with 10 to 15 hours of respite care per week.