Abstract:

As the primary givers & recipients of care, elderly & middle-aged women comprise the population segment most significantly affected by the long-term care issue. Demographic & social factors relating to this phenomenon are explored, & the benefits & shortfalls of the current long-term care payment sources are identified. Despite the recent financial protection afforded by Medicare "Catastrophic Coverage," financing (or directly providing) long-term care still remains the responsibility of the elderly & their families. Privately purchased long-term care insurance provides some protection to those who can afford it, but elderly women continue to constitute a group at high risk for devastation by long-term care needs & costs.