Photo: Elinor Carucci/Ricco/Maresca Gallery

Taking the First Steps For many people, relying on a family member to act as caregiver in the future is not an option—others may find it an unappealing one.

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Planning for long-term care (will you stay in your home or move into an assisted-living facility or nursing home?) may not be the way you want to spend Saturday afternoon. But buying long-term care insurance or researching local services for the aging now, before you need them, will save you money and ease the taxing anxieties of an uncertain future. There are many resources to help you make the important decisions. Here are some places to start:

• AARP Resources: Caregiving

• Back to the Story

• LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE: To learn about coverage, costs, and the different types, contact: National Center for Assisted Living; Health Insurance Association of America, or call toll-free (877) 582-4872.



• STATE AND FEDERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS: BenefitsCheckUp is a confidential online service of the National Council on the Aging that will tell you the programs you qualify for and how to apply.



• HOUSING FACILITIES AND SERVICES FOR SENIORS: For community services, agencies, and housing options in your area, use the U.S. Administration on Aging's Eldercare Locator, or call (800) 677-1116; American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging or call (202) 783-2242.



• CAREGIVER SUPPORT: Resources and support groups for caregivers include: Administration on Aging's National Aging Information Center; AARP Caregivers Circle Discussion Board.