Aging report shows that only a few baby boomers have plans for long-term care

ATLANTA, GA (May 21, 2007) – A recent statewide report shows that of the 815 baby boomers ages 50-60 surveyed, only 34 percent said they already have or plan to have long-term care insurance. Forty-eight percent expect their retirement income to be less than 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level which is less than $2,553 per month. The current average nursing home private pay billing rate is $4,358.57 per month. The report also revealed that the top five issues facing older Georgians are: transportation, prescription drug assistance, caregiver assistance and respite care, income and financial assistance, and housing. The results of the Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services (DAS) State Plan on Aging revealed opportunities for increasing Georgia’s lifelong planning and “Own Your Future” initiatives. These initiatives help mid-life and older consumers prepare for future needs and expenses ranging from living independently at home to maximizing choices in long-term care facilities.

   “Our findings show that most young adults and seniors haven’t had a conversation about long-term care,” said DAS Director Maria Greene. “A lot of people believe Medicaid and Social Security are going to pay for their long-term care needs. People talk about getting married and having children, but the conversation stops there. They don’t talk about getting old. We want to encourage as many as possible to start talking about long-term care.” 

   Georgia’s aging population, persons aged 60 and older, is expected to increase 81.6 percent between 1990 and 2010. By the year 2011, the first baby boomers will reach age 65. 

   DAS administers funds under the Older American Act and is required to submit to the 

   U.S. Assistant Secretary for Aging a State Plan by August 1, 2007 for contribution of funds and allocation of resources. The results will provide data to develop the 2008-2011 Georgia State Plan on Aging.

   DAS, along with the Georgia State University Georgia Health Policy Center and Kennesaw State University, A.L. Burruss Institute collected information through statewide public hearings, focus groups, Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), web, mail and telephone surveys, and in-person interviews. The primary objective was to determine the level of constituent knowledge, perceived value and barriers of programs and services through DAS, and to obtain constituent suggestions for recommended changes and new initiatives.

   The target population was citizens over age 60, pre-senior citizens ages 50-60, disabled persons who are eligible for services, family members and other caregivers who assist senior or disabled persons, professional providers of services to seniors and the disabled, other consumers of services offered by DAS, residents of nursing facilities and personal care homes, and the state’s regional AAAs.

   For more information on the report, call DAS at 404-657-5288. For more information on Aging Services, visit their website at http:// aging.dhr.georgia.gov/portal/site .