What is long-term care, and will I need it?

Many people think they won't need long-term care; however, research suggests they'll need it at some point in their life.1 And age isn't the only reason. A chronic illness or debilitating injury that keeps you from living on your own or properly caring for yourself can happen no matter how old you are. Many people also think that the costs of long-term care will be completely covered by health insurance or Medicare—but they're typically not. That's why it's important to have a plan in place. Our advisors will help you figure out the best option for you and your loved ones.

Get started

Reasons to plan for your long-term care

Get quality care quickly

If something happens, having coverage means you'll have funds ready when you need them.

Choose where you get care

From at-home to a good facility, having a long-term care plan in place can help you afford it.

Safeguard your nest egg

Having a plan for long-term care can help make sure you won't lose a lifetime of savings.

Preserve your assets

Long-term care planning can help keep your financial legacy intact for your family, friends, or charity.

Put loved ones at ease

Those closest to you can focus on support rather than the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of your care.

Protect your assets with long-term care planning.

Watch the video

Two children kissing their mother on the cheek at the beach.

Care that's there when you need it.

Two children kissing their mother on the cheek at the beach.

From nurses or health aides at your home to an assisted living facility, adult day care center, nursing home, or hospice facility, planning for your long-term care can help put you in a better position to choose what's right for you. Even if you're not the one who needs it, there's a good chance you'll need to help plan for the long-term care for a loved one.2 Find out how long the average person needs long-term care.

Read the article

Learn more about long-term care options

Standalone

This traditional long-term care option is typically more affordable than others and it can be purchased independently of other insurance policies.

Hybrid

By combining whole life insurance with a long-term care rider, you'll have long-term care coverage if you need it, but if you don't, your beneficiaries get the death benefit.

Life insurance with an accelerated payout

Help pay for long-term care expenses by tapping into the death benefit of a life insurance policy, but doing so will decrease the death benefit and surrender value.3

Get matched with a financial advisor in four easy steps.

The Northwestern Mutual difference

97% of our clients stay with us year over year

The percentage of our policyowners who stay with us year over year.4

Statistic for Northwestern Mutual, based on Northwestern Mutual policyowner data.

5.0M+ clients at Northwestern Mutual

The number of people we're proud to call clients, and who put their trust in us.

164+ years strong through depressions, downturns, and pandemics

The number of years we’ve been there for our clients—through depressions, downturns, and pandemics.

Picture of a financial representative

Ready to plan your long-term care?

Our advisors will help you figure out the right long-term care option for you, your goals, and your budget.

It's easy to get started—no commitment, just a conversation