Sleep Deprivation – Sleep Loss and Chronic Diseases
50-70 million people in the United States suffer from sleep disorders, hindering their health and the ability to perform everyday functions. This often leads to a higher risk of long-term health care in the future.
You might be a bit tired as you read this article. Why? Maybe because you are not getting the right amount of sleep every night. Sleep is important, and lack of sleep is detrimental to your health both now and as you get older.
An estimated 50-70 million people in the United States suffer from sleep disorders, hindering their health and the ability to perform everyday functions. When a person is tired, the body sends signals to warn you about your condition.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, the average adult needs about seven to nine hours of sleep each night, but most of us don't even get that much. But getting too little sleep — generally understood to mean six hours or less a night — can be serious and lead to significant health issues – Read more by clicking here
Don't Ignore Sleep Issues When You are Younger
Not getting your sleep could lead to health issues that can also lead to a higher risk of long-term health care. The National Institute on Aging (NIH) says that studies have suggested that sleep patterns earlier in life may contribute to later dementia risk. Insufficient sleep and sleeping longer than average have been linked to a greater likelihood of developing dementia. Dementia is one of the leading causes of long-term health care.
An analysis of 77 studies showed cognitive impairment as a critical predictor of nursing home placement. There is strong evidence that poor sleep leads to cognitive decline in older adults.
However, don't lose sleep over long-term care – as long as you have an advance plan for the financial costs and burdens of aging.
Sleep Issues Add to Caregiver Stress
Waking up often during the night also adds to caregiver burden and stress for those being taken care of at home. When this happens, it typically prompts the institutionalization of those individuals.
Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance will safeguard your savings and ease the burdens otherwise placed on your family. Act before you retire and start losing sleep over your future retirement.
A successful retirement will include affordable Long-Term Care Insurance. Will it help you sleep at night? Perhaps, if you are not getting sleep from worry. But the worry about long-term care is real since the consequences of long-term health care on your family and finances are substantial.
Long-term health care costs are rising rapidly nationwide. The actual cost does vary depending on where you live. The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future costs of care services where you live.
When is the best time to plan for declining health and aging? Generally, experts suggest before your retirement, ideally in your 40s or 50s, when premiums are low, and you have the most available options to choose from.
Be Sure to Seek Professional Help
Be careful. While Long-Term Care Insurance is affordable, premiums can vary dramatically between companies for the same coverage. Not all insurance agents or financial advisors work with more than one or two companies, nor do they usually understand underwriting, policy features, partnership programs, case management, and claims.
You need a qualified and experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you shop for the best coverage at the best value. A specialist will match your age, health, and other factors to get the best coverage at the lowest premium.
Get your sleep and prepare before your health starts to decline. Your family will thank you.
About the Author
An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.
James Kelly
Contributor since August 21st, 2017
Editor's Note
People need long-term care services due to an illness, accident, or the impact of aging. Health insurance and Medicare (including supplements) will not pay for most of these costs.
Family caregivers find it hard to juggle their careers and family responsibilities with that of a caregiver for an older parent. The burden is something most people have said in surveys that they don't want to place on their family.
The solution is affordable Long-Term Care Insurance. LTC Insurance provides guaranteed tax-free benefits to access your choice of quality care options, including care at home. You will protect your income and assets and reduce the stress and anxiety otherwise placed on loved ones.
Planning Tools and Resources on LTC NEWS
You can find many tools and resources on LTC NEWS to assist you in your research for a planning solution or help your family find the appropriate care for a loved one at the time of crisis.
To help you plan the costs and burdens of changing health and aging, LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:
- The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future cost of long-term health care services where you live. Plus, each state has vital state-specific information you should know - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News
- The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding read to help you get a good overview of the topic area.
- Compare the major insurance companies that offer Long-Term Care Insurance products here - Top Insurers for Long-Term Care Insurance | LTC News.
- A detailed tax guide that includes available tax incentives can be found by reviewing the Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide.
Find all the resources on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.
Seek Professional Guidance
Insurance rates are regulated, so no insurance agent, agency, or financial advisor can give you special deals. However, insurance companies' premiums vary over 100% for the same coverage.
Experts suggest using a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you navigate the many options available to you and your family.
A specialist who works with the top companies can match your age, health, family history, and other factors and find you the best coverage at the best value. A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.
Finding Quality Care for Mom or Dad
Start by reading our four guides -
- Finding Quality In-Home Care | LTC News
- Adult Day Care Centers (ADCCs) | LTC News
- Assisted Living and Memory Care Facilities | LTC News
- Finding a Quality Nursing Home | LTC News
If they are lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting on using available Long-Term Care Insurance benefits is not a wise idea.
Get Help in Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim
Quality care obtained early will help provide a better quality of life and reduce the risk of a deep decline and facility care. If you need help in starting the process of a Long-Term Care Insurance claim, LTC NEWS can help.
LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with a Long-Term Care Insurance policy. We have teamed up with Amada Senior Care, who will do all the work, free with no obligation.
You can also get support in finding quality caregivers and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy or not. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
Benefits of Reverse Mortgages
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
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You can write a story or ongoing column for LTC NEWS. You can write about many topics, including aging, caregiving, health, lifestyle, retirement planning, and long-term care, to name a few.
Be sure to write for our core target audience of adults aged 40 and older. Our audience is worldwide; however, our primary target is the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other English-speaking nations.
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Email your story idea or article: newsroom@ltcnews.com - LTC News Contributors | LTC News
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Learn more about how LTC NEWS can help you market your business, drive traffic, and improve SEO - Advertise With Us | LTC News.
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