Residents of Boston know that life can take unexpected turns, which may find an elderly relative incapacitated and in need of care. But not everyone can drop what they are doing and begin tending to the newly incapacitated individual. This is where long-term care planning comes in handy.

It can be difficult. Some are worried the U.S. government hasn't adequately prepared for a growing elderly population. With the first baby boomers turning 65 this year, it will likely be a tough time for the next 20 or so years.

Reports indicate that approximately 10 million Americans currently need long-term care. About 5.2 million of those in need are 65 or older, while 1.71 million are 85 or older. Some have estimated that these figures will double within the next three decades.

Public long-term care services are often considered inadequate. Even with projections showing an incredible growth rate for the elderly population, many experts look at other developed countries and wonder why the United States is not as prepared.

Congress in 2010 passed the Community Living Assistance Services Support Act. It would have created a public insurance program that gave $75 daily to individuals with long term-care expenses, but when deficit reduction plans began, it was one of the many policies suggested for repeal. It was later decided that the program could not be implemented.

Currently, most long-term care is performed by unpaid caregivers, including family members. Some believe the annual value of this assistance is more than $375 billion. Less than 30 percent of those in need receive services from paid caregivers. Forty percent of those paying for care take the costs directly from their bank accounts. Another 10 percent afford care through Medicare, while 42 percent use Medicaid. Medicaid coverage is only available to low-income individuals.

With Congress in the mood to slash federal budgets, they really should consider the impact cutting long-term care services will have on the nation's most vulnerable. The baby boomer population should also be making plans on their own, in the event public aid is not available.

Source: Nieman Watchdog, "The long-term care challenge isn't just a fiscal problem, it's a test of our nation's character," Larry Polivka, Jan. 9, 2012