Residents of Boston and elsewhere often have a lot on their plate despite the fact that many of them are retired. One of the major concerns for people as they age is the availability of long-term care planning. How will you and your family afford the costs of long-term care when it is most needed?

People who have pre-existing conditions have to worry about this every day. Since it is on their minds regularly, they are more likely to be prepared for becoming incapacitated, so that loved ones and family members do not have to cover the care or costs.

More often than not, it is those that do not see it coming who are hurt the worst by a debilitating injury or the onset of an unexpected mental condition.

One such option for long-term care planning for federal employees and members of the military is the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program. This program provides options for assistance with daily activities that may include dressing, bathing and eating.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has stated that nearly 70 percent of people older than 65 years will need long-term care at one point or another in their lives. The number of people who are prepared for this is likely much lower.

The costs associated with long-term care are not cheap. Home health care has an average annual cost of $28,080. The cost of assisted living is higher, $50,724, while nursing home care has an average annual cost of $86,870. If you do not want your family having to foot the bill for this, begin planning for long-term care as soon as possible.

Source: Belvoir Eagle, "Federal insurance plan provides long-term care," Debra Caruso, Feb. 2, 2012