Disclaimer: Our website and publications aim to give you general information to help you make financial decisions. It is not advice, nor can it take account of your own particular circumstances. For advice with a view to making decisions about your own circumstances you should consult a financial or other professional adviser.

© The Financial Services Authority.

Long-term care made clear

As you get older, you might develop health problems that could make it difficult to cope with everyday tasks. So you may need help to stay in your own home or have to move into a care home.

The State may provide some help towards the costs of this care depending on your circumstances. There are other ways to help you cover the cost of care, including using savings and investments. This section focuses on one option – long-term care insurance. To find out about the various other possibilities it is advisable to speak to an appropriately qualified financial adviser – see Getting help.

For more information get a free copy of our Paying for long-term care factsheet. You can download or order it online from Publications. Our Jargon buster will also make long-term care clearer for you.

What is long-term care?

Long-term care refers to care you need for the foreseeable future, maybe as a result of permanent conditions such as arthritis, a stroke or dementia. It could mean help with activities such as washing, dressing or eating – in your own home or in a care home (residential or nursing).