Gov. Guinn urges residents 50 and older to think about, plan for long-term care

Gov. Kenny Guinn announced a campaign Thursday to get more Nevadans aged 50 and up to think about and plan for their own long-term care needs.

"Many people think Medicaid and Medicare will solve all their long-term care problems and they won't," he said. "You need something that will help you keep your dignity and your independence. Medicaid and Medicare won't do that."

Using federal grant money, the governor's office has sent thousands of letters to Nevadans who are over 50 urging them to send in for a free booklet and tool kit designed to help people plan for financial, housing and health care needs as they get older and how to face challenges caused by illness or accidents.

Nevada is one of five states in the federal pilot program, which is called "Own Your Own Future." Guinn said seniors need to focus on the issue of long term care "before it's bearing down on you."

In addition to Nevada, Arkansas, Idaho, New Jersey and Virginia are in the program this year.

More information is contained in tool kits which can be obtained free by calling 1-866-PLAN-LTC or from the Division for Aging Services at 687-4210.