“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

My friend Larry lived for over 40 years with quadriplegia. He had come to Christ shortly after his accident and his wife was able to take good care of him, bless her heart. But about ten years ago, she suddenly passed away—leaving Larry without his life partner and his caregiver. He wasn’t able to stay in their apartment alone, he couldn’t afford caregivers from agencies, and he had no children to take him in. 

Larry is a great example of the tremendous need for long-term care support in our country. And there are thousands like him—alone and desperate for help. 

What happens to people like Larry? You don’t have to be a quadriplegic in a wheelchair for this to apply to you. You and your spouse could be doing fine—in good health with a savings account and a circle of friends. And then, before you know it, you’re in your late 70s with a serious injury. That’s when most people start thinking about long-term care… when it’s too late.  

Or you could have an adult child with an intellectual disability. Approximately eight million people with disabilities under the age of 65 receive some sort of assistance, but it does not generally cover long-term support services.  

So if you are the parent of a child with a disability, start planning early for their long-term needs. And when I say early, I mean while they are still young children. It gives you a chance to learn about residential services and what they cost.

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