YVONNE ABRAHAM'S column ("Vital help for caregivers," City & Region, June 29) about the challenges Virginia O'Connor experienced in caring for her mother raises an important question: How can we ensure that all Americans who need long-term care receive the services they need at a price they can afford?
Millions of people face financial strains when someone they love needs long-term care. Despite individuals' considerable efforts and substantial public expenditures, many are still left struggling with unmet needs and catastrophic costs.
The country needs a national insurance trust whose premiums provide cash benefits to pay for long-term care expenses. When we are well, we would pay premiums like we do for car or health insurance. When people need help, they would receive cash benefits to hire an aide, pay a family member who misses work to help, or order groceries to be delivered.
Based on sound financial principles, this plan would give us more choice and control over our lives. We must make it affordable to care.
ELISSA SHERMAN
Newton
The writer is president of the Massachusetts Aging Services Association.
