As you or a loved one, grows older, long-term care might be required if you or they can no longer perform the essential daily tasks required to take care of oneself. This might also be the case if you have a child with special needs. Long term care costs can vary widely depending on the area of the country that you live in, and the level of care required. As you prepare to meet your financial obligations, you should understand what such long-term care may potentially cost over an extended period.