A recent white paper from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College indicates that the duration of Nursing Home Care may been grossly overstated. 

While typical Massachusetts Nursing Home costs average $10,000 to $12,000 per month, most Assisted Living Facility costs average $5,000 to $6,000 per month.

In the decision to purchase long term care insurance, a financial stumbling block has been rationalizing the cost of the insurance in comparison to a perceived low need for nursing home care.  And it now appears this thinking may be justified.