A new survey exploring the views of older Hawaii residents on long-term care shows that nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of people 50+ are not confident they can afford to pay for one year in a nursing home. Fifty percent of respondents say they are not confident they can afford the cost of care for one year in their home. The survey of 800 residents statewide—more than half of whom reported annual household income of less than $75,000—is the latest evidence that many residents are unsure how they’ll pay for their care needs as they get older.

Among AARP Hawaii’s key findings:

• 74 percent of residents agree with the statement, “I do not want to depend on my family or friends for my long-term care needs.” Yet nearly half of those surveyed (49 percent) also agree with the statement, “My family or friends will take care of me if I need long-term care.”

• Among the sources of payment residents believe they will rely on most to pay for long-term care are Medicaid (21 percent), personal savings and assets (17 percent), long-term care insurance (16 percent), and Social Security (12 percent). …

AARP Hawaii supports Senate Bill 104, calls for appropriation of funds to conduct an actuarial study of a mandatory long-term care insurance program for Hawaii workers.