Seven of the top ten long-term care insurance companies had increased sales in 2015.  Five of the seven companies had double digit growth compared to 2014.  The growth was fueled by over 100,000 individuals who purchased long-term care insurance in 2015.  The total number of long-term care policyholders has now risen to about 7.3 million Americans. 

"But, why?" asked Scott Olson, co-founder of LTCShop.com.  "Why did 100,000 people purchase long-term care insurance in 2015?"  The insurance companies have their ideas about why people buy long-term care insurance.  Insurance agents have their thoughts.  What do consumers say?  "What specific reasons do consumers give for why they've chosen to own long-term care insurance," Olson asked in a recent interview.  

"We decided the best way to find out was from consumers themselves.  We searched social media and consumer forums to see what consumers say to other consumers online.  We got the answer straight from the source," Olson shared.  "Surprisingly, the reasons given were less about protecting assets and more about making life easier for their family," Olson explained.  

"Caring for an ailing elderly parent can be a very challenging situation mired with guilt, weariness and financial strain for those who are trying to help. I do not want to put that all on my family," shared one consumer.  

"The best reason I have heard for buying LTC insurance is so that your kids don't have to agonize over whether or not to get you the care you need, which might otherwise cost them their inheritance. Who would want to put that trip on his or her kids," explained another owner of long-term care insurance.  

"If I need care, I don't want my wife to scrimp (by trying to care for me herself). There should be no reservations about using the insurance coverage, as opposed to spending down assets," shared one husband.

"We spent several days culling through hundreds of public posts and conversations on consumer forums.  There were so many insightful posts to sort through it was very difficult to choose the best.  We compiled some of the best responses on a single page on our website and it has received more hits faster than any other page we've ever published.  There's been so much interest in this we'll probably publish a few more pages with even more insights from these consumers," Olson concluded.