The first of the Baby Boom generation became eligible for Social Security benefits this year, creating a wave of boomer retirees that promises to turn into a tsunami of aging Americans.

Along with the demands baby boomers will place on programs such as Medicare and Social Security, experts project strong demand for long-term care services as that demographic ages.

The Department of Health and Human Services reports that approximately 60 percent of people over the age of 65 will need some kind of long-term care services.

While most of us will need it, many don't have a clue about its costs or how to pay for them.

Studies show that many Americans mistakenly believe this care is covered by public programs in which they already participate. A 2006 AARP survey on the cost of long-term care found that 60 percent of people age 45 and older said they believe Medicare will pay for an extended nursing home stay, which it does not. And more than 50 percent of people age 45 or older said they believe Medicare covers assisted living, which it does not.

Reducing the gaps in knowledge about longterm care costs is what National Long-Term Care Awareness Week, Nov. 4-10, is designed to do.

Highlights of the week include:

n Community education sessions on the Long-Term Care Partnership Program, a public-private partnership offering individuals quality, affordable long-term care insurance. Once private insurance benefits are used, special Medicaid eligibility rules are applied if additional coverage is necessary. Sessions will be held in Mobridge, Eagle Butte, Pierre, Gettsyburg and Aberdeen this week. Sessions were held in Rapid City in October and more will be in eastern South Dakota in December. Free educational conference calls are also available by calling 605-336-1745 or visit www.ltcpartnership.sd.gov.

n "Power of One Million" campaign which will mobilize 10,000 insurance and financial professionals who will each communicate with 100 clients about the importance of long-term care planning.

n A congressional resolution sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin which encourages Health and Human Services to educate the public on longterm care. She points out that the challenges of paying for longterm care especially affects women, who make up more than 58 percent of Americans over the age of 65 and greater than two-thirds of people 85 years of age or older.

In South Dakota, the average cost of a year in a private room in a nursing home is $53,000, a double-occupancy room averages well over $47,000 and costs continue to go up. This week is a great time to learn more about planning for longterm care and the options available to pay for it.