A lot of people who purchase long term care insurance keep it for years. Often, one people understand how it works and what it actually protects, they don't want to lose it 

There’s a reason. Using recent national median cost benchmarks:

Now picture needing extended care at 85—but you waited and only applied for coverage at 75. In many cases, buying later can mean higher premiums and fewer options because long-term care insurance pricing is strongly affected by age and health.

But if you lock coverage in earlier (often in your 50s), premiums are generally lower—and you can spread the cost over more years—so the policy can potentially shoulder more of the future care burden instead of you (or your kids).

Long-term care costs can quietly drain your retirement assets. Families without coverage have had to sell homes or drain savings just to keep up with care.

Others plan to “just rely on the kids.” That sounds kind on paper, but in reality it can create emotional strain, burnout, resentment, and money stress for adult children who are also trying to live their own lives.

• Example 1: You have no long-term care coverage. You pay out of pocket for in-home help, assisted living, or nursing care—potentially down to the poverty line—before the state steps in.
• Example 2: You have, say, $250,000 of dedicated long-term care benefits. You only spend your own money for what the policy doesn’t cover—helping you preserve assets instead of liquidating everything first.

That benefit could be $100,000… $250,000… $500,000… even more. The point is: you’re buying time, dignity, and control.

Today’s market offers benefits beyond traditional “use it or lose it” coverage. Many newer designs can link care benefits to life insurance or annuities, offer cash value, or provide a death benefit if you never need care.