A way of paying for the long-term care you need in your own home or in a care home. You make an upfront lump sum payment to an insurance company, and then you get a regular income, which is guaranteed for your lifetime to pay your care costs. You will need a medical assessment to confirm that you need care. There are many companies selling annuities, and independent information on the different options can be found at www.societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk .