Long Term Care

Long-term care involves a variety of services designed to meet a person’s health or personal care needs, during a long period of time. These services help people live as independently and safely as possible when they can no longer perform everyday activities on their own.

Most Care Provided at Home

Long-term care is provided in different places by different caregivers, depending on a person’s needs. Most long-term care is provided at home by home care agencies. Care can also be provided in a facility such as a nursing home.

 

The most common type of long-term care is personal care — help with everyday activities, also called “activities of daily living.” These activities include bathing, dressing, grooming, using the toilet, eating, and moving around — for example, getting out of bed and into a chair.

Long-term care also includes community services such as meals, Adult Day Health Care, and transportation services.

Health Drives the Need for Care

No matter the age, people may need long-term care when they have a serious, ongoing health condition or disability. The need for long-term care can arise suddenly, such as after a heart attack or stroke, or can come on  gradually with the worsening of chronic conditions.

X