Long-term care refers to a variety of services designed to assist people who cannot perform basic daily activities on their own due to chronic health conditions, disability, or the natural aging process. These services can include help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and mobility, as well as medical care, skilled nursing, and support with managing medications.

Types of Long-Term Care
Long-term care can be provided in different settings depending on the needs and preferences of the individual. Common settings include:

  1. Home Care: Assistance provided in the person’s own home, often by family members, professional caregivers, or visiting nurses. Services may include personal care, meal preparation, and household chores.

  2. Adult Day Care: Daytime programs designed to provide social activities, health monitoring, and therapeutic services for individuals during the day while family caregivers are at work.

  3. Assisted Living Facilities: Residential communities that offer personal care services, medication management, and some healthcare support, while promoting independence.

  4. Nursing Homes: Facilities that provide 24-hour skilled nursing care for individuals with serious health needs or those who require significant assistance.

Costs and Funding
The cost of long-term care can be substantial, with nursing home care averaging $90,000 or more annually depending on location and services. Because most health insurance plans, including Medicare, have limited coverage for long-term care, individuals often rely on personal savings, Medicaid, long-term care insurance, or veterans benefits to cover costs.

Medicaid is the primary public program assisting low-income individuals with long-term care expenses, though eligibility varies by state. Long-term care insurance policies can help offset costs if purchased well before needing care.

Planning for Long-Term Care
Given the high costs and complexity of long-term care, early planning is critical. This includes:

  • Assessing personal and family health risks.
  • Exploring insurance options like long-term care insurance.
  • Understanding eligibility for government programs such as Medicaid and veterans benefits.
  • Discussing care preferences and legal arrangements, including advance directives and powers of attorney.

Resources to Learn More
For more detailed information on long-term care, consider visiting authoritative sources such as:

These resources offer guidance on planning, financing, and managing long-term care needs for individuals and families.