Long-Term Care: What It Is and Who May Need It

When you hear long-term care, you may be thinking of a nursing home. However, long-term care involves a variety of services to assist in a person's care when they can no longer perform daily activities without assistance.

Who needs long-term care?

There are many individuals that will need long-term care at some point. Sometimes, the need for long-term care arises suddenly, such as after a heart attack or stroke. More often, the need for these services develop over time. People require more care as they get older and frailer or as a serious, ongoing illness or health condition gets worse.

What are the different types of long-term care?

There are a wide variety of services to help individuals live as independently and safely as possible. Long-term care can provided in different places by different caregivers based on the person's needs.

Home-based care

Long-term care is commonly provided at home by informal caregivers like family members, friends and neighbors. There are home-based care services that help with everyday activities such as bathing, eating, dressing, and taking medications. This can also be supplemented by formal caregivers who are paid for their services such as nurses, home health aides, and therapists. They can help people with medications, wound care, medical equipment, and provide physical therapy.

Community and residential care

There are some long-term care services provided in the community, such as adult day care centers or senior centers. Individuals may receive meals, exercise, social activities, personal care and transportation.

More commonly, long-term care can be given in a residential facility, such as assisted living or a nursing care facility. Some facilities offer only housing and housekeeping services, but many provide personal care, social and recreational activities, meals and medical services. Some facilities offer specialized care for people with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. Trinity Healthcare Services, Inc. specializes in providing 24/7 skilled nursing care and rehabilitation in its two locations - if you'd like to learn more about our services visit us at trinitywv.com/services.

Planning for long-term care

It is best to think about long-term care before you need it. Planning for long-term care gives you and your family ample time to research available services in your community and what they cost. It also allows you to make important decisions while you are still able.

What would happen if you became seriously ill or disabled? Talk it over with your family, friends and lawyer about your wishes concerning who would provide care if you needed help and what kind of care you want. If you or a loved one have Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia, you should considering planning for long-term care as soon as possible.

Most people prefer to stay in their home, this is referred to as "aging in place." But this requires careful consideration and planning. There may come a time when it's no longer safe or comfortable to live alone. Be realistic and plan to reconsider as your needs change over time. If you have any questions or concerns about long-term care and Trinity Healthcare Services, Inc. please contact us at any time.