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If you are like most people, when you think
of long-term care you probably think of nursing homes! However,
the majority of long-term care that takes place is NOT in
nursing homes. People can now receive long-term care in a
variety of settings other than nursing homes. The most popular
setting for long-term care is in your home. Additionally, many
people live in beautiful assisted living facilities where they
have their own apartment and furniture and require minimal
Long-term care is defined as needing either
assistance or supervision from someone when you are unable to
care for yourself as a result of a chronic illness, physical
injury, cognitive or mental impairment, or just due to old age
and frailty. This type of care is considered custodial care, or
non-skilled care. It is NOT acute or rehabilitative care which
is known as skilled care.
When you need long-term care you usually
need help with your activities of daily living. These are items
such as bathing, dressing, toileting, continence, eating,
ambulating, and transferring. Or, you may be able to do all of
your activities of daily living but still need care due to a
cognitive impairment. You may be able to dress yourself but you
may not remember to take your medications.
"Long-term care involves a wide variety
of services for people with prolonged physical illness,
disability or cognitive disorders. Services are aimed at
helping people with chronic conditions compensate for
limitations in their ability to function independently."
Shoppers Guide to Long Term Care Insurance, 1996 National
Association of Insurance Commissioners
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