Different Types of Long-Term Care

Many people don't fully understand the different options in long term care plans and their respective features. That's why I compile some of the common types of long term care and their descriptions. Read on...

1. Home Care

This type of long-term care is provided in the patient's home. The care can range from help with activities like shopping to nursing care. There is also short-term, skilled home care covered by Medicare which is known as "home health care."

2. Adult Day Care

Adult day care services offer a wide range of social, health, and related support services in a protective setting during the day. This can help senior people with impairments—such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease and others—continue to live comfortably in the community.

3. Assisted Living

Assisted living provides 24 hours, 7 days a week supervision, assistance, meals, and health care services in a home-like setting. Care services include help with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) such as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, etc.

4. Nursing Home Care

If a patient chooses to stay in a nursing home, she/he will get skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, meals,and help with daily living. Nursing homes also provide temporary or periodic care.

Long term care insurance can really help people plan for their future care needs. It is a good investment to secure the necessary healthcare during prime years with lesser worries on draining financial assets and with lesser dependence on limited government-funded programs such as Medicare or Medicaid.