The purpose of long term care is to assist persons with chronic conditions or limitations that restrict them from living independently. Long term care differs from traditional medical care in that it frequently is provided for the purpose of maintaining a standard of independent living, not improving or correcting a medical condition.
Long term care services are commonly described as either skilled care or personal care. Those in need of skilled care generally suffer from a medical condition which requires that care be provided by a medical professional such as a registered nurse. Personal care or custodial care is less complex than skilled care and generally assists with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, continence, dressing, toileting, eating and transferring.
Be aware that Medicare and Medicaid maintain their own definition of skilled care.
Who needs long term care?
Long term care may become a necessity as you or your loved one needs more and more help with activities of daily living. Long term care may also become necessary very suddenly with the onset of a major illness such as a stroke or heart attack. The length of the care can vary from weeks to years, or for the remainder of life, and the location of the care – at a nursing home or possibly in your own home – may also be variable.
How much does it cost?
Long term care can be expensive. The cost of care will depend upon the amount and type of care you need and also where the care is received. In 2010, the average cost was $83,585 for a year of care in a private-room nursing-home, while assisted living averaged $3,293 per month, or $39,516 per year. (source: Metlife)