Long-term care (LTC) refers to a range of services and support for individuals, who need assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), due to old age, disability or chronic illness. Activities of daily living include bathing, using the washroom, eating, getting dressed, walking, doing household chores etc. Long-term care is an outcome of the loss of some capacity for self-care. A long-term care situation is typically associated with the loss of two or more Activities of Daily Living.
Medical science is doing a great job at helping people live longer and the population segment over 100 years of age is growing very fast. People 65 years and older have a 68% chance of being cognitively impaired or will require some type of LTC.
The United Nations estimates that in 2050, one in five people is likely to be 60 years of age or older, and in 2150, one in three.
The basic motto of global health and social care activities for the elderly is their integration into society to add life for years, not years for life. The aim is to preserve the dignity of life while preserving the health, social, and economic needs of the elderly.
Types of Long-term Care:
- Home care: In-home Services, such as personal care, meal preparation, and housekeeping.
- Adult day care: Socialization and recreational activities in a group setting.
- Assisted Living: Residential care with support for daily activities.
- Nursing home care: 24/7 skilled nursing care in a facility.
- Respite care: Temporary relief for caregivers.
- Hospice care: End-of-life care focusing on comfort and quality of life.
Long-term Care Services:
- Personal care: Bathing, dressing, grooming.
- Medication management.
- Mobility assistance.
- Meal preparation.
- Housekeeping.
- Transportation.
- Nursing care.
Who Needs Long-term Care?
- Seniors (65+).
- Individuals with disabilities.
- Those with chronic illnesses (e.g., Alzheimer’s Parkinson’s).
- People with cognitive impairments.
Long-term Care Planning:
- Assess needs and preferences.
- Create a care plan.
- Consider financial implications.
- Review and update the plan regularly.
Key Statistics:
- Average LTC at a nursing home costs $ 138,000/annum.
- 44% of LTC providers are family members.
