Written by Athira Vinod | Edited by: Sameer Rajesh and Nicole Xu

The Basics of Long Term Care

Although people depend on guidance from others at every stage of their lives, care means the most when one becomes unable to tend to themselves. Long term care, also referred to as LTC, encompasses every form of care necessary to support individuals who are incapable of caring for themselves as a result of disability or illness. Considering the increase in chronic illnesses and a general decline in health as one ages, long term care is most commonly a division of care reserved for the elderly population; since diseases like dementia make it impossible to live independently, older individuals require additional assistance for long periods of time. 

Although nursing homes are a well known component of long term care, it can also include home care, adult day health care, and assisted living. As the name suggests, home care allows for the individual to remain at home while being cared for (American Council on Aging). Home care aides assist in both daily maintenance activities, such as feeding, dressing, and using the restroom, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) that are not as essential but still necessary to live satisfactorily, such as doing the laundry, buying groceries, and making meals (American Council on Aging). Adult day health care is a component of long term care that may be most attractive to families in which caretakers have other duties that prevent them from providing maximal care for elderly members. Available for part of the day, adult day health care is an option that offers individuals a community environment and basic medical services while family is away for work or other responsibilities. Elderly people can also opt for assisted living. A less intensive version of nursing homes, assisted living involves personal assistance, housekeeping, and recreation without 24-hour care (American Council on Aging). Because those who receive this form of care do not necessarily need as much assistance as others with more severe illnesses, assisted living may or may not be considered a form of long term care, depending on the particular level of care involved (American Council on Aging). Other than these major categories, long term care can also be adapted to fit the specific illness an individual is facing, such as the use of memory care for Alzheimer’s patients.

Because long term care focuses on one of the more vulnerable populations in our society, consistent revision and improvement are necessary to ensure the best quality of living for those involved. For instance, the reduction in elderly individuals’ autonomy following the transition to long term care is one area that has been under scrutiny. In response, the idea of “culture change” has emerged as a potential solution (Pioneer Network). The culture change movement has pushed for the emphasis of choice in long term care, resulting in the elderly feeling more respected, more comfortable with the assistants they associate with, and happier in their new environments (Pioneer Network). For many long term care facilities, the lack of resources has also made it difficult to promote staff education (Silvestre, et al.). In an attempt to circumvent financial barriers, facilities have begun several initiatives that keep staff well-informed through less expensive methods. Online programs, staff presentations, and recognition for overachieving employees have all played a role in increasing awareness and encouraging education without spending too much money (Silvestre, et al.). Implementing such changes and staying aware of what the elderly need most can help keep long term care facilities safe and happy environments for the people they are meant to protect. 

Bibliography

American Council on Aging. What Defines Long Term Care? 28 July 2020, www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/what-defines-long-term-care/.

Pioneer Network. Defining Culture Change. 4 May 2017, www.pioneernetwork.net/culture-change/what-is-culture-change/.

Silvestre, Josephine H., et al. “Improving the Quality of Long-Term Care.” Journal of Nursing Regulation, vol. 6, no. 2, 2015, pp. 52–56., doi:10.1016/s2155-8256(15)30389-6.