What is long-term care?

Aging can come with its fair share of surprises – many good, like having the freedom to say “yes” to last minute-adventures, discovering a new hobby, or getting the news you’ll be a grandparent, and some not so good, like realizing that walking up your stairs isn’t as simple as it used to be.

That’s where long-term care comes in. It's not about giving up your independence – it's about making sure you have the support you need to keep enjoying the good surprises while getting support with the challenges that can come with getting older.

You might already know about some types of long-term care, but there’s a whole range of options designed to fit different needs and lifestyles. 

Sometimes aging can make the simple parts of everyday life not so simple. When that’s the case, long-term care can help support you.

Long-term care, also known as aging care, is a variety of care supports and services that support you if you’re unable to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) which are personal tasks such as bathing, dressing, and toileting, or the instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) such as meal preparation, medication reminders, and light housekeeping, on your own.

The right long-term care helps you maintain your lifestyle as you age, so you feel safe, healthy, happy, and respected. 

Medical care focuses on diagnosing and treating health conditions through things like doctor visits or getting prescriptions. It’s often shorter-term care that ends when the medical issue is stabilized.

Long-term care is care that’s provided over an extended period. It can include both medical and non-medical care through in-home care, assisted living communities, adult day services, or specialized settings like a nursing home or dementia care.

While it can include some medical support, the goal of long-term care is really to help you stay as independent and comfortable as possible over an extended period of time. It’s not about curing an illness. It’s about supporting your everyday life.

The type and duration of long-term care is different for every person and what you need can change over time. 

The great thing about long-term care is that you’ve got options – lots of them. It all depends on how much support you need. The key is to combine your care preferences with your care needs. Here’s a rundown of the most common types of long-term care:

• Home care: Also known as personal care, home care is non-medical care to support ADLs and includes homemakers, personal care assistants who help you with shopping,  cooking, errands, and transportation, and home health aides, professionals who provide hands-on assistance with ADLS. 

• Home health care: Clinical care provided by a licensed nurse, rehabilitation, or physical, occupational, or speech therapist in the comfort of your home. 

• Adult day care: Care and companionship provided at a center. They can offer social activities, meals, therapeutic services, and support with personal care. 

• Assisted living: Care provided in an assisted living community. Meals, housekeeping, and ADL assistance are provided. You may have your own apartment and share common areas with other residents. 

• Nursing center: Also known as a nursing home. Clinical care is provided 24/7 for both short- and long-term stays inside a nursing center and can include rehabilitation. 

• Memory care: Specialized and intensive care for people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

CareScout Care Advocate Erika Swanson says that understanding the different options can help you make the best choice for you.

“Planning for the future requires an understanding of one’s options. Such options expand beyond nursing homes to in-home care, assisted living communities, and respite care, among others. It’s about finding the right fit for each care-seeker,” she said. 

There are many different reasons why you might want to consider getting long-term care. Maybe you need a little extra support with your ADLs, or you need help managing a chronic health condition.

Here are some of the factors that can contribute to whether you will need long-term care:¹

• Age: Living longer with health conditions may increase the likelihood of needing long-term care. 

• Gender: Women tend to live longer than men which makes them more likely to need care as they age. 

• Family and Housing: People who live alone are more likely to need care from a paid caregiver. Availability and quality of family support, location, and access to transportation and services can all contribute to the need for long-term care. 

• Health: Having a chronic health condition like diabetes or high blood pressure may increase your need for long-term care. 

• Lifestyle: Poor diet, lack of exercise, or limited social connections can lead to health issues as you age.  

Your caregiver is exactly as it sounds – it's the person who provides you care. They offer support with daily activities, medical needs, or companionship. Caregivers can be paid professionals, like home health aides and nurses, or unpaid family members and friends who step in to help.

An exceptional caregiver is more than just someone who “helps out.” They are your everyday champions; they help you preserve your dignity and become a partner on your aging journey, ensuring you feel supported, respected, and heard. They see you as a person rather than a condition to treat. 

Long-term care isn’t just about getting help – it’s about improving your quality of life and maintaining your independence.

• Better quality of life: Personalized care means you can live life your way.  

• Safety: Reduce risks of falls, medication mix-ups, and other health concerns. 

• Emotional support: There is a special bond between caregivers and care recipients built on trust, communication, and compassion. 

• Relief for family caregivers: A professional caregiver can offer respite to family caregivers, ensuring families have a chance to recharge while their loved one is getting quality care. 

• Access to specialized services: Long-term care can include services like social activities, physical therapy, and memory care. 

The best time to plan for long-term care? Before you actually need it. Planning ahead can be a gift for you and your family because it ensures you get the care you want and need as you age. Here are some ways to get started:

• Start your conversation early: Begin talking with family members about potential living arrangements, care preferences, and potential costs. 

• Assess your needs: Consider the type of care you may need in the future. Do you want to stay at home? Or would you prefer a community setting? Depending on where you are in your planning you may want to consider an ADL assessment. 

• Plan your finances: Long-term care can be a significant expense — that isn’t typically covered with standard health insurance and retirement plans. It’s important to explore your financial options like long-term care insurance, savings plans, and government programs. 

• Research resources: Familiarize yourself with long-term care services in your area such as home care, assisted living, and caregiver support groups. It can help reduce uncertainty when you need care. You can also use tools like cost calculators and care finders to make informed decisions.  

• Establish a care circle: Your care circle includes the people who work together to get you the care you need. It can include your family, neighbors, friends, pastors, and others. It does not include paid nurses, doctors, or certified nursing assistants (CNAs) –those are professional caregivers. 

Needing long-term care isn’t about giving up your independence — it’s about taking steps to own your aging journey with confidence. Whether you’re getting extra support at home, moving to an assisted living community, or managing an illness or condition, long-term care can make sure your aging journey is dignified and fulfilling.