What Is Long-Term Care?

Long-term care consists of many services that are designed to meet the personal or health-related needs of aging adults. The purpose of home-based, long-term care is to give older adults the chance to be independent even if they’re unable to perform daily living activities fully on their own.

Who Benefits Most From Long-Term, In-Home Care?

Anyone who is getting older or has trouble performing daily living tasks can benefit from long-term care. Age and health are two major factors in deciding whether someone will benefit. For example, home-based care may be necessary for those who develop serious chronic illnesses or disabilities.

Additionally, families should consider other factors that increase the need for long-term living assistance. For instance, women are more likely than men to need home-based care because they generally live longer. Unmarried individuals are more likely to need paid assistance than married individuals as well.

In some cases, the need for long-term care arises suddenly because of an accident or health-related incident. Most of the time, though, the need is gradual as people age or their health worsens.

Types of Long-Term, In-Home Care

Long-term, in-home care is typically provided by family members or friends. However, a variety of paid caregivers can provide these services either to offer respite to families. In any of these situations, the services revolve around personal care or daily living activities, such as bathing, eating, and getting around.

Typically, home health care includes part-time medical services for a specific condition. It may involve nursing care during recovery from an illness, accident or surgery. Occupational, speech or physical therapy might be included too.

Personal care and homemaker services generally include help with doing household chores, preparing meals, taking baths or showers, and getting dressed. Senior companion and friendly visitor services are usually provided by volunteers who spend two hours or less with aging adults who live alone or are frail.

For senior transportation services, transport is provided for shopping, attending medical appointments, and getting to other places around the community.

Getting Long-Term, In-Home Care

Although it’s important to plan for long-term care before you need it, that’s not always possible. Fortunately, Caring Home Care is a caregiver registry that can pair you and your loved one with a professional who can address your needs.

Our in-home caregivers offer a range of services, including personal care assistance, homemaker services, respite care, and companion services. On top of that, our live-in caregivers provide 24/7 assistance and ensure that your loved one is safe at all times.