Care over an extended period, usually for a chronic condition or disability, requiring periodic, intermittent, or continuous care.
The medical and social care given to persons who have severe, chronic impairments can consist of care in the home, by family members, assistance through voluntary or employed help, or care in institutions. Various types of facilities exist throughout the United States that frequently differ in their available staff, reimbursements, and services, domiciliary care facility; intermediate care facility; skilled nursing facility.
Health and or personal care services required by persons who are chronically ill, aged, disabled, or retarded, in an institution or at home, on a long-term basis. The term is often used more narrowly to refer only to long-term institutional care such as that provided in 7iursing homes, homes for the retarded and mental hospitals. Ambulatory services, like home health care, which also can be provided on a long-term basis, are seen as alternatives to long-term institutional care.
Care for patients, regardless of age, who have chronic diseases or disabilities, and who require preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive services over long periods of time. LTC may call on a variety of health care professionals (such as physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and social workers) as well as non-professionals (family, others) and may be delivered in a health care or other institution or in the home.
A range of continuous health care or social services for individuals with chronic physical or mental impairments, or both. LTC provides for basic needs and promotes optimal functioning. It includes care received in assisted living facilities, the home, hospice, and nursing homes.