Long Term Care

Long Term Care includes a wide range of medical and support services for people with a degenerative condition (e.g. Parkinson's, stroke, etc.), a prolonged illness (cancer) or cognitive disorder (Alzheimer's).

Long Term Care is not necessarily medical care but rather "custodial care." Custodial care involves providing an individual assistance with activities of daily living or supervision of someone who is cognitively impaired.

To better understand Long Term Care, think of the activities that you performed when you woke up this morning. You probably:

• Climbed out of bed
• Walked to the bathroom
• Used the toilet
• Used the bath or shower
• Got dressed
• Ate breakfast

While we are healthy it is easy for us to take for granted the above Activities of Daily Living (ADL's). However, when you or a loved one is stricken with a degenerative condition such as a stroke or Alzheimer's, performing these ADL's becomes impossible without the assistance of another person.

This type of care is Long Term Care. It is the same type of care that a parent must provide for their new baby. This type of care is chronic (full-time) and thus becomes very expensive. Long Term Care can be provided in many settings including nursing homes, your own home, assisted living facilities and adult day care.