Getting Long Term Care

Defining Long Term Care

The term "long term care" may have been used broadly, but here are some common specific kinds of care included in most policies.

As a result of disability or a prolonged illness, long-term care is the assistance provided when a person is unable to provide for himself or herself. It ranges from providing personal care at home, such as bathing and dressing, to skilled nursing services in a nursing home.

Long-term care is offered through home care agencies, senior centers, adult day care centers, traditional nursing homes, and retirement communities that provide on-going care.

In considering long-term care insurance policies various kinds of care are mentioned. Here are the most commonly used terms and their generally accepted meaning. Remember, the definitions given here can and often times are re-defined by carriers in their policy and given special meaning under a particular contract. It is important to read the fine print.

Skilled nursing care is needed for medical conditions that require care by specially trained nurses or therapists, who routinely are licensed by the state. This level of care is on the specific orders of a doctor who dictates the care to be provided and is usually required around the clock, 24 hours a day. It is the care given as part of a severe illness and can extend well after the severest level of an illness has passed. Skilled care can be provided in a person's home with help from practical, as opposed to registered, nurses.

Intermediate nursing care is associated with stable conditions that require daily supervision, but not around the clock care. It is less specialized than skilled nursing care, often involves more personal care and is supervised by registered nurses. Intermediate care is commonly needed for a matter of months and years.

Custodial care is intended to assist with daily living, which includes bathing, eating, dressing, and other routine activities. Special training or medical skills are not required. It is provided by unskilled nursing assistants in nursing homes, day care centers, and at home. It is often called personal care.