Long term Care (LTC) includes a very wide range of medical and support services for both young and old. As we get older, we become susceptible to many conditions and illnesses. However, often enough these aren’t ailments that threaten our lives and require constant medical attention. More readily, they are things that simply make everyday life a struggle. Mental disorders, such as Alzheimers or physical debilitation like Parkinson’s can limit your capability to function independently. Long Term Care, instead of being just medical therapy, gives you the assistance you need to accomplish your day by day goals, even if those goals include simply getting up in the morning.
The need for long-term care help might be due to a terminal condition, disability, illness, injury or the infirmity of old age. Estimates by experts are that at least 60% of all individuals will need extended help in one or more of the areas above during their lifetime. The need for long-term care may only last for a few weeks or months or it may go on for years. It all depends on the underlying reasons for needing care.
The supervision you require can be given in a LTC Facility, such as a nursing home or assisted living residence, or a nurse or other care professional can visit your home. The degree to which your life needs some help can be determined, with a visitor coming to help you with the aspects of your schedule that give you the most difficulty.
The goal of LongTermCare is to maximize your self-reliance by reducing the time and effort some of your more demanding activities might take as a result of some condition. The time you have free should best be left up to you and not a crippling medical condition.