From the various LTC facility options available to the best long-term care insurance, selecting the right care for your loved one can be overwhelming. Understanding the forms of care they need, what kinds of services are available at each type of facility and the cost of long-term care goes a long way in helping you make an informed decision. In this comprehensive guide on the types of long-term care facilities, we’ll cover the various LTC options and the most important factors to consider.
What is a long-term care facility?
A long-term care facility is a place in which housing, medical assistance and personal care services are provided to individuals who cannot take care of themselves on their own. These facilities for older adults include nursing homes and assisted living communities, as well as adult daycare centers and memory care units. The type of LTC facility you choose for your loved one will dictate the level of support, services, amenities and cost.
What do long-term care facilities provide?
Long-term care facilities offer a wide array of services and assistance to individuals requiring support in their daily lives. Generally, these services can be categorized into four areas:
1. Medical care may include medication management, wound care, physical and occupational therapy, preventative health screenings and lab tests. In addition, facilities that offer medical care may be staffed with trained medical professionals such as nurses and doctors who can assess the individual’s condition, diagnose illnesses and provide necessary treatments.
2. Personal care includes help with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming and using the restroom. These services can be provided by trained staff or home health aides.
3. Social support can be social programs and activities designed to improve the quality of life for their residents.
4. Other services may be available, such as meals, transportation and recreational activities. This can also include specialized services like physical therapy or memory care.
Aside from the general services mentioned above, some facilities also offer specific forms of care targeted to meet the needs of certain populations. Examples include care for people with dementia, developmental disabilities or mental health issues.
Types of long-term care facilities
Long-term care options for seniors and other individuals vary widely, from large nursing homes to small assisted living communities. Each type provides its own unique set of services and amenities. The following section examines some common examples of long-term care facilities.
Nursing homes
Nursing homes are typically the most comprehensive type of long-term care facility. They offer a full range of medical and nursing services as well as personal care, social support and other services. Nursing home residents often suffer from chronic illnesses or disabilities that require 24-hour attention from trained health care professionals. In some cases, a nursing home may also provide end-of-life care in the form of hospice services.
Assisted living communities
Assisted living communities are designed to give residents more independence and choice in their everyday lives. These facilities often offer private apartments or studios as well as shared common areas for activities and socializing. Services typically include personal care, medication management assistance and social activities. There may also be optional services such as housekeeping, transportation and meal delivery.
Skilled nursing facilities
Skilled nursing facilities provide short-term care for individuals recovering from serious illnesses or injuries. Residents usually stay at the facility for one to three months while receiving specialized treatments and therapies to help speed recovery. Services may include physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, as well as medical services such as wound care and IV medication administration. Skilled nursing facilities are typically staffed with more nurses and therapists than other providers of long-term care.
Memory care facilities
Memory care facilities are specialized communities for people with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other memory-related conditions. These facilities provide residents with a safe and secure environment in which they can receive personalized care and medical support. Memory care communities often feature structured programming, such as physical activity classes, cognitive stimulation, social activities and even technology-based programs to help residents manage their condition. This type of care is usually more expensive than other types of long-term care but can greatly improve a resident’s quality of life.
