What is long term health care?

Long-term health care (LTCH) is a type of medical care that is provided to people who need ongoing assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) or who have a chronic medical condition that requires constant supervision and care. LTCH can be provided in a variety of settings, such as:

- Nursing homes

- Assisted living facilities

- Home health care agencies

- Hospitals

- Rehabilitation centers

LTCH can provide a variety of services, including:

- Help with ADLs, such as bathing, dressing, and eating

- Medication management

- Physical therapy

- Occupational therapy

- Speech therapy

- Medical monitoring

- Social services

- Emotional support

LTCH is often necessary for people who are unable to live independently due to a chronic illness or disability. It can help people to maintain their quality of life and live as independently as possible.

Long-term health care can be a big expense, but there are a number of resources available to help pay for it. These include:

- Private health insurance: Some private health insurance plans cover LTCH.

- Medicare: Medicare may cover some LTCH services, such as skilled nursing care and home health care.

- Medicaid: Medicaid may cover LTCH services for people who meet certain eligibility requirements.

- Other government programs: There are a number of other government programs that may provide financial assistance for LTCH, such as the Veterans Administration (VA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA).

If you are considering LTCH for yourself or a loved one, it is important to talk to a doctor or social worker to learn about the different options available and how to pay for them.