5 Types of Long-Term Care and Who Should Use Them

Long-term care can be delivered by professional caregivers and loved ones. Your parent may need a specific kind of long-term care based on their health and personal needs.

What is Long-Term Care?

It includes services that meet your parent’s medical, emotional and lifestyle requirements. Long-term care can help your mom or dad live as independently as possible, especially if they struggle to complete activities of daily living (ADL), such as dressing, feeding, bathing and going to the bathroom.

#1: At-Home Long-Term Care

Home-based long-term care may be provided by trained aides and nurses or family and friends, depending on your loved one’s needs. In-home services manage the symptoms and changes caused by a chronic condition or ongoing health issue.

Aside from medical and rehabilitation services, at-home care could include housekeeping, companionship and transportation. At-home care is ideal for those who want to age in place and maintain independence but require assistance with health management and ADLs.

#2: Skilled Nursing

Skilled nursing is offered in dedicated facilities with trained and certified medical staff. Skilled nursing is different from a nursing home and provides physical, occupational and speech therapies and daily monitoring. These secure facilities provide a comfortable environment for your mom or dad to recover from an illness, injury or hospital stay.

This level of care is intended for those who require a more hands-on approach to maintaining health and wellness. Skilled nursing staff can also assist your senior with dressing, bathing, eating and moving around.

#3: Assisted Living

Assisted living is for those who are considered medically stable but need help with ADL. This type of long-term care is beneficial if your parent is in the transitional period between independent living and full-time nursing care. It can also support family dynamics and positive relationships.

While it’s usually staffed by non-certified personnel, specialists can be brought in to attend to medical necessities. These facilities maintain a robust activity schedule to keep residents active and social. Assisted living is intended for those who wish to remain independent but require assistance with daily living.

#4: Senior Community Services

Adult daycare and senior centers are two examples of long-term care community services. While your parent receives at-home care, they may also require additional support such as transportation and meal delivery. Community facilities provide a social environment to keep your mom or dad intellectually engaged and physically active.

#5: Hospice Care

As your loved one transitions into the final stage of life, they may require hospice care to keep them comfortable. Hospice must be recommended by medical professionals for those with a chronic condition who have less than six months to live. Hospice staff tend to your parent’s physical and emotional needs if they have a terminal condition or no longer wish to receive treatment.

Long-Term Care in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida

Embassy Healthcare offers personalized long-term healthcare services in dedicated facilities. Your parent’s care and comfort are our priority, and we strive to make them feel at home. We offer meal prep, personal care, transportation services, 24-hour skilled nursing and wound care.

Call 216-378-2050 or contact us online for more information about our locations.