What type of care does long term care primarily include?

Long-term care primarily includes assistance with daily activities and nursing care. This type of care is designed to support individuals who have chronic illnesses or disabilities that prevent them from performing everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility without assistance. It encompasses a variety of settings, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health care, where patients receive ongoing help with their personal care needs.

Long-term care focuses on providing support over an extended period, in contrast to short-term rehabilitation services, which aim to recover function after a hospital stay, or acute hospital care, which addresses immediate and severe health issues. Emergency medical services are also distinct from long-term care, as they provide urgent care for unexpected medical emergencies rather than ongoing support for chronic conditions. This distinction is key in understanding the role of long-term care within the broader health care system.