{"id":355757,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:23","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/elder\/elder-care-law\/long-term-health-care.html"},"modified":"2026-08-05T09:37:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T14:37:00","slug":"long-term-health-care","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/elder-care-law\/long-term-health-care.html","title":{"rendered":"Types of Long-Term Health Care for Older Adults"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Types of Long-Term Health Care for Older Adults<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

As people age, they often find it challenging to complete daily tasks, including shopping, traveling to doctor\u2019s appointments, and medication management<\/span>. Long\u2011term care options help older adults manage these daily activities and health needs through options like in\u2011home support, residential facilities, adult day programs, and rehabilitation services<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Many older adults will eventually need\u00a0long-term health care<\/a>\u00a0(LTC). There are several types of long-term care<\/span>. Nursing home<\/span> care, home health care<\/span>, or adult day care<\/span> all qualify as “long-term care<\/span>.” There are also insurance, caregiver programs, and other services designed to help older adults with the basic activities of daily living<\/span>. The right choice<\/a> depends on your loved one\u2019s health, independence, and safety. Many people prefer to remain at home as long as possible.<\/p>\n

This article explains long-term care<\/span> for older adults and the different options that may be available for your loved one.<\/p>\n

These conversations are never easy and can be emotional, overwhelming, and stressful. An elder law attorney near you<\/a> can help you prepare for these conversations by explaining your options, reviewing facility contracts, and navigating Medicaid<\/span> eligibility. You don\u2019t have to make these decisions alone.<\/p>\n

Long-Term Care<\/span> Basics<\/h2>\n

Long-term care<\/span> services provide older adults with a way to stay healthy,\u00a0active,\u00a0and meet their basic living requirements. The need for long-term care<\/span> may be temporary,\u00a0such as during recovery from illness or injury. It can also be ongoing due to a persistent physical condition or dementia<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Proper long-term care<\/span> planning\u00a0and knowing what services are available may include help with the following activities:<\/p>\n