What Is a Long-Term Care Facility?

The purpose of a long-term care facility is to help those who need ongoing care. They include nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities. These facilities provide care for individuals who need medical help 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Most commonly, the term “long-term care” is used when the care is required for more than 12 months.

Typically, these facilities cater to people with chronic illness or an ailment that requires medical professionals to be available at all times. They ease the burden of care for family members and other loved ones who may not have the time to provide the level of care you need.

Even when people are lucky to have such help, it is often being provided by unlicensed individuals with a good heart but minimal medical knowledge. At a certain point, a professional with a higher level of skill is necessary. This is where long-term care facilities come into play.

There are several types of long-term care facilities, each fulfilling a different level of care. Determine what level of care is right for you before deciding what type of facility to research.

Each resident of a long-term care facility will have different needs. This drives their decision in choosing the form of care they should choose, as long-term care facility types can vary. Whether it’s a nursing home, assisted living facility, skilled nursing facility or other institution, make sure the level of care you need will be provided.

A lot of institutions, facilities and communities are available to choose from. As the baby boomer generation ages, the demand for long-term care has grown, and the industry is growing to fulfill that need.

Long-term care facilities provide a few common services, but each community and facility will have their own selection of services.

Long-term care facilities are best suited for those individuals who medically qualify and don’t have the help they need from their circle of friends and family. Most residents are seniors with physical conditions that require ongoing care.

Mental disabilities, cognitive disabilities or chronic conditions could trigger interest in a long-term care facility solution. Long-term care encompasses a well-rounded suite of services for those in need. Anyone in need of respite care or rehabilitation would benefit from researching these facilities.

There are several things to prioritize when choosing a long-term care facility. While everyone has unique requirements, it would be wise to consider some specific points. Carefully assess what services are required and which are just preferred. Consult with industry professionals and schedule appointments to discuss your concerns. Don’t hesitate to bring your loved ones with you for appointments and visits. Their input can aid your decision-making process.

When choosing a facility, remember to take a holistic view of each. While the level of care is essential, you should also consider the security and social activities, as they will encompass the residents’ daily experiences. Budgetary concerns also play a factor, as few people have unlimited funds. The goal is to get the most appropriate care for your money.

While assessing staff credentials and budgetary concerns are priorities, your gut feeling can also tell you a lot.

It’s important to carefully assess your needs when thinking about a long-term care facility. Consult with your primary care physician, your loved ones and any other specialists you interact with regularly. They may even have recommendations for you.

Have your doctors explicitly describe your medical conditions and needs, as it will be easy to overlook some important facts during your facility visits. This can be a daunting process, so it helps to have all your information laid out and on hand.

Whenever you visit a facility, make sure to bring the documentation mentioned above. Have the facility representative review them and confirm whether the facility will be a good fit for your needs. You’ll want them to confirm whether they have the proper professionals, level of care and specialized services. Some institutions will not be equipped for people who are diagnosed with specific diseases, like dementia.

Transportation, meals and availability of professionals will also be important considerations. According to Medicare.gov, it is important to ask how many residents each certified nursing assistant (CNA) has assigned to them at any given time. The fewer residents assigned to a CNA at once, the more time they will have available for you. Medicare.gov also recommends asking if therapy is available at the facility.

• Call your state health department. They likely have information about facilities in your area.
• Call your state licensing agency. They should be able to give you the latest complaint investigation reports.
• Review available online information.
  • Medicare.gov
  • Nursing Home Affiliated Entity Performance Measures
  • Nursing Home Datasets

While your physical needs are the top priority, social activities are still important. Ask the facility if they help you participate in religious or cultural activities you may want to take part in.

The most important thing is to visit the facility in person. Direct experience is always better than a secondhand recommendation.

In order to facilitate a smooth transition, it’s important to gather all required information before beginning the move. You will need your insurance information, current medical history and a copy of all advanced directives, if applicable, such as a living will or a power of attorney.

The healthier your expectations, the smoother your transition will be. Moving requires preparation on both sides, so there will always be a period of adjustment. Nursing homes, for example, will need about two weeks to develop an assessment and care plan. This will include types of services needed, which staff member will complete each service, supplies and equipment needed, activity preferences and more.

Also, be sure to understand the nuances of your new circumstances. Don’t overlook the financing of your stay, visiting rules, general cleanliness and unit choice as you transition into your new facility.

Editor Bianca Dagostino contributed to this article.