However, the high cost of long-term care insurance doesn't make financial sense for many people. Here we give you some basics to help you decide if you are a good candidate for this type of policy. If you are unable to care for yourself because of a prolonged illness, disability or just old age, you may need long-term care. This can range from help with daily activities at home, such as bathing and dressing, to skilled nursing care in a nursing home. Long-term care is provided by home care agencies, senior centers, adult day care centers, traditional nursing homes and continuing care retirement communities.
Families often provide long-term care as well.
Below is an explanation of the three major types of long-term care. Skilled nursing care is needed for medical conditions that require care by skilled medical personnel, such as registered nurses or professional therapists. This care is available 24 hours a day and is ordered by a physician, who outlines a treatment plan. Some people need skilled care for a short time after an acute illness, while others require skilled care for longer periods. Sometimes such skilled care is available in a person's home with help from visiting nurses.