Understanding Long-Term Care

By Jeanne St. Onge

What is Long-Term Care?

Long-term care typically refers to non-medical care for patients who need assistance with basic daily activities. 
These services can be provided in the home or in a facility, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Long-term care is often related to seniors, but may be used for a person of any age, should they suffer from a serious injury or have a chronic illness or disability which prevents them from completing daily tasks.

Basic Daily Activities

• Shopping
• Taking Medications
• Laundry
• Managing Finances
• Housework
• Getting Around Town
• Bathing
• Running Errands
• Dressing
• Meal Prep
• Using the Bathroom

Types of Long-Term Care

HOME CARE

• Takes place in the patient's home
• Assistance with basic daily activities typically given by friends, family, or a hired professional

​SUBSIDIZED SENIOR HOUSING

• Low-cost housing for older adults with low to moderate income
• Residents typically have their own apartment
• Assistance with meals and other basic daily activities may be provided

​COMMUNITY SERVICES

• Support services offered during the day
• Examples include adult day care, senior centers, meal programs, transportation services, etc.

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES

• Typically offer three levels of housing & care:
  • Individual home/apartment (offers little to no assistance)
  • Assisted living (offers assistance with basic daily activities)
  • Nursing home (offers 24/hour care and supervision)

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT

• A second living area connected to a home or on the same property as a friend or family member

RESIDENTIAL CARE COMMUNITIES

• Also known as an "Adult Foster/Family Home"
• Group living arrangement
• Offers assistance with basic daily activities

​HOSPICE CARE

• Offered for those who are terminally ill
• Focus is on comfort rather than a cure for the illness

Unsure of Your Next Steps?

We understand that long-term care can be very expensive, and trying to navigate how to finance this care is an overwhelming task.
Rest assured that we are here to help! When looking into selecting a long-term care plan for you or your loved one, be sure to contact us at Bassett Murray Law Group, PLLC (734) 930-9200. We will help you understand all the long-term care options and financing available to you to fit your unique situation.

Click here to download your own
​Long-Term Care brochure.

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