Glossary

Long-Term Care

Definition
Personal and medical care provided over an extended period to someone who cannot fully care for themselves — at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing home.

Long-term care (LTC) covers the help people need with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, eating, mobility) when chronic illness, disability, or aging makes them unable to handle those tasks alone. About 70% of people who reach 65 will need some long-term care.

Long-term care is paid for through a mix of personal savings, long-term care insurance, Medicaid (after spend-down), and VA benefits. Medicare covers only short-term skilled care after a hospital stay.

See also

Related terms

  • ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) — The six basic self-care tasks used to measure how independently a person can live: bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating, and continence.
  • IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) — Eight more complex tasks that measure independent living: managing money, taking medication, shopping, cooking, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and using the phone.
  • Medicaid Spend-Down — The process of reducing assets and income to meet Medicaid's eligibility limits — usually by paying medical expenses, modifying a home, or using legally permitted asset transfers.

Sources

Sandwich is a directory and information site. This glossary is not legal, medical, or financial advice. For decisions that affect your family, consult a licensed professional. Editorial policy.

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