When you cannot take care of your own daily activities, like dressing, bathing, etc. for a prolonged period of time, you are then in need of long term care, which are services that assist with such activities.
Famous People Who Needed Long Term Care
You’ve heard of Christopher Reeves, that actor that played Superman, right? At 42 he became paralyzed following a horseback riding accident. He could no longer care for himself. The services necessary to care for him are referred to as long term care.
- Read more: Lessons from the Stars: Long Term Care
When Do You Need Long Term Care?
You cannot care for yourself when you cannot perform two out of the six activities of daily living; which includes things like dressing and bathing. At that point you need long term care services.
Long term care services can include medical services for those with a chronic illness or disease, and non-medical services for those who need help around their home, but have no severe medical conditions.
Who Pays For The Cost of Long Term Care?
Although Medicare pays for medically necessary care, it does not cover the most frequently needed form of long term care which is help around the home with activities of daily living.
- Read more: Medicare and Long Term Care
Health insurance does not cover the costs associated with long term care services either. For this reason many people buy long term care insurance, a form of insurance specifically designed to cover the cost of in-home long term care services, or services in a care facility.
