DELAWARE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT

What is Long-term Care?

Long-term care is a general term that includes a wide range of services that address the health, medical, personal care, and social needs of people with chronic or prolonged illnesses, disabilities, and cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. These services are typically required by the elderly, but may also be used by disabled people of any age. Types of long-term care include:

• Personal care or custodial care for people who only need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as eating, bathing, dressing or taking medication.

• Skilled care that is generally provided in a nursing home by licensed medical personnel under physician's orders, but may also be provided at home with help from visiting nurses or therapists.