What Is Long-Term Care?
Long-term care encompasses support services tailored to meet an individual’s ongoing needs over an extended period. These services are designed to enable individuals to lead meaningful and independent lives, particularly when individuals require assistance with daily tasks that they cannot perform without support.
These tasks, commonly referred to as “activities of daily living,” include:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Toileting
- Mobility
- Feeding
- Domestic work
- Medication management
- Food shopping
- Meal preparation
- Financial support
- Companionship
Long-term care can be provided in various settings, such as one’s own home, a nursing home, or within the community. It primarily benefits individuals with complex care needs, disabilities, or older individuals who require assistance. Preserving independence while upholding human rights and dignity remains a fundamental principle in providing long-term care.
What Are the Different Types of Home-Based Long-Term Care Services?
Clinicians and healthcare professionals, such as nurses and therapists, primarily provide home-based long-term care services.
There are different types of home-based long-term services:
Home Health Care may include wound care, medication management, physical therapy, and skilled nursing care provided by trained professionals such as nurses, therapists, and home health aides.
Homemaker Services involve assistance with household tasks and chores, such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, and other household activities to maintain a clean and safe living environment.
Personal Care Services focus on assisting individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs) important for maintaining personal hygiene and mobility, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and eating.
Friendly Visitor and Senior Companion Services provide social interaction and emotional support for individuals who may be isolated or lonely. Volunteers usually provide these services to provide companionship to senior members of society.
Senior Transportation Services assist people with transportation to and from medical appointments or other places in the community.
Emergency Medical Alert Systems include electronic devices or monitors that send medical or emergency notes to emergency response systems.
Respite Care allows caregivers to take a break while a trained professional takes over caregiving responsibilities for a short period.
Palliative Care aims to alleviate pain, manage symptoms, and offer emotional and spiritual support to individuals and their families.
Hospice Care focuses on pain and symptom management, emotional support, and enhancing the individual’s comfort and quality of life during their remaining time.
Telehealth Services enable individuals to receive medical care, consultations, monitoring, and support remotely through video, phone, or other virtual platforms.
It’s important to note that the availability and specific types of home-based long-term care services can vary depending on specific care needs.
Who Needs Long-Term Care?
Predicting who needs long-term care, and what type of long-term care a person might need is difficult. But people with complex care needs, people with disabilities and older individuals often require long-term care since it encourages independence and well-being.
The need for long-term care can occur suddenly, such as after an injury, heart attack or stroke. Long-term care can benefit families, as a dedicated professional can support loved ones and provide various care services.
It’s important to note that the need for long-term care can vary depending on individual circumstances. Each person’s situation is unique, and the decision to pursue long-term care depends on factors such as the level of functional limitations, available support systems, and personal preferences.
Goals of Long-Term Care
Compared with other types of care, for example, short-term or immediate care, long-term care goals are more complex.
Short-term care is goal-oriented and aims to return a supported person to a previous level of independence. People rely on short-term care for a short period since they expect their health to improve quickly. Long-term care has similar aims, but this type of care is provided for an extended period.
Here are some common goals of long-term care:
- Promoting independence to the greatest extent possible
- Enhancing quality of life for individuals by addressing their physical, emotional, and social needs
- Managing chronic conditions effectively and preventing complications
- Preventing functional decline in individuals by helping them to maintain their physical strength, mobility, and cognitive abilities
- Ensuring a safe and secure environment for individuals
- Facilitating transitions between different care settings, such as hospital to home
Long-term care recognises the importance of supporting family caregivers who play a vital role in caring for their loved ones. Like all types of care, long-term care considers the person’s human rights and dignity when reaching desired outcomes.
Long-Term Care Planning
Planning can benefit individuals who will likely require long-term care in the future. Planning gives a person time to learn what services are available, assess their potential care needs, evaluate available resources, and explore financial options such as long-term care insurance.
By considering these factors in advance, individuals can make informed decisions and take appropriate steps to ensure they have the funds to cover long-term care services costs.
With planning, individuals maintain control and ensure that their care aligns with their values and preferences. Long-term care planning also allows individuals to identify potential caregivers, establish a support network, and communicate their desires to family members. Additionally, long-term care planning empowers individuals to have a proactive role in their care and provides peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones.
Benefits of Long-Term Care
Long-term care offers numerous advantages for individuals, encompassing various aspects of well-being. It provides emotional relief by assuring loved ones that their family member is safe and receiving proactive support. This knowledge alleviates stress and anxiety surrounding their well-being.
Another benefit is the provision of physical activity and support. Clinicians in long-term care settings assist individuals in engaging in suitable physical activities and offer mobility support. This professional care ensures that individuals who require assistance receive dedicated attention and specialised help.
Long-term care can be delivered in the comfort of a person’s own home, creating a comfortable environment. This familiar setting contributes to a sense of security and can enhance overall well-being. Also, long-term care promotes relationship building, fostering companionship and bonding, which are crucial for emotional and mental well-being.
Additionally, long-term care plans are designed to integrate social and cultural interaction needs, promoting integration and recreation. This aspect keeps individuals active, engaged, and connected to their community, contributing to a higher quality of life.
Everyone deserves to live an independent life. At Unique Community Services, we prioritise the dignity and preferences of the people we serve.
How to Choose Long-Term Care
Choosing long-term care is a complex process that requires careful consideration. To make an informed decision, several steps can be followed. The first is to assess the specific needs of the individual, including the level of assistance required, medical necessities, and cognitive abilities. This evaluation sets the foundation for identifying suitable care options.
Next, conduct thorough research on different care alternatives, such as nursing homes or home care services, and gather information on local providers. Visiting and evaluating potential facilities is crucial, considering factors like cleanliness, staff quality, and overall atmosphere. Reviewing licensing, accreditation, and staff qualifications also helps ensure that the chosen care provider meets appropriate standards.
Considering the financial aspect is essential as well. Consider the costs associated with different care options, seek input from professionals and other trusted individuals, and carefully review contracts and policies before deciding. It is also important to plan for regular assessments to ensure the chosen care remains appropriate and to allocate enough time for research and decision-making.
By following these steps, individuals requiring long-term care can make a well-informed choice that caters to their specific circumstances.
At Unique Community Services, we are experienced in providing dedicated long-term care. We help the people we serve feel encouraged to lead more independent and meaningful lives. Also, we can provide professional advice, information and assistance regarding long-term care.
Long-Term Care with Unique Community Services
At Unique Community Services, we put people first, and our team is committed and dedicated to providing person-centred, compassionate support.
Our dedication to care is recognised by the Care Quality Commission (CQS), the UK’s independent health and social care regulator. With our person-centric approach, we provide transformative care to individuals with complex care needs.
To learn more about our services, contact us today, or visit our offices in Manchester and Bristol.
Help People with Long-Term Care
Teaming with Unique Community Services is a life-changing experience.
If you are a dedicated clinician who provides proactive support to the people you serve and want to join our transformative team, begin your journey with us by applying for a job now!
