Long term care is the kind of care required by a person who has a debilitating illness, injury or cognitive impairment that leaves them unable to perform routine Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and/or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). ADLs include basic tasks necessary to maintain a person's health and safety. For example bathing, dressing, using the toilet, transferring (getting up out of a chair or bed), continence, eating and ambulating (moving from one place to another). IADLs include handling money and paying bills, laundry, light housekeeping, meal preparation, telephoning, shopping and local traveling.
Long term care encompasses a wide range of services for personal or custodial care that help a person perform ADLs and IADLs and remain as independent as possible.
In this sense, long term care does not include the care provided by doctors and hospitals. Long term care addresses the things you won't find in a medical textbook. Like how you're going to maintain your independence and lifestyle, or how you're going to protect your financial assets and your family from the demands imposed by a chronic condition or accident. Through the LTC Program, you have the opportunity to help assure your independence and protect your family's future.
