Long-term
care is the spectrum of services provided to support individuals who,
by reason of extended illness, mental, physical or developmental disability,
need assistance to maximize independent and efficient performance
of those activities necessary for daily life and well being in all
care settings. While acute care is temporary and episodic, with a
focus on restoration of health, long-term care has a focus on trying
to help a person manage an irreversible disabling condition. Long-term
care can be provided in a variety of settings: in the home with formal
(paid) assistance; informal (unpaid) assistance by family members,
relatives or friends; or in a facility.
Formal
assistance includes community-based long-term care that encompasses
an array of interventions such as day care, caregiver respite and
in-home services such as personal care and home-delivered meals. A
variety of service providers are a part of the community-based long-term
care system. They can range from senior centers, which also provide
many preventive services, to councils on aging, to home health agencies,
and others. Many of these agencies provide a host of services. Others
may provide a single service through contractual agreement with the
case management or lead agency. Long-term care facilities in Florida
are comprised of nursing homes, assisted living facilities (ALFs)
and adult family care homes (AFCHs).
More
information on long-term care can be found at the Department
of Elder Affairs website, including the following topics:
Family
Room 
