Long-Term Care Language

As we age and require care, it is important to understand the terminology and options for long-term care. The following are long-term care terms commonly used:
Activities of Daily Living
Activities of Daily Living are personal everyday tasks. They include dressing, bathing, eating, toileting, transferring, and continence. An individual living independently should be able to achieve most, if not all, of the activities of daily living.
Assisted Living Facility
Assisted Living Facilities are a long-term care option for residents who require limited care. Residents in an Assisted Living Facility are essentially able to live independently; however, many Assisted Living Facilities offer memory care for residents who require additional care and help with activities of daily living.
Board and Care
Board and Care residences are licensed, single-story homes in residential neighborhoods that provide 24-hour live-in care to their residents. There are typically six residents in each home and two full-time caregivers. Due to the limited residents, Board and Care’s often provide more personal attention to the residents than Assisted Living Facilities.
Skilled Nursing Facility
A Skilled Nursing Facility, also known as a “Nursing Home”, is more hospital-like in nature and provides a “higher level of care” than either an Assisted Living Facility or a Board and Care. Skilled nursing care is 24-hour care provided by nurses under the direction of a doctor. Skilled Nursing Facility residents range from patients seeking short-term rehabilitation, to those requiring long-term care. Skilled nursing care is typically the most costly care option, however Medi-Cal is an important public benefit that can assist with this cost if eligibility requirements are met.
In-Home Care
In-Home Care is care provided at the patient’s own residence by a caregiver. Caregiver’s can provide assistance with activities of daily living including medication management, light housekeeping, cooking meals, bathing, dressing and other daily activities. In-Home Care is desirable for these who prefer to stay at home and can afford to do so.
For more information, please call 661-287-3260, or visit our website at www.theMcNamaraLawFirm.com.