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What is the definition of long-term care and what forms exist?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines long-term care as "a range of medical and/or social services designed to help people who have disabilities or chronic care needs. Services may be short or long-term and may be provided in a person's home, in the community, or in residential facilities."

Home and community forms of long-term care include the following:

  • Home health care — services such as assistance with basic living needs, administration of medication, therapy and other in-home health services.
  • Custodial care — in-home services provided by a trained but non-medical professional that typically involve basic living assistance.
  • Homemaker services — similar to Custodial Care but can involve housekeeping, food preparation, maintenance and other home support services.
  • Hospice care — in-home care for a terminally ill person that involves pain management and emotional, physical and spiritual support.
  • Adult day care — daytime support services, usually at a community facility, for functionally impaired individuals.

Forms of residential facility long-term care include the following:
  • Residential care — personalized care within a facility that can range from 24-hour supervision and assistance to assisted-living services.
  • Nursing home care — full-time care provided by skilled nursing professionals that involves room, board and medical services necessary for treatment or recovery.

To find out more about long-term care insurance, or to speak with an H&R Block financial advisor,
call 1-866-295-7912. Your advisor can schedule a complimentary long-term care insurance review that could help you identify coverage to help meet your needs.

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