Long term residential Care week 1
Chapter 1
Long-Term Care Today:
Turbulent Times
Learning Objectives
Define the current long-term care system, including how it developed, and key strengths and weaknesses of the system.
Define the term continuum of care.
Identify and define the consumers and providers of long-term care.
Learning Objectives (continued)
4. Define institutional and non-institutional care and the strengths and shortcomings
of each approach.
5. Identify the changes taking place in long-term care today.
Defining the Long-Term Care System
Long-Term Care:
Care of “those persons requiring healthcare, personal care, social, and supportive services over a sustained period of time” (Continuing Care Council, 1992, p.1)
Factors Contributing to Development
of the Long-Term Care System
Financing: Growing role of government
The impact of regulations
The results of past successes
Cost-reduction efforts
Components of the
Long-Term Care System
Consumers:
Elderly users of long-term care
- The elderly as a political force
Nonelderly long-term care users
- Physically handicapped
- Mentally ill & intellectually disabled
Baby boomers: new long-term care consumers
Components of the
Long-Term Care System
Providers:
Nursing facilities
Subacute care
Assisted living / residential care
Elderly housing
Community-based services
Institutional vs. Noninstitutional Care
Institutional: Noninstitutional:
- Nursing facilities • Adult day care
- Assisted living • Home care
- Subacute care • Hospice care
Long-Term Care as
Part of a Continuum
The Continuum of care is:
Client oriented
Comprehensive
Integrated
Strengths and Weakness in the
Long-Term Care System
Strengths:
Response to changing needs
Uniquely American nature
Dedication of caregivers
Focus on customer service
Innovative types of care
Integration efforts
Strengths and Weakness in the
Long-Term Care System
Weaknesses:
Reimbursement-driven system
Inequitably distributed services
Fragmented and uncoordinated
Mix of health and social services
Multiple entry points
Strengths and Weakness in the
Long-Term Care System
Weaknesses (continued):
Overshadowed by the acute system
Poor public image
Inadequate support for informal caregivers
Confusing and “user-unfriendly” system
Summary
The long-term care system has taken years to develop and is still evolving. It is a critical part of the overall continuum of care and has both strengths and weaknesses.