Types of Long Term Care

This section describes the different types of long-term care and what causes people to need it.

Acute care is the type of care that is usually provided in hospitals and emergency rooms. Your health insurance and Medicare will cover some or all of the expenses for acute care because it is usually skilled care. Acute care is usually for conditions that are treatable and you may fully recover with the right medical attention. Acute care conditions usually develop rapidly and can strike suddenly.

Chronic care is the type of care that is usually provided in your home, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Your health insurance and Medicare will usually not cover chronic care because it is not considered skilled care. Chronic care is usually for conditions that are treatable but generally not curable. A lot of times they are not noticed or are ignored in the initial stages.

Skilled care is the type of care that is usually delivered in skilled nursing homes, but can be received in the home as well. If the skilled care meets strict criteria set forth by Medicare, then the facility providing it is referred to as a skilled nursing facility (SNF). Medicare defines skilled care as services and rehabilitation that require the skills of technical or professional personnel such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and physical or occupational therapists.

Non-skilled care is defined as the type of care that is provided to persons who need help on a regular basis with their activities of daily living because of a physical limitation, chronic problem, or a cognitive problem. This type of care can be provided by a family member. It does not have to be performed by a medical professional like skilled care does. Non-skilled care is also known as custodial care.