What is Long Term Care?

When a person starts to have difficulties with the normal activities of daily living this is usually the point that they start to receive some kind of care.

The situation may be due to mental incapacity (such as dementia), increasing frailty or just the general effects of ageing - too many birthdays. It may also be as a result of a serious condition such as arthritis, a major stroke or accident.

If the situation is likely to continue for the long term, this is known as 'Long Term Care'.

The amount of care required differs from person to person, from simple domestic assistance right through to 24-hour nursing care and can be provided in the person's own home (domiciliary care), sheltered accommodation, a residential care home or a nursing home.

In addition, if the person suffers from mental impairment, they may require care in a home that specifically caters for their needs. These are termed 'EMI' (Elderly Mentally Infirm) homes and can be either residential or provide nursing care.