Did you know that long term skilled care involves a vast variety of services that are designed to meet a person’s health or personal care needs during a short or long period of time? In essence, these services help people live as independently and safely as possible when they can no longer perform everyday activities on their own. Long-term skilled care is provided in different places by different caregivers. It depends on a person’s needs. Most long-term care is provided at home by unpaid family members and friends. It can also be given in a facility such as a nursing home or in the community like an adult day care center.

The most common type of long-term skilled care is personal care. That means the patient needs help with everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, using the toilet, eating, and even moving around. People typically need long-term skilled care when they have a serious, ongoing health condition or disability. The need can arise suddenly, such as after a heart attack or stroke. However, it most often develops gradually, as people get older and frailer or as an illness or disability becomes worse. It can be a bit difficult to predict how much or what type of long-term care a patient may need.

There are actually multiple factors that increase the risk of needing long-term care. For example, age. The risk of issues increases as people get older. Gender is another factor. Women are at higher risk than men, primarily because they often live longer. Marital status factors in as well. Single people are more likely than married people to need care from a paid provider. Lifestyle weighs in on the equation as well. Poor diet and bad exercise habits can increase a person’s risk. Overall health and family history are also pieces of the puzzle. You can never know for sure if you will need long-term care.

However, an unexpected accident, illness, or injury can change your needs, sometimes suddenly. The best time to think about long-term care is before you or a loved one actually needs it. That’s why it’s important to plan for the possibility of long-term care. In essence, it provides you with the ability to learn about the services and facilities in your community and what they cost. It also allows you to make important decisions while you are still able to or gives you time to make the best overall decision for your loved one.

Please contact us today for more information about our long term skilled care facility and program.

Matulaitis Rehabilitation and Skilled Care is the leading non-profit skilled nursing facility in Northeast Connecticut. We are proud to receive top national rankings and the highest five-star rating from Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare. Our dedicated staff combines renowned care and exceptional nursing skills with a holistic approach.  We fully realize that the restoration of your health and well-being after an illness, operation, or injury can be incredibly difficult.

Our long-term care features attention to the whole person, assuring individualized care for fullness of living, spiritual welfare, and providing a sense of community with enriching programming. We invite you to learn more about our special smoke-free facility as you consider your own or a loved one’s needs.