Institutional Long-Term Care (ILTC)

Institutional Long-Term Care refers to healthcare services provided in a residential setting for individuals who require assistance with activities of daily living and medical care over an extended period, typically due to chronic illness, disability, or advanced age. These institutions include nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and residential care homes.

 

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Basic self-care tasks essential for independent living, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring (e.g., moving from bed to chair), continence, and eating. Assistance with ADLs is often a primary need for individuals in long-term care facilities.

 

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

More complex tasks necessary for living independently in the community, including meal preparation, managing finances, shopping, housekeeping, taking medications, and using transportation. Decline in IADLs may indicate a need for long-term care placement.

 

Care Plan

A personalized document outlining the specific care needs, preferences, and goals of a resident in an institutional long-term care setting. Care plans are developed collaboratively by healthcare professionals, residents, and their families to ensure individualized and comprehensive care delivery.

 

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)

A healthcare institution licensed to provide 24-hour skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, and medical supervision to individuals with complex medical needs. SNFs offer a higher level of medical care compared to other long-term care options.

 

Assisted Living Facility (ALF)

Residential facilities providing housing, personal care services, and limited medical assistance to individuals who require help with ADLs but do not need the intensive medical care provided in a nursing home. ALFs offer varying levels of independence and support based on individual needs.

 

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Basic self-care tasks essential for independent living, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring (e.g., moving from bed to chair), continence, and eating. Assistance with ADLs is often a primary need for individuals in long-term care facilities.

 

Respite Care

Short-term care provided in a long-term care facility to give primary caregivers (e.g., family members) a temporary break from their caregiving responsibilities. Respite care services can range from a few hours to several days, allowing caregivers to attend to their own needs or take a rest.

 

Activities and Recreation Therapy

Therapeutic interventions aimed at improving residents’ physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being through engaging activities and recreational programs. These activities may include exercise classes, arts and crafts, music therapy, outings, and social events tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.

 

Palliative Care and Hospice Services

Specialized care focused on relieving pain and managing symptoms for individuals with serious illnesses, often provided in institutional long-term care settings. Hospice care, specifically, is designed for individuals with a terminal prognosis, offering comfort and support to both the resident and their family members during end-of-life care.