Long Term Care includes a wide range of medical and support services for people with a degenerative condition (e.g. Parkinson’s, stroke, etc.), a prolonged illness (cancer) or cognitive disorder (Alzheimer’s).

Long Term Care is not necessarily medical care, but rather "custodial care." Custodial care involves providing an individual assistance with activities of daily living or supervision of someone who is cognitively impaired.

To better understand Long Term Care, think of the activities you performed when you woke up this morning. You probably:

• climbed out of bed
• walked to the bathroom
• used the toilet
• used the bath or shower
• got dressed
• ate breakfast

While you're healthy it's easy to take these everyday routines for granted. However, when you or a loved one is stricken with a degenerative condition such as a stroke or Alzheimer’s, performing these activities of daily living (ADLs) becomes impossible without the assistance of another person.

This type of care is Long Term Care. It is chronic (full-time) care and can be very expensive. Long Term Care can be provided in many settings such as nursing homes, your own home, assisted living facilities or adult day care facilities. Long Term Care insurance can help cover the cost of long term care.