Most people will need some form of long-term care as they age. The information and resources below can help you find long-term care that’s right for you or someone you care about.

What is long-term care?

Long-term care is help for people who have trouble doing everyday activities on their own, like bathing, dressing, cooking, and moving around. It can also include medical care for ongoing health problems.

This type of care can be provided at home, out in the community, or in a residential care setting (like a nursing home). The goal of long-term care is to keep a person safe, comfortable, and as independent as possible for as long as possible.

Who needs long-term care?

People who need long-term care have trouble taking care of themselves. Adults who might benefit from long-term care include:

• Older adults who need help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, or cooking.
• People with illnesses or disabilities that make it hard to move, remember things, or do everyday activities.
• Anyone recovering from a serious injury or surgery who needs extra care for a long time.

Long-term care helps people stay safe and get the support they need.

What are the different types of long-term care?

There are several types of long-term care to help older adults with daily tasks. Each option provides different levels of care based on a person’s needs:

• Home-based care: Trained caregivers come to an older person’s home to help them with cooking, bathing, dressing, and other tasks. Family and friends can help with home care, too. Home-based care helps older adults stay in their homes for longer.
• Assisted living: With this long-term care option, an older adult lives in a private room or apartment in a facility. There are staff available 24/7 to help with daily activities, meals, and social activities.
• Memory care: This special type of facility is for people with memory problems, like those with Alzheimer’s disease. Trained staff are on hand to help with daily care and keep residents safe.
• Nursing home: This is a residential setting for older adults who need full-time medical care and daily help with things like bathing, eating, and moving around.
• Adult day center: Older adults can visit these centers during the day for meals, activities, and care. They return home in the evening.

How can I find long-term care services in my area?

Choosing long-term care services is an important decision. Getting recommendations from friends and family is a good place to start. The following resources can also help you find options that meet your needs:

• Medicare.gov: Find Medicare-certified nursing homes near you. Compare them based on the quality of care they provide.
• LongTermCare.gov: Find information on nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and senior services near you.
• Eldercare Locator: Find the contact information for your local Area Agency on Aging or Aging and Disability Resource Center. These agencies can help you with your search for long-term care.
• The Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care: Get tips and resources for choosing a trusted nursing home or assisted living facility.
• The Joint Commission: Find long-term care providers in your community that are approved by The Joint Commission. This is an independent, nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies health care organizations and programs in the U.S.

How can I pay for long-term care?

Long-term care is expensive. Private health insurance does not pay for it, and Medicare only covers some care for a short time. You may be able to get help from Medicaid, but first you must “spend down” the bulk of your savings. Also, Medicaid only covers care provided in approved nursing homes.

Another option to pay for long-term care is long-term care insurance. This type of insurance can help pay for extra care if you need it in the future. Depending on the plan, it may cover help provided at home, at an adult day center, or in a residential care community. You can buy long-term care insurance as a separate policy, as a plan combined with life insurance, or as an add-on to a life insurance policy. The best time to buy long-term care insurance is well before you need it—in other words, when you're younger and in good health.

People without Medicaid coverage or long-term care insurance may have to pay for long-term care out of their own pocket. Learn more about paying for long-term care.