Who Uses Long Term Living Services?

The old term ”long term care” was usually associated only with services for the elderly. Today, we know that any one, at any time, could need the extended services and support offered by what we now call the “long term living” system. The length of time the services are required can vary greatly based on a person’s situation and need.

Following are a few examples of why someone might need these services:

• Disability – persons of any age who have, for example, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, or Spina Bifida, requiring services over a long period of time to enable them to live as independently as possible.
• Behavioral Health – persons of any age who have been diagnosed with mental illness may require services for long periods of time to enable them to live as independently as possible.
• Mental Retardation (Developmental Disabilities) – persons who have cognitive difficulty due to a developmental delay.
• Acute Illness or Injury – persons of any age who have survived strokes or been injured in an accident and are unable to take care of themselves may need services during their recovery or rehabilitation. Their need for support may decrease as they recover and regain the ability to care for themselves.
• Limitations Associated with Aging – as people age, their ability to take care of themselves can become more challenging. They may need services so they can live independently.