What Is Another Name for a Long-Term Care Facility? Understanding the Options

Nearly 70% of individuals turning 65 will require some form of long-term care services during their lifetime. While the term "what is another name for a long-term care facility?" is a common question, the answer is complex, as various settings offer distinct levels of medical care, personal assistance, and living environments designed to meet different needs.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the different names and types of long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, assisted living, and continuing care communities. These facilities vary significantly based on the level of medical care, services, and independence they offer residents.

Key Points

• Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs): Provide 24/7 medical care and rehabilitation for residents with high medical needs, including short-term recovery and long-term complex conditions.

• Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs): Offer residential care with assistance for daily activities like dressing and bathing, for those who do not need 24/7 intensive medical care.

• Board and Care Homes: Smaller, more intimate residential settings that provide personal care and supervision but typically have less medical staffing than an ALF or SNF.

• Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs): Provide a continuum of care on one campus, allowing residents to transition between independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing as their needs change.

• Medicare vs. Medicaid Coverage: Medicare does not cover most long-term or custodial care, while Medicaid may provide coverage for eligible, low-income individuals.

• Financial Planning is Crucial: With long-term care being expensive, paying is typically done through personal savings, long-term care insurance, or Medicaid.

Primary Alternatives for a Long-Term Care Facility

When exploring residential care for an aging loved one, it is crucial to understand the differences between the various types of long-term care facilities. The level of care, the environment, and the cost can vary dramatically among the options.

Nursing Home or Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)

A skilled nursing facility (SNF), often referred to as a nursing home, provides a high level of medical care and rehabilitation services for individuals who require 24-hour skilled nursing oversight. A stay in an SNF can be short-term, following a hospitalization for an illness or injury, or it can be a permanent residence for those with chronic, severe medical needs. Services typically include medical care, physical and occupational therapy, and assistance with daily activities. SNFs are heavily regulated by federal and state governments.

Assisted Living Facility (ALF)

An assisted living facility (ALF) is a residential community for older adults who need help with daily tasks but do not require 24-hour medical supervision. These facilities are designed to promote independence while offering support for activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Assisted living residents typically live in their own apartments or rooms and share common areas. Services often include meals, housekeeping, laundry, and social activities.

Board and Care Home

Also known as residential care homes or adult foster care, board and care homes are small, private facilities, typically located in a residential neighborhood. They usually house fewer than 20 residents and provide a more intimate, home-like setting. Staff offer assistance with personal care and meals, with 24-hour supervision. However, they generally do not provide nursing or medical services on-site.

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)

A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), or life plan community, is a single campus that offers a tiered approach to senior care. Residents can start in independent living and transition to assisted living or skilled nursing care on the same campus as their needs change. This provides a sense of stability and predictability for both residents and their families, with the peace of mind that long-term needs can be met without another move.

Other Related Facilities

• Convalescent Home: An older term for a facility that provides care for those recovering from an illness or injury.
• Long-Term Acute-Care Hospital (LTACH): A hospital setting for the most severely ill patients with complex medical needs that require an extended stay.
• Memory Care Unit: A specialized, secure unit for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, often located within an assisted living or skilled nursing facility.
• Adult Day Care: A community-based center that provides daytime care and supervision for older adults who live at home with family caregivers.

Comparing Long-Term Care Options

Feature	Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)	Assisted Living Facility (ALF)	Board and Care Home	Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
Level of Care	High; 24/7 skilled nursing, medical, and rehab.	Moderate; assistance with daily living activities (ADLs).	Moderate; assistance with ADLs and personal care.	All levels; independent living to skilled nursing.
Primary Purpose	Short-term rehabilitation or long-term medical care.	Long-term residential care with support.	Long-term residential care in a small, home-like setting.	Aging in place; tiered care options.
Environment	More clinical, hospital-like atmosphere.	Residential, apartment-style living.	Intimate, family-style, neighborhood home.	Campus-like with diverse housing options.
Typical Cost	Highest, often covering comprehensive medical care.	Mid-range, depending on services and location.	Generally lower than ALF or SNF.	Requires an upfront entrance fee plus monthly fees.
Medical Staff	Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses available 24/7.	A licensed nurse may be on-site part-time, with trained caregivers 24/7.	Caregivers trained in personal care, but medical staff not always on-site.	Varies by level of care; skilled nursing area has 24/7 medical staff.

How to Choose the Right Long-Term Care Facility

Selecting the right facility requires careful assessment of an individual's needs, finances, and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

• Level of Medical Need: Evaluate the person's current and future health status. Do they require constant medical attention and therapy, or do they primarily need help with daily tasks? A person recovering from a major illness may need a short-term stay in an SNF, while someone needing help with bathing and meals might be better suited for an ALF.
• Personal Preferences: The resident's preference for a living environment is a significant factor. Some may feel more comfortable in a larger, social community like an ALF, while others might prefer the smaller, more intimate setting of a board and care home.
• Cost and Funding: Consider the financial implications and potential funding sources. The median cost for a private nursing home room is significantly higher than for assisted living. Look into long-term care insurance, Medicaid eligibility, and personal savings to determine affordability.
• Location and Amenities: Consider the facility's location in relation to family members and the community. Also, evaluate the amenities and activities offered, as these can greatly impact the resident's quality of life.

Conclusion

While what is another name for a long-term care facility? is a simple question, the answer reveals a diverse landscape of options. Whether it's a skilled nursing facility, an assisted living community, a board and care home, or a continuing care retirement community, each provides a different combination of care, environment, and services. A thorough understanding of these options, combined with a careful assessment of needs, preferences, and finances, is essential for making an informed decision that ensures safety, comfort, and a high quality of life.

For more detailed information on paying for long-term care, visit the National Institute on Aging website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between a nursing home and an assisted living facility?

The main difference lies in the level of medical care. A nursing home provides 24/7 skilled medical care and rehabilitation services, while an assisted living facility focuses on assistance with daily activities and personal care, not intensive medical treatment.

What is a skilled nursing facility (SNF)?

An SNF is a facility that provides 24-hour skilled nursing care and rehabilitative services, typically for patients recovering from a hospital stay or managing chronic medical conditions.

Are board and care homes the same as assisted living?

No, board and care homes are typically much smaller (fewer than 20 residents) and offer a more intimate, home-like environment. While they provide similar personal care services, they usually have fewer amenities and less medical oversight than assisted living facilities.

Does Medicare pay for long-term care?

No, Medicare generally does not cover long-term custodial care, such as help with bathing and dressing. It may cover a limited stay (up to 100 days) in a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation purposes, but not ongoing long-term care.

What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?

A CCRC is a campus that offers different levels of care—from independent living to skilled nursing—in one location. This allows residents to age in place and receive a higher level of care if their health needs change.

How can I pay for a long-term care facility?

Payment options include personal savings, income, and assets, along with private long-term care insurance. For those with limited financial means, Medicaid may cover long-term care expenses, depending on state eligibility rules.

What is a long-term acute-care hospital (LTACH)?

An LTACH is a hospital for patients with medically complex problems that require an extended hospital stay, typically longer than 25 days. It is distinct from a long-term care facility that provides custodial or residential care.