Reference no: EM133569966

U.S. Long Term Care Industry: Consumers and Models

The consumers of the long term care industry are not only the elderly but also disabled adults. In either case, a long term care patient requires additional support for living skills due to the limitation or deficiency of a basic action, such ambulating or have dexterity to put on clothes or prepare a meal. This area of healthcare is growing as U.S. citizens live longer. In the past several decades, legislation has been put into place that protects the elderly and disabled Americans giving them equal care across all demographics.

The models of care in long term care industry include, continuum of long-term care, single point of entry (POE) model and dimensions of care model (McSweeney-Feld, 2017). Continuum of long-term care emphasizes complete care by addressing not only the physical needs of the patient but also mental health and social engagement over time (Evashwick, 2005). The concept behind the single point of entry model is to have all components of care delivered from one provider, in turn also simplifying the billing process. Dimensions of care model incorporates the use of technology in the care of a patient and in the comfort of their own home. The various models of care used by long term care providers varies and is not limited to the parameters of one specific model but rather various components may be adopted as needed.