Long Term Care
A career in Long Term Care provides opportunities for professional growth and the ability to move up from an entry-level role to a higher-level skilled nursing position. The need for qualified skilled nursing staff is so great that many organizations are offering paid training for those seeking entry into a healthcare career, and will also provide financial assistance and additional education and training for higher-level skilled nursing positions.
16%
PROJECTED INCREASE of Healthcare jobs between 2020 and 2030 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics*
*Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook
Handbook -Healthcare Occupations
2.6 Million
new jobs for healthcare professionals in the years ahead in a variety of roles
What is Long-Term Care?
Long-term care involves a variety of services designed to meet a person’s health or personal care needs during a short or long period of time. These services help people live as independently and safely as possible when they can no longer perform everyday activities on their own.
The most common type of long-term care is personal care—help with everyday activities, also called “activities of daily living.” These activities include bathing, dressing, grooming, using the toilet, eating, and moving around—for example, getting out of bed and into a chair.
People often need long-term care when they have a serious, ongoing health condition or disability. The need for long-term care can arise suddenly, such as after a heart attack or stroke. Most often, however, it develops gradually, as people get older and frailer or as an illness or disability gets worse.
Types of Care
Home CARE
Provided either in the home of the person receiving services or at a family member’s home. In-home services may be short-term—for someone who is recovering from an operation, for example—or long-term, for people who need ongoing help.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Support services that can include adult day care, meal programs, senior centers, transportation, and other services. This can help adults with impairments-such as Alzheimer’s disease-continue to live in the community. And it can give family or friend caregivers a needed “break.”
Supportive housing programs
State or local governments often develop such housing programs. A number of these facilities offer help with meals and tasks such as housekeeping, shopping, and laundry. Residents generally live in their own apartments.
Continuing care retirement communities
Provide a full range of services and care based on what each resident needs over time. Care usually is provided in one of three main stages: independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing.
Independent Living
Offers a safe living environment with the flexibility of having access to assistance when needed. Services such as housekeeping, meals, transportation and laundry are often included as well as a variety of social opportunities.
Assisted Living
24-hour supervision, assistance, meals, and health care services in a home-like setting. Services include help with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, taking medicine, transportation, laundry, and housekeeping.
Nursing Homes
Offer care to people who cannot be cared for at home or in the community. They provide skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, meals, activities, help with daily living, and supervision. Many nursing homes also offer temporary or periodic care which can be needed after a hospitalization.
HEALTHCARE CAREER Pathway
There are multiple pathways to a rewarding healthcare career.
The many levels of skilled nursing roles offer upward education and economic mobility and career options starting with Home Health Aides (HHA) and Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA).
“I pursued a career in healthcare so that I could give something back to the community in which I lived. The training I received helped me continue to advance my career and grow in all aspects of my job.”
