Long term care, also referred to as palliative care, is often provided to patients that have a chronic illness or disability and need assistance with personal care needs. Long term care is most often non-medical care assistance of daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, using the toilet, and mobility around one's home or assisted living center.

Some other common long term care service providers focus on helping a patient with paying bills, housework, taking medication, shopping, and caring for pets. Most long term caregiver services are conducted by a family member or friend, a skilled nurse, home health or home health care aide, or a therapist who will make visits to the patient's home.

While hospice care focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting patients with a life expectancy of less than six months, long term care may be provided at any time during the patient's illness, from the diagnosis onward. Long term care can be provided at home, or in assisted living or nursing homes. Long term care may be needed by people of any age, although it is commonly required by senior citizens.

Long term care providers will become a partner with you, your family, and your other doctors, while supporting you and your family every step of the way, not just by controlling your loved one's symptoms, but by helping you to understand your loved one's health goals and treatment options.