As a nurse, you have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings. One is long-term care. There are over 65,000 long-term care facilities in the U.S. According to the National Institute on Aging, about 70% of adults over 65 will require some long-term care services at some point in their lives. In this blog post, we will define long-term care, discuss who needs long-term care and offer some tips for those considering working in the long-term care field.
Defining Long-Term Care
Long-term care provides services and support for people with chronic illnesses, conditions, disabilities, or other impairments. It’s designed to help people maintain their health and independence for as long as possible. Long-term care services can be provided in various settings, including at home, in the community, in assisted living facilities, and in nursing homes.
Long-term care services nurses provide include:
- Help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating
- Medication management
- Wound care
- Pain management
- Palliative care
Nursing tasks can vary depending on the needs of the individual patient and the setting in which care is provided.
Who Needs Long-Term Care?
As we mentioned earlier, according to the National Institute on Aging, about 7s over 65 will require long-term care services at some point in their lives. However, it’s important to note that long-term care needs are not limited to older adults. People of all ages can experience an illness or injury that requires long-term care services. Also, many are born with conditions that require lifelong care.
What to Consider When Working in Long-Term Care
If you are considering working in the long-term care field, you should keep a few things in mind. It is essential to remember that long-term care requires great patience and compassion. Caring for someone with a chronic illness or condition can be emotionally demanding, so it’s vital to ensure you are up for the challenge before you commit to a job in this field.
” The trained nurse has become one of the great blessings of humanity, taking a place beside the physician and the priest.
—Dr. William Osler, Canadian physician and founder of Johns Hopkins University
In addition to being emotionally prepared for the challenges of working in long-term care, it is also essential to ensure you are physically prepared. Caring for someone who needs help with activities of daily living can be physically demanding, so you should make sure you are up for the task before taking on a job in this field.
Working in the long-term care field can be emotionally and physically demanding. However, it can also be incredibly rewarding. If you are considering a career in this field, it is essential to ensure you are prepared for the challenges that come with it. With patience, compassion, and a commitment to providing quality care, you can make a difference in the lives of those who need long-term care services.
Are you considering working in long-term care nursing? Visit our website or contact us today to learn more! Actriv Healthcare can help you connect with the right opportunity.