Long-Term Care

Long-term care (LTC) is “a system of providing social, personal, and health care services over a sustained period to people who in some way suffer from functional impairment.” There has been substantial growth in the number of people needing LTC as a result of a growing aging population, a higher prevalence of chronic illness and disability, and an increase in the number of people with chronic, infectious diseases. The changing LTC environment presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the profession. NASW advocates for the continued reform of the LTC system, with emphasis on strengthening the social work role in a continuum of care services delivery model. Among other reforms, NASW supports access to qualified, professional social work services; availability of services on a continuum that links all levels of LTC and addresses the physical, social, mental, cultural, and spiritual needs of the individual, family, and caregivers; an emphasis on the quality of life for each client and quality care in services; and the development of an adequate financing system for LTC that preserves, increases, and redistributes revenue to increase access and provide coverage based on the client’s need.