TOP 7 Pros And Cons Of Long-Term Care Facilities
Looking after someone with a chronic disease is a distressing process to go through. However, it’s okay to provide your loved ones with professional care if it gets overwhelming for you.
There are diverse long-term care options for the people you love but before choosing long-term care for the patients, it is vital to know individual preferences and wishes. It is also crucial to choose the best option considering the possible pros and cons of a facility. This article aims to explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of long-term care.
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Pros Of Long Term Care
Long-term care can provide professional help and support for individuals with chronic illnesses effectively. Patients in long-term care may receive quality supervision and the help they need to cope with their disease.
Improvement in Quality of Life
Long-term care facilities can effectively manage the needs of the patients, improving their quality of life. It can assist them with their daily life activities providing comfort and maintaining their dignity.
Professional Expertise
Long-term care facilities typically have a team of healthcare professionals such as nurses, caregivers, and therapists. With years of experience, the medical staff can provide a high level of care and expertise to the patient.
Specialized Programs
These facilities can provide patients with helpful programs to improve their health conditions. These programs may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, or memory care, addressing patients’ needs.
Break for Family Caregivers
Looking after someone constantly can be a challenging situation. Families need to take breaks and give themselves the space to relax.

Long-term care facilities ensure families don’t burden themselves with caregiving. By taking the matter into their own hands, they provide patients with special support they might be lacking with informal caregiving.
Access to Medical Services
Individuals in long-term care facilities have more access to medical services. The healthcare team present in the facility can provide the patient with adequate medical attention whenever they require it.
Structured Routine
Long-term care facilities usually follow a set routine for patients. Such structured daily schedules save patients with memory issues from any confusion and reduce anxiety.
Peaceful Environment
Long-term care facilities focus on building a calm and peaceful environment for their residents. It helps in maintaining the atmosphere of the facility, providing peace of mind to patients as well as their families.
Cons of Long-Term Care
With several advantages, long-term care facilities may come with some disadvantages too. The decision to plan for long-term care should be made after considering the patient’s needs and available options
Loss of Independence
With structured routines, some patients may feel like their independence is being taken away from them. Patients may feel trapped and this might further lead to anger, frustration, or anxiety, ultimately worsening their condition.
Difficulty in Adjusting
Some patients may find it hard to adjust to new environments. It can be emotionally as well as psychologically challenging for them. However, it may take them time to eventually adapt to their new surroundings
Financial Burden
Long-term care whether provided at home or in a facility, can be financially challenging. Many families struggle with providing long-term care, especially if they are not covered by insurance or government programs.
Quality Variability
The quality of care centers may vary significantly. Finding an adequate care center can be a hectic but necessary task to undertake. Families need to find a facility where their loved ones can easily adjust and be helped.
Limited Availability
In some areas, there might be a shortage of care centers or home health providers. It may take time for families to find a suitable option for their loved ones.
Is Safety an Issue in Long-Term Care?

Safety in care centers is a complex issue. Safety might be a pro or a con, depending on the living conditions of the care center.
On the positive side, care centers provide patients with 24/7 supervision, reducing the risks of accidents and injuries. Long-term care centers are specially designed to provide a safe and secure environment to patients.
However, on the downside, an overemphasis on safety can have its drawbacks too. Patients may feel like they are cornered, and they may begin to perceive the safety measures as restrictions on their autonomy and mobility.
Overregulation and institutional feeling can have their drawbacks too. Patients may feel the need to be rebellious. This may lead to irritability, frustration, or aggression in patients, and in extreme cases, patients may feel compelled to attack the caregiving staff.
Does Long-Term Care Address Social Isolation?
Long-term care plays a significant role in addressing social isolation. These facilities encourage social activity among patients. It may include group activities, or events that involve patients interacting with each other, minimizing chances of social isolation.
Sharing living spaces with other residents makes social isolation less likely. Patients may often feel the need to form bonds and friendships with other residents. They are given chances to engage in healthy and productive activities with other patients. This may include exercise classes, playing games, or outings.
With healthcare staff present around the patients 24/7 for their supervision or to assist them with their tasks, it also reduces the chances of developing feelings of social isolation.
What Emotional Changes Arise During Shifting to Long-Term Care?

The transition of patients to long-term care can make the patient go through many emotional responses. Some may feel sad, while for some it might be a relieving situation. However, it is necessary to understand the emotions patients might go through to help them accordingly.
Anxiety
Individuals may feel anxious about shifting to long-term care. This feeling may be due to the fear of moving to an unknown place or seeing unfamiliar faces. The negative feelings may also be induced due to the concerns related to adapting to the facilities.
Grief
Individuals may feel grief or sadness over leaving their homes and moving to an unknown long-term care center. This also might be due to the perception of loss of control over one’s life or departing from familiar surroundings.
Depression
Sudden changes in one’s living conditions can bring about negative emotions. In extreme cases, it might affect their psychological health to such an extent, that patients may start showing symptoms of depression. These symptoms can include social withdrawal, loss of appetite, or sleep disturbances.
Loneliness
Patients may feel lonely moving to a care facility they are not familiar with. The feeling of isolation is usually seen in the early stages of transitioning to long-term care.
Patients might not have made social connections or might be too uncomfortable stepping out of their comfort zones in new environments. Families need to visit their loved ones often in the early stages to prevent any gloomy feeling of segregation.
Anger
Moving to a long-term care facility can be an overwhelming situation for patients. They may feel like their life choices are being made without their will. The sudden adjustment to a new routine and interaction with other residents and staff could induce feelings of anger and frustration.
Relief
On a positive note, some patients may experience a sense of relief. Especially if they didn’t have a safe and comfortable care facility at home. The presence of professional care and support can help patients feel at ease and provide them with peace of mind.
Are Patients at Risk of Abuse and Neglect in Long-Term Care?

Yes, patients in long-term care facilities are at the risk of experiencing neglect and abuse. Since the majority of the patients are old in age, abuse can be easily committed by other residents as well as the staff.
Patients with physical or cognitive impairment are more vulnerable to mistreatment. The residents may rely on the staff for small daily tasks which creates a sense of power in the staff. In some cases, the use of power may be exploited.
Patients in long-term care facilities are also at the risk of experiencing neglect. There might be a staff shortage, lack of training of staff, or a high workload. These factors can play a significant role in the neglect of the needs of patients. However, it is important to note that not all care facilities put patients at risk, some of these facilities provide excellent services and support for patients to grow.
Who Needs Long-Term Care?
Patients with chronic diseases are more likely to be provided with long-term care. Depending on the condition of the patient, long-term care might be provided for weeks or months.
- Patients dealing with memory loss issues. Such as patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
- Patients with psychological disorders. For instance, patients with schizophrenia, PTSD, or bipolar disorder.
- Patients recovering from serious medical events such as surgeries, stroke, or cardiac arrest.
- Patients with physical impairments who have difficulty in mobility and need assistance with completing everyday tasks.
- Patients who need help with managing medications and require medical assistance often.
Who Provides Long-Term Care?
Long-term care is usually provided by families informally at home. Families look after their loved ones with care and support but when it gets overwhelming, or the disease worsens, they are compelled to contact formal care facilities.
The choice of providing a long-term care center varies with individual needs and financial resources. However, it is crucial to ensure the care center is secure and safe for their loved ones.
Our team of dedicated professionals at soluxhealth believes in providing quality of life to every human regardless of age or health conditions. Our topmost priority is to provide exceptional care and support to those who need it the most.
Conclusion
Caring for a loved one with a health condition is a rewarding feeling but at times it might get overwhelming. Getting professional help for your loved one is an intimate yet necessary process. Any patient unable to perform daily life tasks with ease should be provided with professional supervision, whether at home or a care facility. Families should ensure the best possible living conditions for their loved ones as their comfort matters the most.
Call us at +1 772-924-4431 to learn more about our care services. We’re open 24/7 and serve Vero Beach and its surrounding areas in Indian River County!