The need for long-term care is generally defined by an individual’s inability to perform the normal activities of daily living (ADL) such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, continence, and moving around.
Conditions such as AIDS, spinal cord or head injuries, stroke, mental illness, Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, or physical weakness and frailty due to advancing age can all result in the need for long-term care.
While the need for long-term care can occur at any age, it is typically older individuals who require such care.
Individuals with Disabilities by Age
|
Age Range |
No Disability |
With a Disability |
|
5-17 Years |
95% |
5% |
|
18-34 Years |
94% |
6% |
|
35-64 Years |
87% |
13% |
|
65-74 Years |
74% |
26% |
|
75 Years and over |
49% |
51% |
