Most Americans know about the kind of health insurance that pays doctor and hospital bills. But the kind that pays for long-term care in a nursing home or at home is not as familiar.

Long-term care goes beyond medical care and nursing care to include all the assistance you could need if you ever have a chronic illness or disability that leaves you unable to care for yourself for an extended period of time. You can receive long-term care in a nursing home, or in your own home, in the form of help with such activities as bathing or dressing. Long-term care can be of help to a young or middle-aged person who has been in an accident or suffered a debilitating illness. But most long-term care services are used by older people.

Beyond nursing homes, there is a range of services available in the community to help meet long-term care needs. Care given by family members can be supplemented by visiting nurses, home health aides, friendly visitor programs, home-delivered meals, chore services, adult daycare centers, and respite services for caregivers who need a break from daily responsibilities.

These services are becoming more widely available. Some or all of them may be found in your community. Your local Area Agency on Aging or Office on Aging can help you locate the services you need. Call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 to identify your local office.