Goals and characteristics of long-term care programs: an analytic model

A medico-social analytic model is presented, comprised of program goals, policies, tolerance of patients' functional dependence and behaviors, ability to manage nursing needs and medical conditions, and costs. Five long-term care programs were compared: SNF-ICF homes (with both SNF and ICF beds), ICF homes, foster homes, day hospital, and home care. Differences and similarities between programs were identified. Although the model needs further testing and refinement, preliminary findings suggested its usefulness in the evaluation and design of long-term care services.