An overview of long-term care.

Long-term care (LTC) refers to health, social, and residential services provided to chronically disabled persons over an extended period of time. Especially during the last 20 years, State and Federal Governments have played an increasing role in the financing of long-term care. The aging of the population underlines the future importance of this topic. This article provides background data on need, supply, and expenditures; discusses government financing programs; and addresses quality of care concerns and options for LTC reform.