The Long Term Care Environment

Assisted living technicians and personal care assistants help people who are disabled, chronically ill, or cognitively impaired and who are living in residential communities. They also help older adults who may need assistance to remain somewhat independent in independent living communities. They help with activities such as bathing, toileting, and dressing, and provide services such as light housekeeping, meal planning, and transportation. In some states, care assistants are able to assist residents with taking medication or check the resident’s vital signs under the direction of a nurse or other healthcare practitioner. Positions are in independent living communities, assisted living communities, and nursing homes. Individuals in these positions assist the resident in helping themselves with activities of daily living, ensure the resident is living in a safe and supportive environment, and provide companionship and family support; they do not provide direct medical care.

Specifically, this badge demonstrates earners' understanding of the long-term care environment, including the variety of caregivers who provide care for individuals in a residential environment, the types of options available for long-terms care settings, the services each offers and related costs and payment solutions.  Further, this badge demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of medical ethics as it pertains to patient and resident rights as well and the expectations of those to whom care is given.