long-term-care

UK: ˌlɒŋ ˈtɜːm ˈkeə | US: ˌlɔːŋ ˈtɜːrm ˈker

Definition

  1. n. A system of medical and supportive services provided over an extended period to individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities.

  2. adj. Relating to or involving sustained medical or custodial support.

Structure
long <extended duration>term <period>care <medical/supportive attention>
Etymology

The word combines three distinct morphemes:

  1. "long" (Old English lang), denoting extended duration.
  2. "term" (Latin terminus, via Old French terme), referring to a defined period.
  3. "care" (Old English caru), originally meaning "sorrow" but later evolving to denote attentive support.
    The compound emerged in the 20th century to describe sustained healthcare services, reflecting societal shifts toward addressing aging populations and chronic conditions.
Examples

  1. She specializes in long-term-care insurance for elderly clients.

  2. The hospital has a dedicated wing for long-term-care patients.

  3. Planning for long-term-care expenses is crucial for retirees.

  4. His research focuses on improving long-term-care facilities.

  5. Many families struggle to afford quality long-term-care services.