A: Long term care refers to assistance with the very basic, activities of daily living (ADL) that the general population can do with no assistance. As a result of illness, injury or advanced age, many people need assistance in order to eat or dress or bathe. The need for long term care may also result because a person has cognitive impairment. Some people need supervision or reminders to accomplish ADLs, such as using the toilet, eating, bathing, dressing, and so forth.