About one out of eight Americans is over the age of 65. While Americans are remaining active longer and living longer than in the past, aging and its attendant illness can make it difficult for a person to manage without help. The system of health care that takes care of the many varied needs of older Americans is long-term care.

In the past, long-term care meant simply a nursing home. As people remain vital longer and as the health care needs of the elderly change, however, new alternatives have sprung up in the field of long-term care.

Long-term care can mean a nursing home. Nursing homes provide various levels of care. Some facilities provide skilled nursing care, with care delivered by nurses (both registered nurses and licensed practical nurses), following the orders of a physician. Skilled nursing facilities are not limited to helping elderly patients. Younger persons...