Dynamic v.s Static Static perspective ： some clients of a continuum may have no immediate needs because they are functionally independent,have a well-established support network,and have stable health conditions. Dynamic ： an individual client ’ s needs can range over time from no need,to moderate need,to acute need-and back again.

Long-Term Long-Term Care v.s Short-Term Long-Term Care Long-Term Long-Term Care ： tends to have chronic, persistent,multiple problems,with etiologies that are permanent.

Long-Term Long-Term Care v.s Short-Term Long-Term Care Short-Term Long-Term Care ： by their rapidly changing pattern of needs,by an expectation of recovery or rehabilitation,and by their shoter reliance on an integrated continuum.

Institutional v.s Community-Based Setting Long-term care services can be provided to people regardless of their location of residence. Long-term care can be provided in either institutional or home settings,and the exchange between the two is ongoing.

Subgroups of long-term care clients Older Adults Children with Special Health Care Needs People with Disabilities People with Mental Disorders and Mental Retardation Informal Caregivers Others

Conclusion For the acute-oriented health care system to meet the current and future demands of all those needing long-term care, major restructuring along the lines of an integrated continuum of care is essential.