What do you call an individual who lives in a long-term care facility?

The term used for an individual who lives in a long-term care facility is "Resident." This designation is significant because it acknowledges the person's ongoing and often permanent presence in the facility, emphasizing their status as a member of the community rather than simply a recipient of care. In long-term care settings, residents typically engage with the facility as a home and develop social relationships with staff and other residents, which is distinct from the term "patient" that is often used in acute care environments where individuals receive treatment for specific health issues and may not stay long-term.

The use of "client" may suggest a more transactional relationship, which does not fully capture the essence of living in a long-term care environment. "Member" could imply participation in a group, but it lacks the specific connotation of residential care and support that "Resident" provides. Thus, identifying individuals in long-term care as residents reflects their living situation and the holistic care approach that is often emphasized in these facilities.