Final answer:
The term 'total care' describes the intensive support required by some elderly residents in care facilities, encompassing all ADLs due to their high dependency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase 'total care' is often used to describe the care needs of residents who rely heavily on staff for assistance with mobility, toileting, bathing, eating, and performing all Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). As healthcare improves and life expectancy rises, the global elder care challenge will become increasingly significant. In many cultures, elder care responsibilities traditionally lie with the family, while in Western countries, including the United States, there is often an expectation of independence. However, widespread employment, economic pressures, and changing social dynamics mean that families are less able to provide the necessary care, leading to a greater reliance on institutional care settings. Professional caregivers in these settings must be adequately trained and supported to prevent burnout and ensure the provision of compassionate, high-quality care to the elderly.