Disparities in long-term healthcare.

Health disparities exist in long-term care as well as in the community. Disparities in healthcare typically result from the interplay of insurance; healthcare access; health literacy and cultural disparities; and geographic distribution. Residence in the nursing home complicates the situation since it introduces facility differences, regulations, and payer issues. This article offers two vignettes of residents that illustrate management of chronic issues, and addressing end of life concerns.