Define the four basic integrating mechanisms and explain why they are essential to achieving a seamless continuum of care? Solution 4. In the context of long term health care, hospitals are a tertiary medical facility. Usually patients being admitted in a hospital require acute medical services. Moreover the level of healthcare is more complex in terms of the type of disease or health problems of the patients. For this purpose hospitals have staff that are more technically knowledgeable and competent. Nursing homes, on the other hand, are specific to long term care of patients. They try and replicate the environment of home. In contrast to hospitals the evel of healthcare is less complex in terms of the type of disease or health problems of the patients. Nursing homes have fewer staff with high degree of technical knowledge and skills..