As individuals age, they may require assistance with daily activities and healthcare needs. This can lead to the need for senior living and healthcare services, which can be confusing and overwhelming to navigate. The following glossary of terms provides definitions for commonly used senior living and healthcare terms. We hope this is helpful as you or your loved one navigate the aging process.
Acute Care: A type of medical care that is provided for a short period of time for individuals with a sudden and severe illness or injury.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Refers to the basic self-care tasks that an individual needs to perform in order to maintain their daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and using the bathroom.
Adult Living Facilities: A term used to describe communities or facilities designed specifically for older adults who can live independently but want the benefits of a community setting.
Advance Healthcare Directive: A legal document that specifies what medical treatments an individual wishes to receive or refuse in the event they are unable to make their own medical decisions.
Advanced Directives: Advanced directives are legal documents that outline an individual’s wishes regarding their healthcare in the event they become unable to make decisions for themselves. This includes living wills, power of attorney, and do-not-resuscitate orders.
Aging in Place: The concept of allowing individuals to continue living in their own homes and communities as they age, with the support of necessary services and modifications.
Alzheimer’s Disease: A progressive, degenerative disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior.
Assisted Living: A type of senior living facility that provides residents with assistance with activities of daily living and other support services, such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and transportation.
Assisted Living Facility: A residential setting for older adults who need some assistance with daily activities but do not require 24-hour medical care.
Care Advisors: Professional experts who provide guidance and support to individuals and their families as they navigate the complex and often confusing world of senior care.
Caregiver: A person who provides care and support to an elderly or disabled individual.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): An individual who has been trained and certified to provide basic care to patients in a healthcare setting, under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Chronic Illness: A long-term medical condition that requires ongoing management and treatment.
Co-Insurance: Co-insurance is a type of cost-sharing in insurance where the policyholder and the insurance company both contribute a portion of the total costs for covered medical expenses.
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC): A type of senior living community that provides a continuum of care, from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing care, all on one campus.
Continuum of Care: The range of health and support services provided to individuals as their needs change over time, from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing care.
Dementia: A term used to describe a decline in cognitive function and memory that affects an individual’s ability to perform daily activities.
Elder Care: The process of providing care and support to older adults, either in their homes or in a facility.
Geriatric Care Manager: A professional who specializes in the care of older adults and provides support and guidance to families and individuals facing the challenges of aging.
HIPAA: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that establishes standards for privacy, security, and electronic transmission of healthcare information. HIPAA also sets requirements for protecting personal health information (PHI) and how it can be used and disclosed.
Home Health Care: Medical and non-medical services provided in the home to individuals who need assistance with daily activities and/or medical care.
Hospice: A type of care provided to individuals who are nearing the end of their lives, with the goal of making them comfortable and managing their symptoms.
Health and Rehabilitation Center: A type of facility that provides comprehensive care and rehabilitation services for individuals with a variety of health conditions, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
Independent Living: A type of senior living option for older adults who can live on their own but want the benefits of a community setting and access to support services, such as meal preparation, transportation, and housekeeping.
Long-Term Care: Comprehensive and ongoing care provided to individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or other needs over an extended period of time.
Living Will: A legal document that outlines an individual’s wishes for end-of-life medical treatments in the event they are unable to make their own decisions.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): An individual who has completed a practical nursing program and is licensed to provide basic care to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Meals on Wheels: A program that delivers hot, nutritious meals to older adults who are unable to leave their homes.
Medicaid: A joint federal and state program that provides healthcare coverage to individuals with low incomes.
Medicare: A federal health insurance program for individuals over 65 years of age, as well as for those with certain disabilities.
Memory Care: A specialized type of care provided to individuals with memory impairments, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Medication Management: The process of ensuring that individuals take their medications correctly and as prescribed, including monitoring for side effects and interactions with other medications.
Nurse Practitioner: An advanced practice nurse who is licensed to diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and provide comprehensive care services.
Nursing Home: A type of long-term care facility that provides 24-hour medical and nursing care to individuals who cannot live independently.
Occupational Therapy: A type of therapy that helps individuals perform their daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating, by improving their physical, cognitive, and motor skills.
Ombudsman: An advocate for residents of long-term care facilities, who investigates and resolves complaints and concerns about their care and living conditions.
Palliative Care: Medical care that focuses on relieving the symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illnesses and helping individuals live as comfortably and fully as possible.
Private Pay Patients: Private pay patients are individuals who pay for their own healthcare expenses out of pocket, without the use of insurance.
Physical Therapy: A type of therapy that helps individuals regain strength, mobility, and function after an injury or illness through exercises and other therapeutic interventions.
Power of Attorney: A legal document that gives another individual the authority to make decisions on behalf of another person, including financial and healthcare decisions.
Respite Care: Short-term care provided to individuals in need of a break from their regular care routine, usually for a few hours or days, so that their caregiver can rest or attend to other responsibilities.
Registered Nurse (RN): An individual who has completed a nursing program and is licensed to provide comprehensive nursing care to patients in a healthcare setting.
Resident Care Plan: A resident care plan is a personalized plan of care that outlines the specific needs, goals, and services required by a resident in a senior living community or nursing home. This plan is developed by a team of healthcare professionals and updated regularly to ensure that the resident’s needs are being met.
Senior Living Community: A term used to describe a range of housing options for older adults, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care.
Senior Care Plan: a comprehensive plan of care designed to meet the specific needs and preferences of an older adult. This plan is created with input from the seniors, their family members, and healthcare professionals, and takes into account their health status, functional abilities, and goals for their future.
Skilled Nursing Facility: A type of long-term care facility that provides 24-hour medical and nursing care to individuals with complex medical needs.
In conclusion, the world of senior living and healthcare is complex and constantly evolving, but having a solid understanding of the terms used in these industries is essential to making informed decisions about care. Should you have additional questions, we encourage you to reach out to any of the providers featured on our site.
