Senior Living Glossary
Understanding the language of senior care with comprehensive definitions of key terms and concepts.
Understanding the language of senior care with comprehensive definitions of key terms and concepts.
An umbrella term encompassing various types of residential communities and care facilities designed specifically for older adults. Senior living includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and continuing care retirement communities, each offering different levels of support and services based on residents' needs.
Residential care facilities that provide personal care services, medication management, and assistance with daily activities while promoting independence. Residents typically live in private apartments and receive help as needed.
Housing designed for active seniors who want maintenance-free living with social opportunities. Residents live independently in private apartments with access to amenities, dining, and activities.
Specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Features secure environments, specialized programming, and staff trained in dementia care techniques.
Provides 24-hour medical care and rehabilitation services. Residents receive nursing care, physical therapy, and other medical services in a clinical setting.
Offers multiple levels of care on one campus, allowing residents to age in place as their needs change. Typically includes independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing.
California state-licensed facilities that provide non-medical care and supervision to seniors. Also known as board and care homes or care homes.
Daytime programs that provide social activities, meals, and health services for seniors who live at home but need supervision during the day.
Medical and non-medical services provided in a person's home, including nursing care, physical therapy, and personal care assistance.
Now that you know the different types of senior care available, let our experts help you determine which option is right for your loved one.
Federal health insurance program for people 65 and older. Covers skilled nursing care for up to 100 days after a qualifying hospital stay, but not long-term custodial care.
Joint federal and state program that provides health coverage for low-income individuals. May cover long-term care services for qualifying seniors.
California's Medicaid program that provides health coverage for low-income residents. May cover long-term care services for qualifying seniors.
Private insurance that covers long-term care services, including assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Premiums are typically lower when purchased at younger ages.
Veterans benefit that provides monthly payments to qualifying veterans and their spouses to help pay for long-term care services.
Loan that allows homeowners 62 and older to convert home equity into cash, which can be used to pay for long-term care services.
Paying for senior living services out of personal funds, including savings, investments, pensions, and Social Security benefits.
One-time payment required by some CCRCs to secure residency. May be partially refundable and helps fund the community's operations.
Understanding the financial aspects of senior care can be overwhelming. Our financial specialists can help you explore payment options and find solutions within your budget.
Legal document that allows one person to make decisions for another person if they become unable to make decisions themselves.
Legal document that specifies what actions should be taken for a person's health if they are unable to make decisions due to illness or incapacity.
Type of advance directive that specifies what medical treatments a person wants or doesn't want if they become unable to communicate their wishes.
Power of attorney that remains in effect even if the person becomes incapacitated, allowing the designated person to continue making decisions.
Legal process where a court appoints someone to make decisions for another person who is unable to make decisions for themselves.
Legal relationship where a court appoints someone to make personal and financial decisions for another person who cannot make those decisions themselves.
Basic self-care tasks including bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring, and continence. Used to assess care needs and determine appropriate care levels.
More complex daily tasks including managing medications, handling finances, shopping, cooking, housekeeping, and transportation. Used to assess independence levels.
General term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type.
Progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, eventually affecting the ability to carry out simple tasks. The most common cause of dementia.
Behavior common in dementia where a person walks aimlessly, often trying to "go home" or find a familiar place. Requires special safety measures in memory care communities.
Increased confusion, agitation, or restlessness that occurs in the late afternoon or evening in people with dementia. Often requires specialized care approaches.
Assessment of a person's likelihood of falling based on factors like balance, strength, medications, and environmental hazards. Used to determine safety measures needed.
Supervision and administration of medications to ensure proper dosing, timing, and safety. Often provided by trained staff in senior living communities.
Medical terminology can be confusing. Our care specialists can help you understand your loved one's specific health needs and find the right level of care.
Person responsible for the day-to-day operations of a senior living community. Must be licensed by the state and meet specific education and experience requirements.
Written plan that outlines the specific care and services a resident will receive, based on their individual needs and preferences. Updated regularly as needs change.
Comprehensive evaluation of a person's physical, mental, and social needs to determine appropriate care level and services. Conducted before admission and periodically thereafter.
Classification system that determines the amount and type of assistance a resident needs, ranging from independent to skilled nursing care.
Safety system that allows residents to call for help in case of emergency, typically through call buttons in rooms and common areas.
Legal protections and privileges that residents have in senior living communities, including privacy, dignity, choice, and freedom from abuse and neglect.
Advocate for residents in long-term care facilities who helps resolve complaints and ensures residents' rights are protected.
Regular inspection of senior living communities by state regulators to ensure compliance with licensing requirements and quality standards.
Specialized care for people with terminal illnesses, focusing on comfort and quality of life rather than cure. Can be provided in various settings including homes and facilities.
Federal program that provides monthly benefits to retired workers, disabled individuals, and survivors. Benefits can help pay for senior living expenses.
Medical care focused on providing relief from symptoms and stress of serious illness, with the goal of improving quality of life for both patient and family.
Process of preparing a resident for leaving a facility, including arranging for appropriate care and services in their new living situation.
Temporary care services that provide relief for family caregivers, allowing them to take breaks while ensuring their loved one receives proper care.
Legal strategies to protect personal assets while qualifying for Medicaid or other government assistance programs for long-term care.
Physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion experienced by family members who provide care for loved ones, often leading to the need for professional care services.
Approach to care that focuses on the individual's preferences, values, and needs, treating each person as a unique individual rather than just a patient.
Small residential care facility, typically housing 2-6 residents, providing personal care and supervision in a home-like setting.
Medicaid program that provides financial assistance for eligible seniors to receive care in assisted living facilities instead of nursing homes.
Small residential facility providing room, board, and personal care services for 2-6 residents in a home-like environment.
Housing arrangement where seniors live independently but share common areas and may receive some support services.
Specialized wing or floor within a facility designed specifically for residents with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Higher level of assisted living services for residents who need more intensive care but don't require skilled nursing.
Small residential facility, typically for 6-15 residents, providing 24-hour supervision and personal care services.
Another term for Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) that emphasizes the comprehensive life planning aspect.
Facility providing 24-hour skilled nursing care and medical services for residents with complex health needs.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly - comprehensive healthcare program that helps seniors stay in their homes.
General term for any facility providing housing and personal care services for seniors who cannot live independently.
Age-restricted housing communities designed for active seniors, typically offering amenities and social activities.
Financial product that provides regular payments over a specified period, often used to fund long-term care expenses.
Process of reducing personal assets to qualify for Medicaid coverage of long-term care services.
Amount of assets a married person can keep when their spouse applies for Medicaid long-term care coverage.
Annual report showing the average cost of long-term care services in different geographic areas.
Cost per day for senior living services, often used for short-term stays or respite care.
Initial payment required to secure a room or apartment in a senior living community, may be refundable.
Legal professional specializing in issues affecting seniors, including estate planning and long-term care financing.
Programs and services that provide financial assistance and resources to family members caring for elderly relatives.
Legal strategies to protect assets while qualifying for Medicaid coverage of long-term care services.
Regular payment for senior living services, typically covering room, board, and basic care services.
Regular payment received after retirement, often from former employer, used to fund living expenses including senior care.
Health insurance coverage purchased from private companies, may include some long-term care benefits.
Federal program providing monthly payments to low-income seniors, disabled, and blind individuals.
Evaluation to determine if a person has the mental ability to make decisions about their care and finances.
Legal document allowing someone to make medical decisions for another person if they become unable to do so.
Physical, emotional, or financial harm inflicted on elderly individuals, including neglect and exploitation.
Process of arranging for the management and disposal of a person's assets after death, including wills and trusts.
Illegal or improper use of an elderly person's money, property, or assets for another person's benefit.
Legal document designating someone to make healthcare decisions if the person becomes unable to communicate their wishes.
Process of ensuring a person understands the risks and benefits of medical treatment before agreeing to it.
Legal arrangement where assets are held in trust during a person's lifetime and transferred to beneficiaries after death.
Legal requirement for certain professionals to report suspected elder abuse or neglect to authorities.
Legal protections and privileges that patients have when receiving healthcare services, including privacy and informed consent.
Legal document specifying how a person's assets should be distributed after their death and who should manage their estate.
Short-term medical treatment for severe illness or injury, typically provided in hospitals or specialized facilities.
Physical, mental, and emotional strain experienced by family members providing care for elderly relatives.
Long-term health condition that requires ongoing medical management, such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis.
Evaluation of mental abilities including memory, thinking, and problem-solving skills to determine care needs.
Sudden onset of confusion and disorientation, often caused by illness, medication, or environmental changes.
Mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and other symptoms affecting daily life.
Evaluation of a person's ability to perform daily activities and self-care tasks to determine appropriate care level.
Comprehensive evaluation of an older adult's physical, mental, and social health to develop a care plan.
Loss of bladder or bowel control, common in elderly individuals and requiring specialized care and management.
Evaluation of a person's ability to move around safely, including walking, transferring, and balance.
Use of multiple medications simultaneously, common in elderly patients and requiring careful management to avoid interactions.
Skin injury caused by prolonged pressure, common in bedridden or immobile patients and requiring specialized care.
Medical care focused on restoring function and independence after illness, injury, or surgery.
Medical care provided by licensed healthcare professionals, such as nurses or therapists, requiring specialized training.
Staff member responsible for planning and coordinating recreational and social activities for residents.
Staff member who helps families through the process of moving into a senior living community.
Regular meeting between family, staff, and healthcare providers to discuss resident's care plan and needs.
Healthcare worker who provides basic care services under the supervision of licensed nurses.
Rules and guidelines that residents must follow to maintain a safe and harmonious living environment.
Document outlining the care provided and current status when a resident leaves a facility.
Group of family members who meet regularly to discuss concerns and provide input on facility operations.
Documentation of any accident, injury, or unusual event involving a resident or staff member.
Nurse with specialized training who provides basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses.
Document tracking all medications given to residents, including dosage, time, and any reactions.
Systematic process of monitoring and improving the quality of care and services provided to residents.
Licensed nurse with advanced training who can assess, plan, and provide comprehensive nursing care.
Group of residents who meet regularly to discuss concerns and provide input on community life.
Professional who helps residents and families navigate social services, benefits, and emotional support needs.
Number of residents per staff member, used to measure the level of care and attention provided.
Contract between facilities allowing residents to move between different levels of care as needed.
California state form required for admission to assisted living facilities, documenting the resident's health status and care needs assessment.
Legal contract between the resident/family and the assisted living facility outlining services, costs, policies, and resident rights.
Medical assessment form completed by a doctor documenting the resident's health status, medications, and care requirements for facility admission.
Legal document allowing residents to self-administer medications or have family members assist with medication management instead of facility staff.
Evaluation form determining the appropriate level of care services needed, used to match residents with suitable assisted living communities.
Document outlining the legal rights and protections afforded to assisted living residents, including privacy, dignity, and choice in care.
Comprehensive list of all current medications, dosages, and administration instructions required for assisted living admission and ongoing care.
Documentation of the resident's financial resources and ability to pay for assisted living services, often required for admission.
Tuberculosis screening test results required by most assisted living facilities to ensure resident and community health safety.
Document listing family members, friends, or healthcare providers to contact in case of emergency or medical issues.
Legal authorization allowing the facility to provide medical care, emergency treatment, and coordinate with healthcare providers.
Comprehensive medical history document including past illnesses, surgeries, allergies, and current health conditions for care planning.
Document outlining the process and requirements for leaving the facility, including notice periods and transition planning.
Individualized care document detailing the specific services, assistance, and support the resident will receive based on their needs assessment.
Signed confirmation that the resident and family have read and understand the facility's policies, procedures, and community guidelines.
Documentation of required vaccinations and immunizations, including flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines, as mandated by facility policies.
Legal documents designating who can make decisions on behalf of the resident if they become unable to make their own choices.
Documentation confirming health insurance coverage, long-term care insurance, or other payment sources for assisted living services.
Detailed contract specifying the level of care services, costs, payment terms, and conditions for continued residence in the facility.
Evaluation form assessing the resident's risk of falling and determining appropriate safety measures and assistance needed.
Document outlining the process for residents and families to file complaints or concerns about care, services, or facility policies.