As our loved ones age, navigating the complex world of senior care becomes a significant aspect of ensuring their well-being and comfort. However, this journey can often be fraught with confusion due to the myriad of acronyms and terms associated with different types of care and services available. In this comprehensive glossary, we aim to provide clarity and understanding for some of the most common terms you may encounter along the way with aging parents and senior care.
ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)
These are fundamental abilities necessary for daily functioning, such as dressing, bathing, feeding oneself, and moving from one place to another. They are essential indicators of a person's independence and well-being.
Adult Day Care (aka Day Program)
This type of facility offers supervised care for older adults during daytime hours, catering to those with physical and/or mental limitations. It provides a supportive environment, meals, and opportunities for socialization while offering caregivers respite.
AD (Advanced Directive): This legal document outlines an individual's healthcare preferences in the event they become unable to communicate their wishes. It includes instructions for medical treatment and appoints a healthcare proxy to make decisions on their behalf.
AFC (Adult Foster Care)
Also known as Adult Care Homes, AFCs are residences for adults with disabilities who require assistance with daily tasks but do not need nursing home care. They provide a supportive environment while promoting independence.
Aging in Place
This concept involves seniors continuing to live in their own homes as they age, with support from caregivers and community services. It emphasizes maintaining independence and quality of life while ensuring safety and well-being.
ALF (Assisted Living Community)
Assisted living facilities provide support for seniors who need help with daily activities but do not require skilled nursing care. They offer a range of services, including meals, housekeeping, and medication management.
Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological condition characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline. It is the most common form of dementia, affecting millions of people worldwide.
ALZ (Alzheimer’s Care Unit or Memory Care)
These specialized units provide care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Staff are trained to support the unique needs of patients with memory loss and cognitive impairment.
AoA (Administration on Aging)
A federal agency dedicated to promoting the well-being of older adults and their caregivers. It supports the Aging Services Network and administers funds for home and community-based care programs.
BID (twice daily)
A medical abbreviation indicating that a medication should be taken twice a day.
CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community)
CCRCs offer a range of living options, from independent living to skilled nursing care, allowing residents to age in place as their needs change.
CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)
CNAs provide direct care to patients under the supervision of registered nurses. They assist with activities of daily living, monitor vital signs, and provide emotional support.
Companion Living
This option allows two unrelated individuals to share a living space within an assisted living facility, promoting socialization and reducing costs.
Conservator
A legal guardian appointed to make financial and personal decisions for an individual who is unable to do so themselves.
Dementia
A general term for a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.
DME (Durable Medical Equipment)
Equipment and devices used to assist individuals with disabilities or medical conditions, such as wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen tanks.
DNR (Do Not Resuscitate Order)
A legal directive indicating that a person does not wish to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if their heart stops or they stop breathing.
ECC (Extended Congregate Care)
A level of care offered in assisted living facilities that provides additional support and services to residents who require more assistance with daily activities.
EMS (Emergency Medical Services)
Emergency medical treatment provided by paramedics and ambulance services in response to life-threatening health situations.
FC (FULL CODE)
Indicates that medical personnel should use all available measures to resuscitate a patient if necessary.
FWW (Front Wheeled Walker)
A walker with wheels on the front legs to improve stability and mobility.
GCM (Geriatric Care Manager)
A professional who assists families in finding and coordinating care for older adults, often helping with placement in care facilities.
Hospice Care
Supportive care provided to terminally ill patients, focusing on comfort and quality of life in their final days.
HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)
A type of health insurance plan that requires members to use specified doctors and facilities within the HMO network.
Income Cap Trust
A legal document used to manage income for Medicaid applicants who exceed the maximum income limit.
In-Home Care
Care provided to individuals in their own homes by family members, friends, or professional caregivers.
IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living)
More complex tasks necessary for independent living, such as managing finances and transportation.
ICF (Intermediate Care Facility)
A residential facility providing constant care for individuals with mental or physical disabilities.
IND (Independent Care)
Housing options for active seniors who can care for themselves but want to be part of a community.
LMH (Limited Mental Health)
Certification required for staff working with mental health patients in care facilities.
LCRC (Life Care Retirement Community)
See CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community).
Long-term Care Insurance
Insurance coverage for long-term care services, often used to cover expenses not covered by Medicare.
Managed Care
An organized approach to healthcare coordination, involving communication among caregivers to ensure comprehensive care for patients.
Medicaid:
Established in 1965, Medicaid is a cornerstone of the United States' social health care system. It provides essential health care services, including long-term care, to individuals and families with limited income and resources. Funded jointly by the federal government and individual states, Medicaid operates under state-specific regulations governing eligibility and benefits. If you're considering relocating to another state and are a Medicaid recipient, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria and benefits in your new location.
Medical Director
In hospitals, the medical director holds a pivotal role, overseeing both medical and administrative aspects of operations. As the chief of the medical staff, their responsibilities range from ensuring the quality of patient care to serving as a liaison between medical staff and top management.
Medicare
Similar in inception to Medicaid, Medicare was established in 1965 to provide health insurance coverage primarily to individuals aged 65 and older. It also covers younger people with disabilities and those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Unlike Medicaid, which is jointly funded by the federal government and states, Medicare is solely funded by the federal government.
Medication Management
Effective medication management is essential for ensuring patient safety and treatment efficacy. Whether administered by professional nurses, caregivers, or patients themselves, medication management involves maintaining a clear record of prescribed medications, dosages, and schedules. It's crucial for all caregivers to communicate any changes in medication regimens and monitor patients' responses closely.
Medigap Insurance (Medicare Supplemental Insurance)
Medicare covers various health care costs, but it may not cover everything. Medigap insurance policies, also known as Medicare supplemental insurance, help fill the gaps in Medicare coverage, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Additionally, Medicare Advantage Health Plans (Part C) offer an alternative to traditional Medicare coverage.
NOC (Nocturnal, at night or needing night care)
In medical contexts, "NOC" refers to nocturnal activities or the need for care during nighttime hours. NOC nurses, for example, are healthcare professionals who work night shifts, providing crucial care and support to patients during nighttime hours.
Older Americans Act of 1965
Enacted to safeguard the interests of seniors, the Older Americans Act established the National Aging Network. This network comprises federal, state, and local agencies dedicated to providing essential services and support to older adults, including nutrition programs, elder rights initiatives, and caregiver support programs.
Ombudsman
Eldercare or long-term care ombudsmen play a vital role in addressing complaints and resolving disputes in care facilities. Mandated by the Older Americans Act, these impartial advocates investigate concerns raised by residents and work to ensure their rights and well-being are protected.
OT (Occupational Therapy)
Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals maintain independence and improve their quality of life by addressing physical limitations and adapting environments to suit their needs. For seniors, occupational therapists may recommend specialized equipment or provide training to support daily activities and mobility.
Palliative Care
Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life for individuals facing serious or terminal illnesses. It involves a multidisciplinary approach, including medical, nursing, and psychosocial support, to manage symptoms and address patients' physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
PCA (Person-centered Approach)
Also known as Person-centered Care (PCC) or Resident-centered Care (RCC), this approach emphasizes the individuality and dignity of each person, particularly those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's. It focuses on engaging the patient in activities they enjoy and treating them with respect, recognizing their humanity beyond their condition.
PCP (Primary Care Provider)
The primary care provider is the main healthcare professional who oversees a patient's routine medical needs. They serve as the first point of contact for medical issues, coordinate referrals to specialists when necessary, and play a central role in managing the patient's overall health.
PERS (Personal Emergency Response System)
A PERS, or Personal Emergency Response System, is an alarm system designed to provide immediate assistance in case of emergencies, particularly for seniors living alone. It typically includes wearable devices with emergency buttons that connect the user to a monitoring center, ensuring help is dispatched quickly when needed.
Personal Care Services
These services involve assistance with daily activities for individuals who can no longer manage them independently. Personal care services may include tasks such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication reminders, and transportation assistance.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)
A PPO is a type of health insurance plan that offers a network of preferred healthcare providers. While PPOs provide more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers compared to HMOs, they often come with higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
PT (Physical Therapy)
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in helping seniors recover from injuries, surgeries, or conditions that affect their mobility and physical function. PTs design personalized exercise programs and provide hands-on treatment to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and overall mobility.
QID (Quater in Die)
QID is a Latin abbreviation that stands for "four times a day." It is commonly seen on prescription labels to indicate the frequency of medication dosing.
RCF (Residential Care Facility)
Residential care facilities provide housing and assistance with daily activities for individuals who require some level of support but do not need skilled nursing care. RCFs may offer services such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and medication management.
Reminiscence Therapy
Reminiscence therapy involves recalling past experiences and memories to promote emotional well-being and cognitive function, particularly for individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia. It can help reduce anxiety, improve mood, and enhance social interaction.
Respite Care
Respite care offers temporary relief for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving responsibilities. It allows caregivers to recharge and attend to their own needs while ensuring their loved ones receive professional care in a supportive environment.
RT (Respiratory Therapy)
Respiratory therapy focuses on evaluating and treating respiratory conditions to improve breathing function and overall quality of life. RTs may provide treatments such as oxygen therapy, breathing exercises, and education on managing respiratory conditions.
Sandwich Generation
The term "Sandwich Generation" refers to individuals who are simultaneously caring for their own children and aging parents or relatives. This dual caregiving role can be emotionally and financially challenging, requiring juggling multiple responsibilities.
Senior Apartment
Senior apartments offer independent living accommodations tailored to the needs of older adults. These communities typically provide amenities such as maintenance-free living, social activities, and transportation services while allowing residents to maintain their autonomy.
Short-term Stay
Short-term stays in assisted living facilities or nursing homes provide temporary care for individuals recovering from illness, injury, or surgery. It can also serve as respite care for family caregivers who need temporary relief from their caregiving duties.
Senior Move Manager
Senior move managers assist older adults with the relocation process, whether transitioning to senior housing or downsizing their current home. They provide support with decluttering, packing, moving logistics, and settling into a new environment, alleviating stress for both seniors and their families.
ST (Speech Therapy)
Speech therapy addresses communication and swallowing disorders, particularly for seniors recovering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or neurological conditions. STs help improve speech clarity, language skills, and swallowing function through targeted interventions and exercises.
SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility)
Skilled nursing facilities provide short-term or long-term care for individuals who require round-the-clock medical supervision and assistance. SNFs offer rehabilitative services, medical care, and support with activities of daily living for patients with complex medical needs.
Telehealth
Telehealth refers to the remote delivery of healthcare services using technology, such as video conferencing, telephones, and mobile apps. Telehealth enables patients to access medical care from the comfort of their homes, improving convenience and accessibility, particularly for seniors with mobility or transportation challenges.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine involves the remote diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions using telecommunications technology. It allows healthcare providers to consult with patients, prescribe medications, and monitor health remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits and improving access to care.
TID (Ter in Die)
TID is a Latin abbreviation that stands for "three times a day." Like QID, it is commonly used on prescription labels to indicate the frequency of medication dosing.
TMC (Transitional Memory Care)
Transitional memory care is a specialized level of care within assisted living facilities designed to support individuals transitioning from assisted living to memory care units. TMC provides tailored support, activities, and socialization opportunities for seniors with early-stage dementia or Alzheimer's, delaying the need for more intensive memory care.
This glossary serves as a valuable resource for families navigating the complexities of senior care, providing clarity on the terminology commonly encountered in this field. By understanding these terms, individuals can make informed decisions about the care and support needed for their aging loved ones, ensuring they receive the highest quality of life and support in their later years.
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