ADULT DAY CARE

A daily structured program in a community setting with activities and health-related services for seniors who are physically or emotionally disabled and need a protective environment

Socialization, meals, nursing oversight and sometimes rehabilitation are provided; daytime only

AGING IN PLACE

A concept that advocates allowing seniors to remain in their living environment despite physical or mental decline that may occur with the aging process

ALZHEIMER’S PROGRAM

Specialized program and facility for individuals suffering from memory loss. Program may be free-standing, residential, assisted living or a nursing facility

Medicare and Medicaid may provide assistance

ASSISTED LIVING

Apartment type units in a residential community providing meals, laundry, housekeeping, medication reminders, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)

Generally regarded as one to two steps below skilled nursing in level of care

Medicare and Medicaid do not provide assistance

ASSISTED TRANSPORTATION

Allows seniors to maintain independence when unable to drive or need the assistance of a handicap-equipped vehicle; may be municipal or private

COMPANIONS/ASSISTED TRANSPORTATION

Provide transportation to appointments and shopping, socialization, and respite for families

Personal care and meal preparation is not expected         

CONGREGATE HOUSING & INDEPENDENT LIVING

Congregate Housing, Supportive Housing, Retirement Community

Multi-unit senior housing development that may provide supportive services such as meals, housekeeping, social activities, and transportation

Independent Living: Typically encourages socialization by providing social programs and meals in a central dining area.

Senior Apartment: May be used to describe housing with few or no services

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Offer a long-term contract that provides for a continuum of care all on one campus, including independent, assisted living and nursing services

Medicare and Medicaid do not assist unless nursing services are needed.

ELDER LAW (ESTATE AND FINANCIAL PLANNING)

A new area of legal specialization focusing on health, legal and financial issues of seniors and their families

Provides assistance with social security, disability claims and appeals, Medicare/Medicaid claims and appeals, supplemental and long-term health insurance issues, disability planning, durable powers of attorney, health care decisions, and instruments for preservation, inheritance or transfer of assets

GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT

An evaluation of medical, physical, psychological and social needs and abilities designed to help older adults optimize health and well-being

Geriatric specialists provide recommendations and coordinate care with all healthcare providers

GERIATRIC CARE MANAGERS

Provide a home assessment and create a senior care plan

Provide a variety of services for seniors and caregivers

HOME CARE (SKILLED)

Includes licensed health care providing nursing, physical therapy and non-medical assistance (bathing, dressing, meals, etc.)

Medicare and Medicaid may provide some assistance.

HOME HEALTH AIDES

Caregivers who assist with personal care such as, bathing, dressing, eating, exercising, light housekeeping, and meal preparation

HOMEMAKERS

Caregivers who relieve homemaking concerns by assisting with laundry, light housekeeping, shopping and meal preparation.

HOSPICE

Provides care and comfort measures for terminally ill patients and support for their family

Includes medical care, pain management, and emotional & spiritual support; may be in-home, in a hospital or in a specialized hospice facility

Medicare and Medicaid may provide assistance

INSTRUMENTAL ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (IADLS)

Day-to-day tasks such as preparing meals, shopping, managing money, taking medication, and housekeeping

LIFE CARE COMMUNITY

A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) that offers an insurance-type contract and provides all levels of care; often includes payment for acute care and physician visits

Little or no change is made in the monthly fee, regardless of the level of medical care required by the resident, except for cost of living increases.

LIVE-IN SERVICES

Include socialization, meal preparation, household tasks and assistance with appointments & errands

Caregivers are available to live in the client’s home to maintain a safe environment

Generally expected that caregiver will have a bed in a separate room and meals provided                                                                                                                                  

LONG-TERM CARE or NURSING HOME CARE

Facilities licensed by the state to provide 24-hour skilled nursing care

Provide room and board, and activities for convalescent residents and those with chronic and/or and long-term care illnesses

Regular medical supervision and rehabilitation therapy are available

May participate in Medicare or Medicaid

MEAL PROGRAMS

Home delivery of lunch and dinner for seniors and other adults recovering at home and for individuals who are unable to shop or cook

Offered by non-profit and profit organizations

MANAGED CARE

No standard definition of managed care

Can best be described as a combination of insurance and a health care delivery system that coordinates all services to maximize benefits and minimize costs

Have their own network of health care providers and may require prior approval from a primary care doctor

Providers include specialists, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, therapists, and home health care agencies

MEDICAID

A federal and state funded medical health insurance program that provides benefits to individuals with limited financial resources; income eligibility criteria must be met to qualify

In order for Medicaid to pay for nursing home care, the patient must have exhausted nearly all assets and be in a nursing facility that participates in Medicaid.

MEDICARE

A federal government entitlement program administered by the Social Security Administration for individuals age 65 and older and disabled individuals, regardless of income

Provides for hospital and nursing facility care (Part A), and physician services, therapies, and home health care (Part B)

MEDICATIONS MANAGEMENT/ASSISTANCE

A program to assist the management of a patient’s medication, including dosage and timing

Clients must take the medication themselves; caregiver can only remind the patient

MEDIGAP INSURANCE

Private health insurance policies that supplement Medicare, covering health care costs above those covered by Medicare Part A or Part B

Primarily covers doctor and hospital bills; does not provide benefits for long term care

NOT-FOR-PROFIT

Status of ownership and/or operation characterized by government

Organization that has a volunteer, community-based Board of Trustees whose members donate their time and talents to ensure that the approach to caring responds to local needs

Organization that turns any surplus income back into improving or expanding services for their clients

NURSES

Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses provide skilled nursing services and expertise in a variety of specialties such as diabetic teaching and care, wound care, infusion therapy, cardiac and restorative care

NURSE ASSISTANT OR HOME HEALTH AIDE

Caregivers who provide personal care, including bathing, dressing, and toileting and work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse

Must be trained, tested, and certified to provide care in the home or nursing facilities

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Rehabilitation provided to assist patient in relearning activities of daily living, generally administered by a licensed therapist

Providers may participate in Medicare or Medicaid

PSYCHIATRISTS

Medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of thinking, feeling and/or behavior

Can prescribe medications when needed

PSYCHOLOGISTS

Mental health care providers whose educational background includes a doctoral-level degree in the field of psychology

Must be licensed by the State to practice

Not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication

PHYSICAL THERAPY 

Process that includes individualized program of exercise to improve physical mobility and to help restore function and strength

Providers may participate in Medicare or Medicaid

RESPITE CARE 

Temporary relief from caregiver duties, ranging from several hours to days

May be provided in-home or in a residential care setting such as an assisted living facility or nursing home

SENIOR HOUSING OR SENIOR APARTMENTS

Residence that is responsive to the special concerns of the elderly

Some are totally independent; others offer meals, housekeeping or both

Medicare and Medicaid do not assist; limited income models available.

SOCIAL WORKERS 

Caregivers who utilize theories of human behavior and social systems to promote social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being

Can have a master's degree in social work (MSW)