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Activities
of Daily Living
Those activities necessary to maintain independent
living, such as feeding, dressing, toileting, and bathing.
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Adult
Day Care
Adult day care offers socialization during the day that
includes activities, field trips, and meals. Many centers provide
transportation to and from the center. This is an excellent and
affordable way to provide loved ones with quality care, while
giving caregivers time away.
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Advanced
Directives
Allows you to express wishes in advance to let physicians and
other health care providers know what medical treatments are
acceptable in the event you are unable to communicate your wishes.
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Assisted
Living
A living arrangement in which people with special
needs, especially seniors with disabilities, reside in a facility
that provides help with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing,
and taking medication. This is often referred to as a Resident
Care Facility (RCF I or II).
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At-Home
Services
Assistance available to older adults who reside in a variety of
living arrangements designed to help with the activities of daily
life. Such services range from assistance with bathing and
dressing to home cleaning, laundry and meal preparation. Some may
also escort a person to medical appointments and assist with
medication management and more.
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Community
Based Services
Cost effective, quality care or services, in the least
restrictive environment, that enables people to stay within their
own home and community; that enhances quality of life; and
supports individuals chosen lifestyle.
Dementia
The loss of intellectual functions (such as memory
deficit or confusion) that interfere with daily living. There are
many causes for dementia and some of these may be reversible such
as drug reactions and nutritional deficiencies.
Other causes of dementia are not reversible such as Alzheimer's
disease which is the most common type of dementia. To accurately
determine the cause of dementia and provide optimal treatment, the
older person needs a thorough geriatric assessment performed by a physician
with input from family members.
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Durable
Medical Equipment
An item that can withstand repeated use, is used for
medical purposes, and for an illness or injury in the home.
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Durable
Power of Attorney
Gives power to another to make legal or financial
decisions such as handling investments, paying bills, contracting
for nursing services and/or other living arrangements or care. The
powers can be narrow or broad. To make this legally binding you
should seek the advice of an attorney.
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Durable
Power of Attorney for Health Care
Gives power to another to make medical and other healthcare
decisions if you are incapacitated.
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Eldercare
A business industry that provides services or products that
directly or indirectly impacts the lives of the older adult
population.
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Eldercare
Specialist
A degreed professional who specializes in aging
related issues and assists older adults and their family members
by assessing their needs and identifying the best services and
care available to meet those needs
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Geriatric
Assessment
Many older people experience multiple medical problems,
frequent falls, memory and functional problems. Evaluations are
needed to determine the patient's strengths and problems, so that
resources can be identified and used to promote as much
independence, safety, and lifestyle satisfaction as possible. A
thorough care plan is provided upon completion of the
assessment.
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Home
Health Aide
Provides assistance with personal care such as
bathing, dressing, toileting, walking, etc. These services are
generally not covered by insurance.
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Homemaker
Services
Provides assistance with light housekeeping, meal
planning and preparation, laundry, eliminating safety hazards,
accompanying to appointments, running errands and grocery
shopping. These services are generally not covered by insurance.
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Hospice
Care
For those who have a terminal illness and require
24-hour care, hospice addresses the medical, emotional and
spiritual needs of both the patient and family.
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Independent
Living
A living arrangement that maximizes independence and
self-determination through a "community" environment
which allows one to be on their own while still having a network
of support nearby.
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Living
Will/Health Care Directive
A document in which a person states his/her wishes
regarding medical treatment. In Missouri, these documents become
effective when the individual is incapacitated.
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Medicaid
A government program, which provides certain health and
long term care services for low-income people. The person must
financially qualify based on monthly income and assets. This
program then allows the person to receive medical treatment both
in and out of hospitals.
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Medicare
A federal health insurance. It covers a portion of your
hospital and doctor bills. When you apply for Social Security at
full retirement age, you're automatically enrolled in Medicare
Part A (free hospital insurance). You may choose to sign up for
Medicare Part B (medical insurance). A monthly premium for Part B
will be deducted from your benefit check unless low income
entitles you to Qualified Medicare Beneficiary aid.
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Residential
Care Facility I
Provides 24-hour care, shelter and protective oversight
which may include the storage and distribution of medications
during a short-term illness or recuperation.
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Residential
Care Facility II
Provides additional services, such as supervision of diets,
assistance with personal care, housekeeping, social and
recreational programs and care during a short-term illness or
recuperation and supervision of health care under the direction of
a licensed physician. This type of facility is designed for the
semi-independent resident able to walk alone or with the help of a
cane, walker or crutch.
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Respite
Care
Short-term stay in a nursing facility to permit the
family/caregiver some rest. Sometimes, this time away from home
allows the care recipient an opportunity to socialize, participate
in mentally stimulating recreational activities and make new
friends.
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Skilled
Care
Care needed by a registered nurse such as injections,
medication administration, etc., or requires the skilled services
of occupational and physical therapists, speech pathologist and/or
social workers. Generally, skilled care is covered through
Medicare, Medicaid and other insurance.
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Skilled
Nursing
An extended care facility, which provides skilled nursing care
or rehabilitation services for residents on a daily basis.
There
are a lot of new words used in the field of eldercare. This is a list of
commonly used terms that describe levels of care, community services,
and legal matters. We hope you find it helpful.