A Glossary of Senior Living Terminology

Also known as residential care. In general, a state-licensed program offered at a residential community with services that include meals, laundry, housekeeping, medication reminders, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). The exact definition will vary from state to state, and a few states do not license assisted living facilities. Generally regarded as one to two steps below skilled nursing in the level of care. Approximately 90% of the country’s assisted living services are paid for with private funds, although some states have adopted Medicaid waiver programs.

Might also be referred to as personal care, board and care, residential care, boarding home, etc., although some states differentiate between their definition of “assisted living” and these other terms (e.g., Washington state recognizes and licenses “assisted living” facilities as well as “boarding homes.” Although licensed by the state of Washington, a boarding home does not meet the higher physical plant and service requirements necessary to be considered an assisted living facility). Explore what an assisted living care service can offer you.

Full spectrum of care available at Continuing Care Retirement Communities, which may include independent living, assisted living, nursing care, home health, home care, and home- and community-based services.

Provision of medical and nursing services in the individual’s home by a licensed provider.

Care and comfort measures provided to those with a terminal illness and their families – it can include medical care, counseling, and social services. Most hospice care is furnished in home, while specialized hospices or hospitals also provide this service.

A multi-unit senior housing development that may provide supportive services such as meals, housekeeping, social activities and transportation (can also be referred to as Congregate Housing, Supportive Housing, or Retirement Community). Independent living typically encourages socialization by providing meals in a central dining area and scheduled social programs. At The Estates at Carpenters, we offer an active independent living lifestyle. (See also: Senior Apartment Home.)

Provision of services to persons of any age who are afflicted with chronic health impairments.

There is currently no standard definition of managed care, but it can best be described as a combination of insurance and a health care delivery system. The basic goal of managed care is to coordinate all health care services received to maximize benefits and minimize costs. Managed care plans use their own network of health care providers and a system of prior approval from a primary care doctor to achieve this goal. Providers include: specialists, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, therapists, and home health care agencies.

The assessment and process to help individuals relearn activities of daily living, generally administered by a licensed therapist. This type of rehabilitation includes aid in dressing, eating, using the bathroom, picking up objects, brushing teeth, and other activities that require strength and dexterity.

A medical caregiving approach with the goal of optimizing quality of life and easing the pain and suffering of individuals with chronic and terminal illnesses. Palliative Care can be administered with both curable intent and during end-of-life treatment.

Process that includes individualized programs of exercise to improve physical mobility, often administered following a stroke, fall or accident. Physical therapists plan and administer prescribed physical therapy treatment programs and rehabilitation for residents to help restore their function and strength.

Rehabilitation and therapeutic care for persons requiring intensive physical, occupational or speech therapy.

An inpatient, full-spectrum rehabilitation and medical treatment center for older adults requiring acute skilled nursing care services. Services may include physical, occupational and speech therapy, along with medication management and administration, as well as other health care services. (See also: Nursing Home.)

Speech therapy, or speech language pathology, is a category of rehabilitation therapy administered by a trained professional that works to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, cognitive communication, social communication, and swallowing disorders.

Also referred to as an Active Adult community. A type of community designed specifically for adults ages 55 and older that offers the opportunity to enjoy your retirement with a maintenance-free lifestyle. Residents must meet the age requirement in order to own and rent property in this type of community. (See also: Active Adult Lifestyle.)

The type of lifestyle found in a 55+ community. This type of lifestyle is for independent adults who are capable of managing activities of daily living (ADLs) without any support from medical professionals or support staff.

Everyday activities include bathing, grooming, eating, toileting and dressing. Older adults frequently need help with ADLs, which is where assisted living might come in.

An individual makes a conscious decision to remain in their living environment as they grow older and includes having services, care and support in the residence as well should they be needed as the aging process progresses. Moving to a senior living community can help stimulate the mind and keep seniors physically active, which can be issues seniors encounter when choosing to age in place.

Also called a Life Plan Community. This type of housing is planned and operated to provide a continuum of accommodations and services for older adults, including but not limited to independent living, congregate housing, assisted living, and skilled nursing care.

A CCRC resident contract often involves either an entry fee or buy-in fee in addition to the monthly service charges, which may change according to the medical services required. Entry fees may be partially or fully refundable. The fee is used primarily as a method of privately financing the development of the project and for payment for future health care. Whenever another level of care is needed, a CCRC contract makes it easy to transition to that care service within the same community. CCRCs are typically licensed by the state. (See also: Lifecare Community.)

The process of moving from a larger home to a smaller home to cut back on material items and home maintenance. Many seniors downsize for easier living.

Each community may have its own definition of a kitchenette, but generally floor plans with a kitchenette include a sink, cabinet space, a mini-refrigerator, and maybe a microwave. In contrast, a full kitchen would usually have a burner unit, sink, cabinets, full-size refrigerator, and possibly a microwave or stove.

Also called a Type A contract. Lifecare is a type of financial contract within a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), also known as a Life Plan Community. This insurance-type contract provides all levels of care. It 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.

Formalized procedure with a written set of rules for the management of self-administered medicine, as in an assisted living setting. A program may include management of the timing and dosage for residents and could include coordination with a resident’s personal physician. The resident must take the medication themself. For instance, the facility can remind the resident that they need to give themself the medicine injection, but the facility cannot perform the actual injection itself.

Status of ownership and/or operation characterized by government by community-based boards of trustees who are all volunteers. Board members donate their time and talents to ensure that a not-for-profit organization’s approach to caring for older people responds to local needs.

Not-for-profit homes and services put any surplus income back into improving or expanding services for their clients or residents. Many not-for-profit organizations are often associated with religious denominations and fraternal groups. Not-for-profits may also interact with Congress and federal agencies to further causes that serve the elderly.

An RN or LPN who is responsible for the supervision of a unit within a nursing facility. The charge nurse schedules and supervises nursing staff and provides care to facility residents.

A staff medical director assumes overall responsibility for the formulation and implementation of all policies related to medical care. The medical director also coordinates with an individual’s personal physician to ensure the facility delivers the care that is prescribed. In some instances, the medical director may be a resident’s primary physician.

Provides the most personal care to residents, including bathing, dressing and toileting. Must be trained, tested and certified to provide care in nursing facilities that participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Nurse assistants work under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.

An official who works to investigate and resolve individuals’ complaints against maladministration and malpractice in senior living communities and other public facilities.

Graduate-trained nurse who has both passed a state board examination and is licensed by a state agency to practice nursing. The RN plans for resident care by assessing resident needs, developing and monitoring care plans in conjunction with physicians, as well as executing highly technical, skilled nursing treatments. A minimum of two years of college is required in addition to passage of the state exams.

Also called a senior living advisor or elder care advisor. Guides and advises individuals and their families through the process of finding the right fit in senior living for their lifestyle, health care needs, and budget.