Glossary

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A

Adult Day Care

Adult daycare centers offer trained staff during business hours who can assist with daily living activities. The attendees are adults who are no longer independent due to dementia or other cognitive diagnoses, along with other types of chronic health issues. These centers offer some respite time for their loved ones who serve as their caregivers. After the adult attendees are dropped off, they are immersed in a social environment with physical activities.

Adult Day Health Care

Adult Day Health Care is similar to Adult Day Care except that it provides clinical services such as injections and other licensed nursing services. This type of daycare requires a different license and, in some cases, may be covered by Medicare. During the course of a day, there are structured activities & social programs, and transportation may be offered.

Adult Care Home

Adult Care Home is also referred to as a Residential Care Home, Board, and Care Home, Board & Care Facility, Care Home, Adult Foster Group Home, Adult Care Home, Adult Group Home, or Care Facility. These communities can offer all three levels of Senior Living, such as independent living, assisted living, and memory care, or they may be more specific to certain care types. They are private homes in residential areas that have been converted for Senior Living. You'll find that most are three bedrooms/2 bathroom homes offering six beds -one to two persons per bedroom and shared bathrooms. You may find even larger communities based on the size of the home and how many bedrooms & bathrooms it has. Maximum occupancy may vary state by state, and a state licensing agency oversees them.

Activities Of Daily Living

"Activities of Daily Living" are also known as ADLs. Some examples are meal preparation, eating, dressing, undressing, personal hygiene, toileting, bathing or showering, transfers to and from bed or chair, medication management, housekeeping, and maintaining personal safety.

ADLs:

This is the abbreviation for Activities of Daily Living. Some examples are meal preparation, eating, dressing, undressing, personal hygiene, toileting, bathing or showering, transfers to and from bed or chair, medication management, housekeeping, and maintaining personal safety.

Aid and Attendance

Aid and Attendance are actually called VA Aid and Attendance. Veterans Benefits collectively cover a variety of different programs. Specifically for wartime veterans over 65. In addition, there is a VA Pension with two additional programs to help with the cost of senior care—Aid & Attendance and Housebound. The Pension Program provides monthly payments to wartime Veterans who meet certain age or disability requirements and have income and net worth within certain limits. Spouses of veterans may also be eligible for survivors' pension programs.

Age In Place

When a senior has made the decision and has a plan to stay in their current home instead of moving to a senior living or assisted living community.

Age Restricted

A residential community indicates the residents are people generally above a certain age. For example, the ages commonly seen in senior Living are 55+ or 60+.

Assisted Living

Assisted Living is a community that is licensed by their state as an RCFE. It can be either a residential home or a congregate community. It is a non-clinical setting providing assistance with the activities of daily living. It is staffed 24/7 to meet health and personal care needs. Nursing oversight varies by community. The emphasis in assisted Living is on encouraging the resident to maintain independence.

AL

AL is an abbreviation for Assisted Living, a community licensed with their state as an RCFE. It can be either a residential home or a congregate community. It is a non-clinical setting providing assistance with the activities of daily living. It is staffed 24/7 to meet health and personal care needs. Nursing oversight varies by community. The emphasis in assisted Living is on encouraging the resident to maintain independence.

ALF

ALF is the abbreviation for Assisted Living Facility. A community that is licensed by their state as an RCFE. It can be either a residential home or a congregate community. It is a non-clinical setting providing assistance with the activities of daily living. It is staffed 24/7 to meet health and personal care needs. Nursing oversight varies by community. The emphasis in assisted Living is on encouraging the resident to maintain independence.

Assisted Living Facility

Assisted Living is the keyword. The word facility is not used as commonly as in the senior living industry. People now tend to refer to it as an assisted living community, not a facility, because assisted Living is generally offered in a non-clinical setting. The word facility generally refers to a clinical or hospital-type setting. An assisted living facility is licensed by its state as an RCFE. It can be either a residential home or a congregate community. It is a non-clinical setting providing assistance with the activities of daily living. It is staffed 24/7 to meet health and personal care needs. Nursing oversight varies by community. The emphasis in assisted Living is on encouraging the resident to maintain independence.

ALW

The abbreviation for Assisted Living Waiver. They are also known as a Medicaid Waiver in most states or a Medi-Cal Waiver in California. A Medicaid waiver allows the federal government to waive rules that typically apply to the Medicaid program. Medicaid is a joint state and federal assistance program for low-income adults. Some licensed assisted living communities accept payments from Medicaid; thus, they participate in a Medicaid Waiver Program, also known as an assisted living waiver program in some states.

Assisted Living Waiver

Assisted Living Waiver is also known as a Medicaid Waiver in most states or a Medi-Cal Waiver in California. A Medicaid waiver allows the federal government to waive rules that typically apply to the Medicaid program. Medicaid is a joint state and federal assistance program for low-income adults. Some licensed assisted living communities accept payments from Medicaid; thus, they participate in a Medicaid Waiver Program, also known as an assisted living waiver program in some states.

Assisted Living Waiver Program

Assisted Living Waiver Program is also known as a Medicaid Waiver in most states or a Medi-Cal Waiver in California. A Medicaid waiver allows the federal government to waive rules that typically apply to the Medicaid program. Medicaid is a joint state and federal assistance program for low-income adults. Some licensed assisted living communities accept payments from Medicaid; thus, they participate in a Medicaid Waiver Program, also known as an assisted living waiver program in some states.

Advanced Health Care Directive

An Advanced Health Care Directive is a legal document explaining how you want medical decisions made on your behalf if you are incapacitated. It is a document to help clarify your wishes and direct your family and medical personnel on actions for sustaining your life when you cannot communicate your choices for continued care.

Assessment

Assessments are done when a resident moves into a licensed assisted living community, and re-assessments are made regularly or if there is a change in condition and care needs. The purpose of the assessment is to document the resident's physical and mental condition and, if needed, to put together a care and service plan for the resident.

B

Board and Care

Board and Care are also referred to as a Residential Care Home, Board, and Care Home,  Board & Care Facility, Care Home, Adult Foster Group Home, Adult Care Home, Adult Group Home, or Care Facility. These communities can offer all three levels of Senior Living, such as independent living, assisted living, and memory care, or they may be more specific to certain care types. They are private homes in residential areas that have been converted for Senior Living. You'll find that most are three bedrooms/2 bathroom homes offering six beds -one to two persons per bedroom and shared bathrooms. You may find even larger communities based on the size of the home and how many bedrooms & bathrooms it has. Maximum occupancy may vary state by state, and a state licensing agency oversees them.

Board and Care Home

A Board and Care Home is also referred to as a Residential Care Home, Board and Care,  Board & Care Facility, Care Home, Adult Foster Group Home, Adult Care Home, Adult Group Home, or Care Facility. These communities can offer all three levels of Senior Living, such as independent living, assisted living, and memory care, or they may be more specific to certain care types. They are private homes in residential areas that have been converted for Senior Living. You'll find that most are three bedrooms/2 bathroom homes offering six beds -one to two persons per bedroom and shared bathrooms. You may find even larger communities based on the size of the home and how many bedrooms & bathrooms it has. Maximum occupancy may vary state by state, and a state licensing agency oversees them.

Bedrail

Bed rails are considered durable medical equipment and are used to restrain a resident in bed. A partial bed rail can also be viewed as a device that allows the resident to be more independent in repositioning themselves in bed or assistance getting in and out of bed with minimal assistance. Bed rails are allowed in most states and vary in use by the community. Not all communities allow the use of them. Each community establishes its own rules and safety protocol regarding the use of assistive devices.

C

Care Home

Care Home is also referred to as a Residential Care Home, Board and Care,  Board and Care Home, Board & Care Facility, Adult Foster Group Home, Adult Care Home, Adult Group Home, or Care Facility. These communities can offer all three levels of Senior Living, such as independent living, assisted living, and memory care, or they may be more specific to certain care types. They are private homes in residential areas that have been converted for Senior Living. You'll find that most are three bedrooms/2 bathroom homes offering six beds -one to two persons per bedroom and shared bathrooms. You may find even larger communities based on the size of the home and how many bedrooms & bathrooms it has. Maximum occupancy may vary state by state, and a state licensing agency oversees them.

Care Facility

Care Facility is a broad term used when help with personal care and assistance with the activities of daily living is being provided.

Care Community

Care Community is a broad term used when help with personal care and assistance with the activities of daily living is being provided.

Care Fees

According to the calculated service or care plan, fees are associated with the amount of personal and health care services provided to the resident by the community.

Care Plan

A care plan is a documented plan describing the services and support for the resident's personal and health care needs based on an assessment of the resident by the community.

Caregiver

A person who provides direct care to another person. In senior living, a caregiver is a community staff member who provides service and support to a resident. The caregiver assists the resident with their activities of daily living and their personal care needs.

Clinical Setting

A hospital type of setting where a resident needs care by licensed nurses but does not need to be in a hospital. This resident needs more care than an assisted living community can offer or is licensed to provide. This type of community is called a nursing home or skilled nursing facility.

Community Fee

A community fee is also known as facilities, admission, and possibly other names. It is a lump sum of money determined by the community and can range between $300 to $5,000 and is purportedly for the purpose of building operations, maintenance of common areas, and other services and amenities. It is a one-time fee, not a deposit or security fee.

CCRC

The abbreviation for Continuing Care Retirement Community. A community that is licensed by their state. It offers the continuum of independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, usually on one campus or location. The resident has an option to buy into a care contract by paying an Entrance Fee which will assure them of care in excess of one year or for life. These fees are usually tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Continuing Care Retirement Community

Continuing Care Retirement Community is a community that is licensed by the state. It offers the continuum of independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, usually on one campus or location. The resident has an option to buy into a care contract by paying an Entrance Fee which will assure them of care in excess of one year or for life. These fees are usually tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Convalescent Home

Convalescent homes are also known as convalescent hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, rehabilitation centers, rehabilitation hospitals, nursing homes, or nursing facilities. Seniors who are recovering from surgeries or recovering from a long-term illness are commonly placed in convalescent homes. Most seniors eventually return to their home or community, while others may not.

Convalescent Hospital

Convalescent hospitals are also known as convalescent homes, rehabilitation facilities, rehabilitation centers, rehabilitation hospitals, nursing homes, or nursing facilities. Seniors who are recovering from surgeries or recovering from a long-term illness are commonly placed in convalescent hospitals. Most seniors eventually return to their home or community, while others may not.

Continuing Care

A community that provides continuing care starts with Independent Living. When care needs change, the community can offer assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, usually on one campus or location. Seniors are able to move into their apartment or house and stay on the same campus for higher levels of care, and in most cases, without having to leave the campus or community.

Continuum of Care

A community that provides the continuum of care starts out with Independent Living. Then, when health care needs change, the community can offer assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, usually on one campus or location.

Congregate Living

Congregate Living is a residential building with private or shared living quarters. In addition, there are common areas shared with other residents, such as the dining room, activity room, gym, and other services & amenities such as transportation.

D

Deposit

A deposit for senior Living is typically a sum of money placed to hold an apartment. Some communities will put the deposit toward the first month's rent, while others may hold it as a security deposit. The terms of the deposit vary by community.

Durable Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney takes effect while a principal is alive or until the principal revokes the power granted to their named executor. The principal may relinquish power to the executor. At the same time, they are alive, or it may be determined that the principal can no longer make financial decisions based on loss of cognitive ability. In this situation, it is typically required that two medical physicians sign off that the principal can no longer make their own decisions.

DPOA

DPOA is an abbreviation for Durable Power of Attorney. A durable power of attorney takes effect while a principal is alive or until the principal revokes the power granted to their named executor. The principal may relinquish power to the executor. At the same time, they are alive, or it may be determined that the principal can no longer make financial decisions based on loss of cognitive ability. In this situation, it is typically required that two medical physicians sign off that the principal can no longer make their own decisions.

Delayed Egress

A delayed egress in senior Living refers to a door that alerts staff that a resident is attempting to leave the premises. Typically, you would see this in memory care or residents diagnosed with dementia, where there may be a risk of elopement. These doors remain unlocked to allow exit in an emergency but can be blocked from opening for a short interval to alert staff.

Dementia

Dementia is a mental condition impairing cognitive function. A common type of dementia is the diagnosis of Alzheimer's. Dementia is progressive and can cause a person not to manage their daily living activities, and safety becomes a concern.

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides veterans many services, such as medical care and benefits, including pensions.

E

Executor

An executor is a person who is assigned by a principal and legally granted permission to follow the instructions set out in a legal document known as a trust. The executor may decide about the principal's estate if they are temporarily or permanently incapacitated or if the principal dies.

Executive Director

An executive director of a senior living community oversees the daily operation of the community, which includes its business operations, employees, and residents. In addition, if the community is licensed by the state to provide assisted living, then the executive director is responsible for maintaining state regulatory compliance.

F

Facility

In senior living, the word "facility" refers to services offered in a clinical or hospital-type setting. Frequently the public misuses this word by calling a community a facility. Communities are home-like and provide a non-clinical setting. An assisted living community is not a facility as it is a non-clinical setting.

H

Hoyer Lift

A Hoyer lift is a portable swing-like lift for the body of someone with mobility challenges. It is used by one caregiver to help the patient with getting into or out of bed or a bath. In most states, Hoyer lifts are allowed in assisted living communities; however, each property can decide if this is a service they want to provide. Similar to 2-person lift-assist, bed rails, bed trapeze, bed poles, bedside rails, and other assistive devices. Each property decides what they will allow to be used in their community.

Home Care

Personal care tasks are provided in a home environment by an outside agency. These tasks may also include light housekeeping, meal preparation, and transportation. These services may also be provided in a community by an agency to augment an existing care plan.

Home Health

An agency licensed to provide in-home skilled nursing services. These services are usually short-term and related to a specific diagnosis, often following a hospital stay. Other ancillary services can be provided under the case management of a registered nurse, including physical therapy, speech therapy, and additional support as needed.

Home Health Care

This term is used interchangeably with Home Health but usually refers to the specific care plan implemented by the agency.

Home-Like

A term often used to describe the feel of the physical surroundings for the person receiving care. While subjective, it can refer to the ability to bring personal furnishings and decor when moving to a large community. It may also be used to apply to choices in activities such as family-style dining.

Hospice

Compassionate care for people with a terminal diagnosis. Community staff and/or an outside organization may provide personal care and health needs.

Hospice Waiver

In many states, a community must have a waiver from their local licensing agency that allows for residents to remain there while receiving hospice care. In addition, specific requirements such as staff training and physical life safety measures must be satisfied. Finally, in most circumstances, the resident must be receiving oversight from a licensed hospice agency.

I

Independent Living

A community designed specifically for older adults. This type of housing usually has ancillary services such as dining. The resident can live independently without any help with personal care or health. The primary focus of the independent senior living community is to enhance the residents' social needs. It may also be a type of living offered in an RCFE or CCRC.

IL

IL is the abbreviation for Independent Living, a community designed specifically for older adults. This type of housing usually has ancillary services such as dining. The resident can live independently without any help with personal care or health. The primary focus of the independent senior living community is to enhance the residents' social needs. It may also be a type of living offered in an RCFE or CCRC.

Influencer

In Senior Living, an influencer can be a family member or friend of a potential resident who is looking for a community to reside in. This person has an influence on the potential residents' decision about where to live.

In-Home Care

In-Home care is an outsourced professional support service provided for a  resident in their home or congregate setting. This service helps the resident to maintain their independence safely. Services vary by the needs of the resident. The services can be provided on a long-term or short-term basis.

J

Jack & Jill

Two private bedrooms share a Jack and Jill bathroom. Each bedroom has its own door entering into the same shared bathroom.

L

Level Of Care

The term levels in assisted Living typically refer to levels of care, which measures the amount of time needed for staff to assist a resident with their health and care needs. The amount of time spent will determine the level and associated fees charged for the services. Each community decides how many levels of care they will offer to their residents. As a result, some assisted living communities provide higher levels of care than others.

Licensed Facility

A licensed facility has been granted a license with their state to provide assistance with the activities of daily living. Each state establishes licenses, and each state's certification requirements for assisted living communities are established and enforced. In addition, there are federal rules and regulations established for assisted living communities, and there are state-level rules and regulations established for assisted living services and operations.

Licensed Community

A licensed community has been granted a license with their state to provide assistance with the activities of daily living. Each state establishes licenses, and each state's certification requirements for assisted living communities are established and enforced. In addition, there are federal rules and regulations established for assisted living communities, and there are state-level rules and regulations established for assisted living services and operations.

Long Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance policies are purchased insurance plans to pay the rental cost and care fees for assisted living and memory care.

Long Term Care

Long Term Care services are designed to meet a person's health or personal care needs for an extended period of time.

LTC

This is the abbreviation for Long Term Care. Long-term care insurance policies are purchased insurance plans for assisted living and memory care.

Long-Term Care Facility

A long-term care facility may also be called: Nursing Home, Skilled Nursing Facility, Convalescent Home, Assisted Living Community, Memory Care Community, Rehabilitation Hospital, Behavioral Health Facility, and Long-term chronic care hospital.

A long-term care facility may include the following types of services: Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, Wound Care, Enteral Nutrition, Parenteral Nutrition, Ostomy Care, Intravenous Therapy, Injectable Medication, Activities of Daily Living, and more. Many of these clinical services are not permitted in an assisted living setting.

Licensed Vocational Nurse

This title may be used interchangeably with Licensed Practical Nurse in some states. Vocational nursing programs may be offered in a community college setting or a technical or trade school setting. Typically this is a two-year program. Each state requires the candidate to pass board exams and, once licensed, satisfy continuing education requirements. The duties permitted to be performed may be determined by the state license restrictions and employing facility. For example, in most states, LVNs cannot administer IV medications but can give injections.

LVN

An abbreviation for Licensed Vocational Nurse. This title may be used interchangeably with Licensed Practical Nurse in some states. Vocational nursing programs may be offered in a community college setting or a technical or trade school setting. Typically this is a two-year program. Each state requires the candidate to pass board exams and, once licensed, satisfy continuing education requirements. The duties permitted to be performed may be determined by both the state license restrictions and employing facility. For example, in most states, LVNs cannot administer IV medications but can give injections.

M

Memory Care

This community is licensed by the state as an RCFE for residents with a diagnosis of dementia or memory impairment. It can be either a residential home or a congregate community. It is a non-clinical setting helping with the activities of daily living. It is staffed 24/7 with caregivers who are required to be specifically trained to meet the needs of persons with memory loss. Nursing oversight varies by community.

MC

The abbreviation for Memory Care. A community that is licensed with their state as an RCFE for residents with a diagnosis of dementia or memory impairment. It can be either a residential home or a congregate community. It is a non-clinical setting helping with the activities of daily living. It is staffed 24/7 with caregivers who are required to be specifically trained to meet the needs of persons with memory loss. Nursing oversight varies by community.

Medicare

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for:

  • People who are 65 or older
  • Certain younger people with disabilities
  • People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD)

https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/your-medicare-coverage-choices/whats-medicare

Medicaid

Medicaid is a joint state and federal assistance program for low-income adults.

Medicaid Waiver

A Medicaid waiver allows the federal government to waive rules that typically apply to the Medicaid program. Medicaid is a joint state and federal assistance program for low-income adults. Some licensed assisted living communities accept payments from Medicaid; thus, they participate in a Medicaid Waiver Program.

Medicaid Waiver Program

A Medicaid waiver allows the federal government to waive rules that typically apply to the Medicaid program. Medicaid is a joint state and federal assistance program for low-income adults. Some licensed assisted living communities accept payments from Medicaid; thus, they participate in a Medicaid Waiver Program.

Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal is the name used in California for Medicaid. Medi-Cal is a joint state and federal assistance program for low-income adults.

Medi-Cal Waiver

A Medi-Cal waiver is a provision allowing the federal government to waive rules which typically apply to the Medi-cal program. Medi-Cal is a joint state and federal assistance program for low-income adults. Some licensed assisted living communities accept payments from Medi-Cal; thus, they participate in a Medi-Cal Waiver.

Medi-Cal Waiver Program

A Medi-Cal waiver is a provision allowing the federal government to waive rules which typically apply to the Medi-cal program. Medi-Cal is a joint state and federal assistance program for low-income adults. Some licensed assisted living communities accept payments from Medi-Cal; thus, they participate in a Medi-Cal Waiver Program.

Med-Tech

A med-tech usually refers to an employee in an assisted living community who assists the residents with self-administration of their medications. Generally, this is an unlicensed position but requires state-specific training and oversight.

Memory Impairment

Memory impairment is when a person has reduced memory for the following types of things and exhibits cognitive decline:

  1. Dates
  2. Names
  3. Places
  4. Increased forgetfulness

N

Nursing Home

A licensed community with their state to provide skilled nursing on a short- or long-term basis in a clinical setting. They may also have rehabilitation available. A nursing home offers care in a clinical or hospital-like setting, and a licensed or registered medical practitioner oversees the care given. Residents are there for medical care.

Nursing Facility

A licensed community with their state to provide skilled nursing on a short- or long-term basis in a clinical setting. They may also have rehabilitation available. A nursing home offers care in a hospital-like setting, and a licensed or registered medical practitioner oversees the care given. Residents are there for medical care.

P

Prospect

In Senior Living, a prospect is a potential resident looking for a community to reside in.

Practical Nurse

This title may be used interchangeably with Licensed Vocational Nurse in some states. Practical nursing programs may be offered in a community college setting or a technical or trade school setting. Typically this is a two-year program. Each state requires the candidate to pass board exams and, once licensed, satisfy continuing education requirements. The duties permitted to be performed may be determined by both the state license restrictions and employing facility. For example, in most states, LPNs cannot administer IV medications but can give injections.

Power of Attorney

Power of Attorney takes effect once the principal has died. The executor is granted legal authority to follow the written instructions of the principal in regard to the settling of the principal's estate.

POA

An abbreviated for Power of Attorney. A power of attorney takes effect once the principal has died. The executor is granted legal authority to follow the written instructions of the principal in regard to the settling of the principal's estate.

Physician Orders For Life-Sustaining Treatment

Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment is basically a written order signed by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner and signed by the patient. It specifies the patient's wishes for the types of medical treatment they want during an emergency situation or serious illness. A good example would be whether or not the patient wants to be Resuscitated or Do Not Resuscitate (DNR).

POLST: A POLST form is an abbreviation for Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment. It is basically a written order signed by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner and signed by the patient. It specifies the patient's wishes for the types of medical treatment they want during an emergency situation or serious illness. A good example would be whether or not the patient wants to be Resuscitated or Do Not Resuscitate (DNR).

Personal Care Needs:

Personal care needs are a critical part of daily Living. Here is a list of critical personal care needs, also known as the activities of daily living.

  1. Bathing or showering
  2. Toileting
  3. Dressing and undressing
  4. Grooming
  5. Meal preparation and eating
  6. Medication management
  7. Mobility

Pre-Assessment

A pre-assessment may also be referred to as a courtesy assessment to determine if a resident's needs can be met by the community they are considering. This process usually includes a review of medical documents provided by the attending physician and a face-to-face visit with the prospective resident, often used as a preliminary step prior to a formal assessment.

R

Residential Care Home

Residential Care Home is also referred to as a Board and Care Home, Board and Care,  Board & Care Facility, Care Home, Adult Foster Group Home, Adult Care Home, Adult Group Home, or Care Facility. These communities can offer all three levels of Senior Living, such as independent living, assisted living, and memory care, or they may be more specific to certain care types. They are private homes in residential areas that have been converted for Senior Living. You'll find that most are three bedrooms/2 bathroom homes offering six beds - one to two persons per bedroom and shared bathrooms. You may find even larger communities based on the size of the home and how many bedrooms & bathrooms it has. Maximum occupancy may vary state by state, and a state licensing agency oversees them.

Retirement Home

A generic term that may be used to describe independent, assisted, or skilled nursing.

Retirement Living

Retirement living is often described as a lifestyle rather than a specific community.

Retirement Community

This term can apply to independent Living with services such as meals, activities, housekeeping, and transportation. It can also be used when referring to assisted living settings.

Resident:

In Senior Living, a resident is someone who lives in a community on a short-term, long-term, or permanent basis.

RCFE

RCFE is the abbreviation for Residential Care Facility for the Elderly and is a community that is licensed by their state. It can be either a residential home or multilevel. It is a non-clinical setting that provides help with the activities of daily living. It is staffed 24/7 to meet health and personal care needs. Nursing oversight varies by community.

Respite

Respite: A short-term stay so a loved one can get rest and relief or a short trial period to test living in a community.

Rehab Hospital

A rehab hospital offers post-acute care with licensed medical professionals. These patients were treated in a hospital first and then transferred to rehab for follow-up care and recovery.

Rehab Facility

A rehab facility offers post-acute care with licensed medical professionals. These patients were typically treated in a hospital first and then transferred to rehab for follow-up care and recovery.

Rehabilitation Hospital

A rehabilitation hospital offers post-acute care with licensed medical professionals. These patients were typically treated in a hospital first and then transferred to rehab for follow-up care and recovery.

Rehabilitation Facility

A rehabilitation facility offers post-acute care with licensed medical professionals. These patients were typically treated in a hospital first and then transferred to a rehabilitation facility or rehabilitation hospital for follow-up care and recovery.

Rehabilitation Center

This case refers to an outpatient rehabilitation center that typically offers several types of therapies, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

Residential Care

'Residential Care' is a small living community (fewer than 20 residents)typically for seniors and inside suburban private homes. The name for this type of community may vary from state to state. For example, they are called "Board and Care Homes" in California. State licensing is required if the community offers care and assistance with the "Activities of Daily Living," This type of license is known as Residential Care for the Elderly (RCFE).

Residential Care Facility For The Elderly

This is a licensed community with their state, either a residential home or multilevel. It is a non-clinical setting that helps with the activities of daily living. It is staffed 24/7 to meet health and personal care needs. Nursing oversight varies by community.

RCFE

The abbreviation for Residential Community for the Elderly. A community licensed with their state can be either a residential home or multilevel. It is a non-clinical setting that helps with the activities of daily living. It is staffed 24/7 to meet health and personal care needs. Nursing oversight varies by community.

Rest Home

Rest home was a term people used years ago for the frail and elderly. Today, a nursing home or skilled nursing facility offers care for all ages, not just seniors, and most offer activities and social events.

Residential Long-Term Care

Residential long-term care refers to personal, and a caregiver provides health care needs either in a person's home or in a senior living community.   The caregiver is hired from an outside agency, or the caregiver could be an employee of the community where the resident is residing.

Registered Nurse

Registered nurses have graduated from a nursing program and have met their state's licensing requirements. Typically a registered nursing college is a four-year program. They may coordinate and provide care for a patient. Each state requires the candidate to pass board exams and, once licensed, satisfy continuing education requirements. The duties permitted to be performed may be determined by both the state license restrictions and employing facility or community.

RN

This is an abbreviation for a registered nurse. Registered nurses have graduated from a nursing program and have met their state's licensing requirements. Typically a registered nursing college is a four-year program. They may coordinate and provide care for a patient. Each state requires the candidate to pass board exams and, once licensed, satisfy continuing education requirements. The duties permitted to be performed may be determined by both the state license restrictions and employing facility or community.

Resident Services Director

A Resident Services Director may also be described as a Director of Resident Care. A Resident Services Director or RSD is a job title often used to provide oversight and training for direct care staff. Although not always required by local government regulations, this position is usually held by a licensed nurse. A key role for this person is to perform the pre-admission assessment of a prospective resident to determine appropriate placement and levels of care.

RSD

An abbreviation for Resident Services Director; A Resident Services Director may also be described as a Director of Resident Care. A Resident Services Director or RSD is a job title often used to provide oversight and training for direct care staff. Although not always required by local government regulations, this position is usually held by a licensed nurse. A key role for this person is to perform the pre-admission assessment of a prospective resident to determine appropriate placement and levels of care.

S

Senior Center

A senior center is a place for older adults to attend classes on many topics of interest &  social & physical activities in addition, they may play games, watch movies together, attend intellectual events and focus on their wellbeing through various exercise programs. These communities are typically non-profit organizations or funded by their town or community park and recreation department.

Senior Living

Senior Living offers apartment-style homes or detached homes for seniors typically over age 55. This type of community may provide social interaction and support group activities, excursions & community dining rooms.

SL

SL is the abbreviation for Senior Living, which is a community offering apartment-style homes or detached homes for seniors typically over age 55. This type of community may offer social interaction and support group activities, excursions & community dining rooms.

Senior Apartment

A senior apartment is designed specifically for older adults and their aging process. It may have some of the following:

  1. Wider door frames to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers passing through.
  2. Low or no carpet padding so wheelchairs and walkers can be easily self-propelled.
  3. Walk-in showers.
  4. Built-in shower bench,
  5. Lower counters for those in wheelchairs or while sitting on a walker bench seat.
  6. Open space under the kitchen and bathroom sink for a wheelchair to get closer to the sink.
  7. Higher electrical wall sockets, so you don't need to bend over far.
  8. Stove and oven knobs in the front of the appliance to avoid reaching over hot burners.
  9. Side by side washer dryer rather than stacking.
  10. Washer and dryer knobs on the front of the appliance for easier reach.
  11. Counter height microwave rather than mounted on a cabinet.
  12. A doorbell & emergency system with blinking lights for someone who is hearing impaired.

Senior Housing

Senior housing is a neighborhood or community designed specifically for older adults. The primary focus of senior housing is to enhance the resident's social needs. In addition, many senior housing communities offer shared services, activities, and amenities.

Short Term Care

Services are designed to meet a person's health or personal care needs during a short period of time.
Skilled Nursing Facility: A Skilled nursing facility is licensed by its state to provide medical care on a short- or long-term basis in a clinical setting. They may also have rehabilitation available. A licensed physician oversees the care given, and licensed nurses are on-site 24/7.

SNF

An SNF is an abbreviation for Skilled Nursing Facility. A skilled nursing facility is licensed by its state to provide medical care on a short- or long-term basis in a clinical setting. They may also have rehabilitation available. A licensed physician oversees the care given, and licensed nurses are on-site 24/7.

Skilled Nursing

Skilled nursing is when care is provided by licensed nurses and certified nurse's aides. A Skilled nursing facility is licensed by its state to provide medical care on a short- or long-term basis in a clinical setting. They may also have rehabilitation available. A licensed physician oversees the care given, and licensed nurses are on-site 24/7.

T

Trapeze

A trapeze is a medical device that hangs over a bed. The patient uses their upper body to help them independently position themselves in the bed or assist in getting out of bed. It's also known as a grab bar. However, keep in mind that not all senior living communities allow the use of grab bars.

V

Veterans Facility

Many types of VA facilities offer care to covered veterans or individuals. These include:

  • VA Hospital & Rehabilitation Facilities
  • VA Medical services
  • VA Extended care services
  • VA Medical & Health Care centers
  • VA Outpatient clinics
  • VA Community living
  • VA Assisted living

Veterans Administration

This is a name that is no longer commonly used. It is actually referring to The Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides many services to veterans, such as medical care and benefits, including pensions.

VA

This is an abbreviation for Veterans Affairs, which is actually known as The Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides many services to veterans, such as medical care and benefits, including pensions.

VA Aid and Attendance

Veterans Benefits collectively cover a variety of different programs. Specifically for wartime veterans over 65. In addition, there is a VA Pension with two additional programs to help with the cost of senior care—Aid & Attendance and Housebound. The Pension Program provides monthly payments to wartime Veterans who meet certain age or disability requirements and have income and net worth within certain limits. Spouses of veterans may also be eligible for survivors' pension programs.

Veterans Home

Veterans Homes are communities or facilities that provide nursing homes, assisted living, memory care, or adult daycare. They are owned, operated, and managed by state governments.

Veterans Hospital

Veterans Hospital is a hospital facility that provides medical and surgical treatment and nursing care for sick or injured veterans and their families. They are owned, operated, and managed by state governments.

W

Wander Management

Wander management is a device worn by residents with memory impairment to prevent elopement. The device is monitored and alerts caregivers and staff when a resident is trying to leave the premises and potentially be at risk.