Senior Care Terminology
Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) -Bathing, dressing, eating, walking and all necessary activities required to function on a daily basis.
Advance Directives -Legal documents outlining how a person’s medical decisions are to be handled including living will, power of attorney for health care and health care representative.
Adult Protective Services (APS) -The official agency mandated to receive, investigate and respond to complaints of neglect and abuse of the elderly.
Ambulatory -The ability to walk freely and independently.
Assisted Living (AL) -Housing for an elderly or disabled person that provides room, meals and various levels of care.
Assessment -An evaluation performed of a person’s mental, emotional and social capabilities.
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) -A written and legal order that a patient does not want to be resuscitated.
Dementia -A group of symptoms that accompanies certain diseases. A loss of thinking, remembering and reasoning. May also include behavioral changes and moods.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) -Reusable medical equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs and hospital beds.
Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) -A legal document giving an other person authority to make financial and legal decisions if a person becomes physically or mentally incapable.
Geriatrics -Medical specialty of treating the problems and diseases of old age.
Hospice -A way of providing care, support and comfort to people approaching end of life.
Long Term Care (LTC) -A term used to describe care given in the form of medical and support services to people who have lost some or all of their capacity to function without assistance.
Medicaid -A jointly funded state and federal program to assist those with a financial need with medical care.
Medicare -A federal insurance program for those age 65 and over or disabled.
Memory Care -Special programs dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia or other cognitive impairments. Usually services include group activities, socialization and assistance with ADL’s.
Nurse Practitioner (NP) -A professional registered nurse who has special training to provide primary healthcare.
Palliative Care -Care provided to manage pain and make the patient as comfortable as possible.
Support Group -A group, usually family members or caregivers, that meet for mutual support and to discuss practical means of addressing their loved one’s needs.
