Care terms, explained

Basic self-care tasks essential for day-to-day functioning, such as bathing, dressing, eating, transferring (moving), toileting, and maintaining continence.

More complex tasks required for independent living, such as managing finances, handling transportation, shopping, preparing meals, and managing medications.

The ability of an older adult to live in their own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.

A decline in cognitive abilities such as memory, thinking, or judgment, commonly associated with conditions like Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.

A written document that outlines a patient's medical, physical, and psychosocial needs, and details the specific treatments, interventions, and goals for their care.

End-of-life care focusing on comfort, pain management, and emotional support for patients with a terminal illness (typically a prognosis of 6 months or less) rather than curative treatment.

Specialized medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, aimed at improving quality of life for both the patient and the family. It can be provided alongside curative treatment.

Structured programs providing social activities, supervision, and health-related services during daytime hours for older adults, offering respite for family caregivers.

A residential housing option for seniors who need help with some ADLs but do not require the 24-hour medical care provided by a nursing home.

A community that offers multiple levels of care (independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing) on a single campus, allowing residents to transition as their needs change.

Non-medical care that helps individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs), usually provided by caregivers or aides rather than medical personnel.

Medical services provided in a patient's home to treat an illness or injury, typically involving skilled nursing, therapy, and wound care.

Residential communities for active older adults who require little to no assistance with daily activities but desire convenience, socialization, and maintenance-free living.

A variety of services designed to meet a person's health or personal care needs over an extended period, generally assisting with ADLs.

A specialized type of long-term care specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other memory impairments, featuring secure environments.

In-home assistance focused on helping with ADLs and IADLs, such as bathing, meal preparation, and companionship, rather than medical treatments.

Temporary, short-term relief provided to primary caregivers, allowing them time to rest or handle personal matters while their loved one is cared for by a professional.

A clinical care facility providing 24-hour medical, nursing, and rehabilitative care, often for post-hospital recovery or complex, long-term medical needs.

A healthcare professional who assists patients with healthcare needs and ADLs under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

A professional, usually a licensed nurse or social worker, who specializes in assisting older adults and their families in assessing needs, navigating care options, and coordinating services.

A trained professional who provides basic medical care and personal assistance to patients in their homes under the supervision of a nurse or therapist.

A nurse who provides basic medical care, such as checking vital signs and administering basic patient care, under the direction of an RN or physician. (Also known as LVN in some states).

A professional who helps patients and families cope with the emotional, financial, and social impacts of an illness or aging, and assists with care coordination and resource access.

A professional who helps patients improve their ability to perform daily tasks and routines (ADLs) through therapeutic exercises and adaptive equipment.

A caregiver who provides companionship and non-medical assistance with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and light housekeeping.

A licensed healthcare professional who helps patients improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent physical disabilities through exercise and rehabilitation.

A highly trained nurse who has graduated from a nursing program and met national licensing requirements, capable of administering complex medical treatments, coordinating care plans, and supervising other nursing staff.

A specialist who assesses and treats speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in patients.

Legal documents, such as a living will or durable power of attorney for healthcare, that allow individuals to spell out their decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time.

A medical order written by a doctor instructing healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a patient's breathing stops or their heart beats irregularly.

A legal document that designates a proxy or surrogate to make medical decisions on a person's behalf if they become incapacitated and unable to communicate.

A specific type of advance directive that outlines the medical treatments an individual would or would not want if they are terminally ill or permanently unconscious.

Local or regional government or non-profit organizations that provide information, advocacy, and direct support services for older adults and their caregivers.

The federal agency that runs the Medicare program and works with states to administer Medicaid, establishing quality standards for healthcare facilities.

An organization that provides home healthcare services, such as skilled nursing, physical therapy, or occupational therapy, often Medicare-certified.