Investigating the Terminology of Senior Living
Part II
A
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)-self-care activities. These can be broken down in this way:
Basic ADLs- eating, bathing, grooming, toileting, taking medications, and ambulating (moving from one position to another).
Instrumental ADLs (IADLs)-tasks necessary for living independently or without assistance, including transportation, managing finances, shopping, meal preparation, house cleaning and maintenance.
Acute Care-short-term treatment provided by a health care professional for illness or injury. The care is usually delivered in a hospital setting.
The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) prohibits discrimination based on a disability.
Adult Day Care-a program that provides care, activities, meals, and services for adults outside of their home during daytime hours.
Aging in Place- the ability to remain in one setting (home, apt, etc.) when additional care or services are needed.
Ancillary Services – services that are available in a senior living community at an additional cost. These are often related to support that enhances the community’s primary offerings and may include home health, physical therapy, transportation, meal planning, assistance with activities of daily living, and more.
C
Community Fee-non-refundable, one-time fee paid to a senior living community at move-in. These fees are typically limited to rental communities. They’re similar to the deposit made when someone moves into an apartment.
E
Entrance Fee-an initial, often large payment required to move into many CCRCs. This model guarantees priority access to increased levels of care should the resident’s needs change. The amount varies between communities. Often, a portion of the initial fee, which can also vary from community to community, is refunded to the resident or their estate when they leave the community or pass away.
H
HIPAA-Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is a federal law that created standards protecting the privacy of patient health information.
Home Health Care: health services provided within an individual’s private residence by licensed professionals.
Hospice Care- focuses on providing comfort and managing symptoms and side effects as someone nears the end of life or with a terminal condition. Hospice care provides physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support.
L
Life Enrichment-activities developed to target whole-person wellness and enhance the quality of life for residents in senior living. As the name suggests, life enrichment offers the opportunity to create and maintain a strong quality of life physically, socially, emotionally, mentally and spiritually while fostering social connections.
Long-Term Care-services provided over an extended period of time to individuals unable to care for themselves. Long-term services typically include skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
Long-Term Care Insurance-a policy that can help to pay for long-term medical and non-medical care. Policies and coverage can differ significantly from policy to policy. It is different than Medicare coverage.
M
Medication Management-a process designed to facilitate the safe, effective and appropriate use of medications. Medication management at senior living communities helps ensure that the correct medication is given at the correct time.
Monthly Fee- This fee covers things such as the dining program, interior and exterior maintenance, utilities, transportation, programming, classes, use of amenities, and more.
P
Palliative Care-known as comfort care, palliative care focuses on providing relief from pain and discomfort with the objective of improving the quality of life.
R
Rehabilitation-process of restoring a capacity lost or diminished by illness or injury with the focus on returning to independence. Rehabilitation can include physical, occupational, or speech therapy.
Respite Care-short term stay that a senior living community may offer to provide relief for a caregiver. Length of stay may vary from community to community.
S
Senior Living Community- an umbrella term for residential offerings for older adults. Also known as a retirement community, these are designed to provide a high quality of life with a maintenance-free lifestyle. Today’s best senior living communities cater to the individualized interests, desires, and needs of older adults.
Understanding the many terms and concepts related to senior living can make navigating options less overwhelming and more empowering. With this guide, older adults and their families are better equipped to make informed choices that support comfort, independence, and peace of mind for the future.