GLOSSARY

Accreditation is a process whereby a program of study or an institution is recognized by an external body as meeting certain predetermined standards (Source: NCHS Definitions/CDC)

An Act which establishes a clear and comprehensive prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability. This law was passed by Congress in 1980.

Activities of daily living are activities related to personal care and include bathing or showering, dressing, getting in or out of bed or a chair, using the toilet, and eating. (Source: NCHS Definitions/CDC)

Planned programs with social activities and health-related and rehabilitation services for the elderly who are physically or emotionally disabled and need an environment that is supportive and safe.

A concept that advocates allowing a resident to choose to remain in his/her living environment regardless of the physical and or mental decline that may occur with the aging process of aging.

In most cases, a licensed professional who undertakes the duty of managing the day-to-day operations of a care facility such as a nursing home or assisted living facility.

The ability to walk freely & independently, not bedridden or hospitalized.

Under the Older Americans Act, the Administration on Aging distributes funds for various aging programs through state agencies on aging with in turn fund local area agencies on aging. Area Agencies on Aging address the concerns of older Americans at the local level. They play an important role in identifying community and social service needs and assuring that social and nutritional supports are made available to older people in communities where they live. In most cases, Area Agencies on Aging do not provide direct services. Instead, they subcontract with other organizations to facilitate the provision of a full range of services for older people.

An evaluation, usually performed by a physician, is a process to gather information about a person's life, functional abilities and needs in order to develop an individualized Plan of Care.

A type of long-term care facility for elderly or disabled people, who are able to get around on their own but who may need help with some activities of daily living (ADL). There is usually a Staff on duty round the clock and a Registered Nurse on call. Services provided in Assisted Living residences usually include * Three meals a day served in a common dining area * Weekly Housekeeping and Laundry services * Coordination of transportation * Assistance with bathing, eating, toileting, dressing, grooming and walking * Access to health and medical services * 24-hour staff availability * Health promotion and exercise programs * Medication Management * Social and recreational activities

A facility that provides a combination of housing and personalized health care in a professionally managed group-setting designed to respond to the individual needs of persons who require assistance with activities of daily living. The facility provides care to residents who cannot live independently, but who do not require 24 hour nursing care. Terminology varies from state to state, and a facility that is called an Assisted Living Facility in one state might be called other things in other states, i.e. a Residential Care Facility (RCF), Board and Care Home, a Domiciliary Care Facility, an Adult Care Home, or a Community-Based Care Facility.

The primary person in charge of caring for an elderly in a Assisted Living Facility.

A term used to describe formal services planned by care professionals.

The loss of intellectual functions (such as thinking, remembering, and reasoning) of sufficient severity to interfere with a person's daily functioning. Dementia is not a disease itself but rather a group of symptoms that may accompany certain diseases or conditions. Symptoms may also include changes in personality, mood, and behavior. Dementia is irreversible when caused by disease or injury but may be reversible when caused by drugs, alcohol, hormone or vitamin imbalances, or depression. (Source: Alzheimer's Association)

Affliction characterized by severe chronic conditions that are due to mental and/or physical impairments, which may include Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Hearing loss, Mental retardation and Vision impairment. People with developmental disabilities have problems with major life activities such as language, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living. (Source: Dept. of Health and Human Services: CDC)

Disability is a general term that refers to any long- or short-term reduction of a person's activity as a result of an acute or chronic condition. (Source: NCHS Definitions/CDC)

This act became a law on January 1, 1997. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website, Title I of HIPAA protects health insurance coverage for workers and their families when they change or lose their jobs. (Source: Wikipedia)

A HMO is a health care system that assumes or shares both the financial risks and the delivery risks associated with providing comprehensive medical services to a voluntarily enrolled population in a particular geographic area, usually in return for a fixed, prepaid fee. (Source: NCHS Definitions/CDC)

AKA. End-of-life care. Hospice care is end-of-life care provided by health professionals and volunteers. They give medical, psychological and spiritual support. The goal of the care is to help people who are dying have peace, comfort and dignity. The caregivers try to control pain and other symptoms so a person can remain as alert and comfortable as possible. Hospice programs also provide services to support a patient's family. Usually, a hospice patient is expected to live 6 months or less. Hospice care can take place (a) at home, (b) at a hospice center, (c) in a hospital, or in a skilled nursing facility (Source: Medline Plus)

These are activities related to independent living and include preparing meals, managing money, shopping for groceries or personal items, performing light or heavy housework, and using a telephone. (Source: NCHS Definitions/CDC)

LPNs are trained to administer technical nursing procedures as well as provide a range of health care services, such as administration of medication and changing of dressings. One year of post high school education and passage of a state-licensing exam is required.

A written document, which states the wishes of an individual in advance concerning the use of life saving devices and procedures in the event that the person is terminally ill or has suffered an injury and is no longer competent. (Source: LTCinsurance)

Care given in the form of medical and support services to persons who have lost some or all of their capacity to function due to an illness or disability. (Source: LTCinsurance)

The insurance which pays for a succession of care giving services for the elderly or chronically ill. This care may be provided in a facility (nursing home, mental hospital, etc.) or in the individual's home with a nurse or aide. (Source: LTCinsurance)

Managed care is a term originally used to refer to the prepaid health care sector (e.g., Health maintenance organizations (HMO's) where care is provided under a fixed budget and costs are therein capable of being "managed". Increasingly, the term is being used to include preferred provider organizations (PPO¿s) and even forms of indemnity insurance coverage (or fee-for-service insurance) that incorporate preadmission certification and other utilization controls. (Source: NCHS Definitions/CDC)

It is public assistance funded by Federal and administered through the State to individuals who are unable to pay for health care. To qualify for Medicaid, you must meet income and wealth guidelines. Medicaid can be accessed only when all prior assets and funds are depleted. In some states, Medicaid pays for Assisted Living care through Medicaid waivers. (Source: LTCinsurance)

This is a nationwide health insurance program providing health insurance protection to people 65 years of age and over, people entitled to social security disability payments for 2 years or more, and people with end-stage renal disease, regardless of income. The program was enacted July 30, 1965, as Title XVIII, Health Insurance for the Aged of the Social Security Act, and became effective on July 1, 1966. From its inception, it consists of two separate but coordinated programs, hospital insurance (Part A) and supplementary medical insurance (Part B). (Source: NCHS Definitions/CDC)

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 him or herself. For instance, the facility can remind the resident that she needs to give herself the medicine injection, but the facility cannot perform the actual injection itself.

Private health insurance that is used to pay costs not covered by Medicare, such as deductibles and co-insurance (Source: LTCinsurance)

A national organization made up of state officials who are in charge of regulating insurance. They have considerable influence and strive to promote national uniformity in insurance regulations. (Source: LTCinsurance)

Inability to walk independently, usually bedridden or hospitalized.

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 turn 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.

Nurse assistants work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse. A Nurse Assistant 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.

Provides 24-hour skilled care for the more acute patients. Patients generally rely on assistance for most or all daily living activities (such as bathing, dressing and toileting). (from ALFA) One step below hospital acute care. Regular medical supervision and rehabilitation therapy are mandated to be available, and nursing homes are eligible to participate in the Medicaid program. These facilities are State Licensed. Also referred to as Nursing Facility or Convalescent Home. See also Skilled Nursing Facility.

A creative activity prescribed for its effect in promoting recovery or rehabilitation. This is done to help individuals relearn activities of daily living and is generally administered by a licensed therapist.

The treatment of disease or injury, by physical and mechanical means (as massage, regulated exercise, water, light, heat, and electricity.) Physical therapists plan and administer prescribed physical therapy treatment programs for residents to help restore their function and strength.

This describes the strategies that the facility and staff will use to enhance, restore or maintain a person's optimal physical, mental and psychosocial well-being

Term used to describe care and services that allow recipients to attain and maintain their highest level of mental, physical, and psychological function, in a dignified and caring way.

These housing options offer home ownership opportunities for adults 55 years of age and older, or sometimes 62 years and older. Some communities offer rental programs and rent-to-own options. The types of residences you may find are: Single Family Homes, Cottages and Patio Homes, Condos and Townhouses, Manufactured Homes, Gold Communities and Gated Communities.

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.

Therapeutic care for persons requiring intensive physical, occupational, or speech therapy in order to restore to the patient to a former capacity.

See Assisted Living.

It a service that provides a caregiver temporary relief from the responsibilities of caring for individuals with chronic physical or mental disabilities. (Source: Answers.com)

Insurance policies for those over the age of 65. In many cases these policies are in combination with coverage provided by the government under the Medicare Program. (Source: LTCinsurance)

Facilitated gathering of caregivers, family, friends, or others affected by a disease or condition for the purpose of discussing issues related to the disease. (from AA) http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/datawh/nchsdefs/list.htm#A (NCHS= National Center for Health Statistics)