Glossary
Plain-language definitions for every term you will encounter. Browse by letter or filter by category.
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A
ADL
Activities of Daily Living are basic self-care tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting.
Daily CareAmbulation
Walking or moving from place to place, sometimes with assistance from a caregiver or mobility device.
Daily CareAdult Day Care
A supervised daytime program offering activities, meals, and socialization for adults who need assistance.
Support ServicesAdvance Directive
A legal document stating a person's wishes for medical treatment if they become unable to communicate.
Legal & FinancialArea Agency on Aging
A local organization that connects older adults and caregivers with community services and resources.
Support ServicesAssisted Living
A residential community offering help with daily activities while allowing residents more independence than a nursing home.
Medical TermsAging in Place
The ability to live in one's own home safely and independently as one grows older.
Support ServicesAlzheimer's Disease
The most common form of dementia, causing progressive memory loss and cognitive decline over time.
Health ConditionsAgitation
Restlessness, pacing, or aggressive behavior often seen in people with dementia or cognitive decline.
Health ConditionsAdult Protective Services
A government agency that investigates reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults.
Legal & FinancialAdaptive Equipment
Specialized tools like reachers, button hooks, and jar openers that help people perform tasks independently.
Daily CareArthritis
Joint inflammation causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, common in older adults.
Health ConditionsAphasia
A language disorder caused by brain damage, affecting the ability to speak, understand, read, or write.
Health ConditionsAspiration
The accidental inhalation of food or liquid into the lungs, which can cause pneumonia in vulnerable patients.
Health ConditionsAspiration Pneumonia
A lung infection caused by breathing food, liquid, or saliva into the airways, common with dysphagia.
Health ConditionsAnxiety
A condition of excessive worry or fear that can affect daily functioning in both patients and caregivers.
Health ConditionsActivities of Enrichment
Planned social, physical, and creative activities that improve quality of life for care recipients.
Support ServicesAid and Attendance
A VA pension benefit for veterans who need help with daily activities or are housebound.
Insurance & BenefitsAnticipatory Grief
The mourning process that begins before a death, common for caregivers of people with terminal illness.
Support ServicesAsset Protection
Legal strategies to preserve a person's wealth while qualifying for government benefits like Medicaid.
Legal & FinancialB
Bathing
Assisting a care recipient with washing their body, including bed baths and shower or tub transfers.
Daily CareBed Rail
A safety rail attached to a bed to prevent falls and assist with repositioning during sleep.
Daily CareBlood Glucose Monitoring
Regular testing of blood sugar levels to manage diabetes and adjust diet or medication as needed.
Medical TermsBlood Pressure Monitoring
Regular measurement of blood pressure to track cardiovascular health and medication effectiveness.
Medical TermsBenefit Period
The time frame Medicare uses to measure use of inpatient hospital and skilled nursing facility services.
Insurance & BenefitsBereavement Support
Counseling and support services offered to families after the death of a loved one, often through hospice.
Support ServicesBody Mechanics
Proper posture and lifting techniques caregivers use to prevent injury when moving or transferring patients.
Daily CareC
Custodial Care
Non-medical assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating, often not covered by Medicare.
Daily CareCNA
Certified Nursing Assistant provides hands-on patient care under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
Medical TermsConservatorship
A court-appointed authority over another person's financial affairs when they cannot manage them alone.
Legal & FinancialCaregiver Burnout
Physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion from the sustained demands of caring for another person.
Support ServicesContinuing Care Retirement Community
A campus offering independent living, assisted living, and nursing care as residents' needs change over time.
Support ServicesCatheter
A tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine, requiring proper care to prevent infection.
Medical TermsCOPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a lung condition causing breathing difficulty that worsens over time.
Health ConditionsCongestive Heart Failure
A chronic condition where the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, causing fluid buildup and fatigue.
Health ConditionsCompression Stockings
Specialized tight socks that improve circulation and reduce swelling in the legs and feet.
Daily CareComfort Care
Treatment focused on relieving pain and maintaining quality of life rather than curing a disease.
Medical TermsCompanion Care
Non-medical support providing socialization, supervision, and light housekeeping for an older adult.
Support ServicesCare Plan
A written document outlining a person's care needs, goals, and the services to be provided.
Medical TermsCare Coordination
Organizing a patient's health services across multiple providers to ensure consistent and effective care.
Medical TermsCare Team
The group of healthcare professionals, family members, and aides working together to support a patient.
Medical TermsCare Manager
A professional who assesses needs, arranges services, and monitors care for an older adult or disabled person.
Support ServicesCaregiver Stress
The emotional, physical, and financial strain experienced by a person providing ongoing care to another.
Support ServicesCaregiver Agreement
A written contract between a family caregiver and care recipient specifying duties, schedule, and compensation.
Legal & FinancialCaregiver Compensation
Payment to a family member or friend for providing care, which may affect Medicaid eligibility.
Legal & FinancialCaregiver Leave
Time off from work to provide care for a family member, which may be protected under FMLA or state law.
Legal & FinancialContracture
A permanent tightening of muscles or joints from lack of movement, causing limited range of motion.
Health ConditionsCognitive Decline
A gradual loss of thinking abilities including memory, reasoning, and judgment that comes with aging or disease.
Health ConditionsCapacity
A person's legal and mental ability to make their own decisions about healthcare, finances, and daily life.
Legal & FinancialCompetency
A legal determination by a court that a person can or cannot make decisions for themselves.
Legal & FinancialCopay
A fixed amount a patient pays for each healthcare service or prescription, with insurance covering the rest.
Insurance & BenefitsCoinsurance
The percentage of healthcare costs a patient pays after meeting their deductible, with insurance paying the rest.
Insurance & BenefitsCaregiver Support Program
Government and nonprofit programs providing training, counseling, and resources to family caregivers.
Support ServicesCaregiver Training
Education programs teaching family caregivers skills like safe lifting, medication management, and wound care.
Support ServicesColostomy Care
Maintenance and cleaning of a colostomy bag and stoma for patients who have had bowel surgery.
Medical TermsCPAP
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is a machine that helps people with sleep apnea breathe during sleep.
Medical TermsCaregiver Fatigue
Chronic physical and emotional tiredness from prolonged caregiving without adequate rest or support.
Support ServicesCaregiver Assessment
An evaluation of a caregiver's own health, stress level, and support needs conducted by a professional.
Support ServicesCommunity Spouse Resource Allowance
The amount of assets a spouse may keep when their partner qualifies for Medicaid long-term care.
Insurance & BenefitsCognitive Stimulation
Activities like puzzles, games, and reminiscence that help maintain brain function in people with cognitive decline.
Support ServicesCaregiver Tax Credit
A tax benefit available in some states for family members who provide unpaid caregiving to a dependent.
Legal & FinancialContinuum of Care
The full range of care services from independent living through hospice that a person may need over time.
Medical TermsCaregiver App
A mobile application that helps caregivers track medications, appointments, symptoms, and care tasks.
Support ServicesCare Journal
A written or digital log where caregivers record daily observations, medications given, and changes in condition.
Support ServicesD
Dressing
Helping a care recipient put on and remove clothing, including adaptive garments for limited mobility.
Daily CareDurable Power of Attorney
A legal document granting someone authority to make financial or health decisions for an incapacitated person.
Legal & FinancialDNR
Do Not Resuscitate is a medical order stating that CPR should not be performed if the heart stops.
Legal & FinancialDual Eligible
A person who qualifies for both Medicare and Medicaid, receiving benefits from both programs.
Insurance & BenefitsDurable Medical Equipment
Reusable medical devices like wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, and hospital beds prescribed for home use.
Medical TermsDementia
A group of conditions causing progressive decline in memory, thinking, and the ability to perform daily tasks.
Health ConditionsDelirium
A sudden change in mental function causing confusion and disorientation, often triggered by infection or medication.
Health ConditionsDiabetes
A chronic condition affecting blood sugar regulation that requires diet management, monitoring, and sometimes insulin.
Health ConditionsDysphagia
Difficulty swallowing food or liquids, common after stroke or with neurological conditions, requiring modified diets.
Health ConditionsDehydration
A dangerous loss of body fluids common in older adults, caused by inadequate fluid intake or illness.
Health ConditionsDVT
Deep Vein Thrombosis is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg, requiring prompt medical treatment.
Health ConditionsDischarge Planning
The process of preparing a patient to leave a hospital or facility, arranging follow-up care and services.
Medical TermsDepression
A mood disorder causing persistent sadness and loss of interest, common in older adults and caregivers alike.
Health ConditionsDeductible
The amount a patient must pay out of pocket before insurance starts covering healthcare costs.
Insurance & BenefitsDay Program
A structured daytime program providing activities, therapy, and supervision for adults with care needs.
Support ServicesDependent Care
Care provided to an adult who relies on another person for help with daily activities due to age or disability.
Legal & FinancialE
Elopement
When a patient with cognitive impairment leaves a care setting without supervision, posing a safety risk.
Health ConditionsEdema
Swelling caused by fluid retention in the body's tissues, often in the legs, ankles, and feet.
Health ConditionsElder Abuse
Physical, emotional, financial, or sexual mistreatment or neglect of an older adult by a caregiver or other person.
Legal & FinancialEstate Planning
Legal preparation for managing a person's assets and healthcare wishes in case of incapacity or death.
Legal & FinancialErrand Running
A caregiver service that includes grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, and other outside tasks.
Daily CareEnd-of-Life Care
Medical and comfort care provided in the final weeks or days of a person's life.
Medical TermsElder Law Attorney
A lawyer specializing in legal issues affecting older adults, including estate planning and Medicaid eligibility.
Legal & FinancialEmergency Preparedness
Planning for emergencies including power outages, natural disasters, and medical crises for homebound patients.
Daily CareF
FMLA
Family and Medical Leave Act provides eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for caregiving.
Legal & FinancialFall Prevention
Strategies and modifications to reduce the risk of falls, the leading cause of injury in older adults.
Daily CareFeeding Tube
A medical device that delivers nutrition directly to the stomach when a person cannot eat by mouth.
Medical TermsFinancial Exploitation
The illegal or improper use of a vulnerable adult's money, property, or assets by a caregiver or other person.
Legal & FinancialFrontotemporal Dementia
A group of brain disorders causing changes in personality, behavior, and language, often before age 65.
Health ConditionsFeeding Assistance
Helping a person eat meals by cutting food, guiding utensils, or providing hand-over-hand support.
Daily CareFunctional Assessment
An evaluation of a person's ability to perform daily tasks, used to determine the level of care needed.
Medical TermsG
Guardianship
A court-appointed legal authority over a person who cannot make decisions for themselves.
Legal & FinancialGait Belt
A safety belt placed around a person's waist to help a caregiver support them during transfers and walking.
Daily CareGeriatric Care Manager
A specialist, usually a social worker or nurse, who helps families plan and manage elder care.
Support ServicesGrab Bar
A wall-mounted bar installed in bathrooms to provide support and prevent falls during bathing and toileting.
Daily CareGrooming
Assisting with personal hygiene tasks like brushing teeth, combing hair, shaving, and nail care.
Daily CareGrief
The emotional response to loss, experienced by both caregivers and family members before and after a death.
Support ServicesGeriatrician
A doctor specializing in the health care of older adults and the management of age-related conditions.
Medical TermsH
Home Health Aide
A trained worker who provides personal care and basic health services to patients in their homes.
Medical TermsHospice
End-of-life care focused on comfort rather than cure for patients with a terminal prognosis of six months or less.
Medical TermsHealthcare Proxy
A person legally designated to make medical decisions on behalf of someone who cannot speak for themselves.
Legal & FinancialHome Modification
Changes to a home like grab bars, ramps, and wider doorways to improve safety and accessibility.
Daily CareHoyer Lift
A mechanical lifting device used to safely transfer a person who cannot bear weight from one surface to another.
Daily CareHospital Bed
An adjustable bed with rails and positioning features used for home care of bedridden or mobility-limited patients.
Daily CareHypertension
High blood pressure that increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, managed with medication and lifestyle.
Health ConditionsHome Health Care
Medical services provided in a patient's home by licensed professionals, often covered by Medicare.
Medical TermsHome Delivered Meals
Meals brought to a person's home through community programs, ensuring proper nutrition for homebound seniors.
Support ServicesHCBS
Home and Community-Based Services are Medicaid-funded programs that provide care outside of institutions.
Insurance & BenefitsHome Management
Overseeing household tasks like bill paying, scheduling appointments, and managing home maintenance.
Daily CareHospice Aide
A trained caregiver who provides personal care and comfort to patients receiving end-of-life hospice services.
Medical TermsHearing Aid
A small electronic device worn in or behind the ear that amplifies sound for people with hearing loss.
Daily CareHome Safety Checklist
A list used to evaluate and address hazards in a home, such as loose rugs, clutter, and poor lighting.
Daily CareHospice Eligibility
Criteria for receiving hospice care, typically a doctor's certification of a terminal prognosis of six months or less.
Medical TermsI
IADL
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living include cooking, cleaning, managing finances, and transportation.
Daily CareIndependent Living
A senior housing community where residents live on their own with access to amenities and social activities.
Support ServicesIncontinence
The inability to control bladder or bowel function, requiring pads, briefs, or catheter management.
Health ConditionsInsulin
A hormone administered by injection or pump to manage blood sugar in people with diabetes.
Medical TermsInformed Consent
A patient's agreement to a medical treatment after being fully told about its risks, benefits, and options.
Legal & FinancialInsurance Appeal
A formal request to an insurance company to reconsider a denied claim for coverage of a medical service.
Insurance & BenefitsIn-Home Care
Personal care, companionship, and household services provided in a person's own home by paid caregivers.
Daily CareIV Therapy
The administration of fluids, medication, or nutrition directly into a vein, managed by skilled nursing staff.
Medical TermsInjection Administration
Giving prescribed medications by needle, including insulin, blood thinners, and vaccines.
Medical TermsIncapacity
The state of being unable to make one's own decisions due to illness, injury, or cognitive decline.
Legal & FinancialInfection Control
Practices like hand washing, glove use, and surface disinfection to prevent the spread of illness.
Medical TermsL
LPN
Licensed Practical Nurse provides basic nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse or doctor.
Medical TermsLiving Will
A written document specifying which medical treatments a person does or does not want at end of life.
Legal & FinancialLook-Back Period
The time frame Medicaid reviews for asset transfers when determining eligibility, typically five years.
Insurance & BenefitsLong-Term Care Insurance
An insurance policy that covers costs of extended care services not paid by regular health insurance.
Insurance & BenefitsLong-Term Care
Ongoing medical and personal care services for people who cannot perform daily activities independently.
Medical TermsLewy Body Dementia
A type of dementia causing visual hallucinations, movement problems, and fluctuating alertness.
Health ConditionsLive-In Care
A caregiver who resides in the patient's home to provide round-the-clock assistance and supervision.
Daily CareLight Housekeeping
Basic household chores like laundry, dishes, and tidying done by a caregiver as part of home care.
Daily CareLong-Distance Caregiving
Managing care for a loved one who lives far away, often coordinating services and visits remotely.
Support ServicesM
Medicaid
A joint federal-state program providing health coverage and long-term care for people with low income.
Insurance & BenefitsMedicare
A federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older and some younger adults with disabilities.
Insurance & BenefitsMedicare Advantage
A private insurance plan that replaces original Medicare, often including extra benefits like dental or vision.
Insurance & BenefitsMedigap
A supplemental insurance policy that covers costs original Medicare does not pay, like copays and deductibles.
Insurance & BenefitsMemory Care
A specialized residential facility or unit designed for people with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.
Medical TermsMobility Aid
Devices like walkers, canes, and wheelchairs that help a person move around safely and independently.
Daily CareMedication Management
Organizing, administering, and tracking prescription medications to ensure correct dosage and timing.
Medical TermsMedication Reconciliation
A review of all medications a patient takes to identify and resolve conflicts or duplications.
Medical TermsMedication Reminder
An alarm, app, or caregiver prompt that helps a person take medications at the correct times.
Daily CareMeal Preparation
Planning and cooking nutritious meals for a care recipient, including special diet requirements.
Daily CareMalnutrition
A condition from not getting enough nutrients, leading to weight loss, weakness, and increased infection risk.
Health ConditionsMandated Reporter
A person legally required to report suspected abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult to authorities.
Legal & FinancialMedical Alert System
A wearable device with a button that connects a person to emergency services if they fall or need help.
Daily CareMental Health
The emotional and psychological well-being of both the care recipient and the caregiver.
Support ServicesMild Cognitive Impairment
A stage between normal age-related memory changes and the more serious decline of dementia.
Health ConditionsMeals on Wheels
A program that delivers nutritious meals to homebound older adults who cannot cook for themselves.
Support ServicesMedicaid Waiver
A state program allowing Medicaid funds to pay for home and community-based services instead of nursing home care.
Insurance & BenefitsMedicare Part A
The portion of Medicare covering inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health care.
Insurance & BenefitsMedicare Part B
The portion of Medicare covering outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and medical equipment.
Insurance & BenefitsMedicare Part D
The portion of Medicare that provides prescription drug coverage through private insurance plans.
Insurance & BenefitsMedicaid Planning
Legal strategies to arrange finances so a person qualifies for Medicaid long-term care coverage.
Insurance & BenefitsMusic Therapy
The use of music by a trained therapist to address physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of patients.
Support ServicesN
Nursing Home
A residential facility providing 24-hour skilled nursing care for people who cannot live independently.
Medical TermsNutrition
Ensuring a care recipient gets proper food and hydration to maintain health and prevent malnutrition.
Daily CareNeglect
The failure to provide necessary care, food, shelter, or medical attention to a dependent person.
Legal & FinancialNational Family Caregiver Support Program
A federally funded program providing respite, counseling, and support services to family caregivers.
Support ServicesNight Care
Overnight caregiving that includes monitoring, toileting, repositioning, and responding to nighttime needs.
Daily CareNebulizer
A device that converts liquid medication into a mist for inhalation, used to treat breathing conditions.
Medical TermsO
Occupational Therapy
Therapy that helps a person regain the ability to perform daily tasks like dressing, cooking, and bathing.
Medical TermsOxygen Therapy
Supplemental oxygen delivered through a mask or nasal cannula for patients with breathing difficulties.
Medical TermsOsteoporosis
A condition causing bones to become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures from minor falls.
Health ConditionsOmbudsman
An advocate who investigates complaints and resolves problems for residents of nursing homes and care facilities.
Legal & FinancialOpen Enrollment
The annual period when Medicare beneficiaries can change their health plan or prescription drug coverage.
Insurance & BenefitsP
Physical Therapy
Treatment by a licensed therapist to restore movement, strength, and physical function after illness or injury.
Medical TermsPalliative Care
Specialized medical care focused on relieving pain and symptoms for people with serious illnesses.
Medical TermsPOLST
Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment is a medical form specifying end-of-life care preferences.
Legal & FinancialPACE
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly provides comprehensive medical and social services to frail seniors.
Insurance & BenefitsPressure Ulcer
A skin injury caused by prolonged pressure, common in bedridden patients, also called a bedsore.
Health ConditionsParkinson's Disease
A progressive neurological disorder causing tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with movement and balance.
Health ConditionsPolypharmacy
The use of multiple medications by one patient, increasing the risk of drug interactions and side effects.
Medical TermsPill Organizer
A container with compartments for sorting daily medications by day and time to prevent missed doses.
Daily CarePain Management
Strategies including medication, therapy, and comfort measures to control chronic or acute pain.
Medical TermsPersonal Care Aide
A worker who assists with bathing, dressing, grooming, and other non-medical daily tasks at home.
Daily CarePerson-Centered Care
An approach that tailors care to an individual's preferences, history, and needs rather than a standard routine.
Support ServicesPrior Authorization
Insurance company approval required before certain medical services or medications will be covered.
Insurance & BenefitsPulse Oximetry
A non-invasive test using a finger clip to measure blood oxygen levels and heart rate.
Medical TermsPower Wheelchair
A motorized wheelchair operated by a joystick or controls for people who cannot propel a manual chair.
Daily CarePrivate Pay
Paying for care services out of pocket without insurance or government assistance.
Insurance & BenefitsPPE
Personal Protective Equipment includes gloves, masks, and gowns used by caregivers to prevent infection spread.
Medical TermsPet Therapy
Using trained animals to provide comfort, reduce anxiety, and improve mood for care recipients.
Support ServicesPalliative Sedation
The use of sedating medications to relieve severe suffering in a terminally ill patient when other treatments fail.
Medical TermsPrimary Care Physician
A doctor who provides general medical care, coordinates specialist referrals, and manages chronic conditions.
Medical TermsR
Respite Care
Temporary relief care that gives a primary caregiver a break from their ongoing caregiving duties.
Support ServicesRN
Registered Nurse is a licensed healthcare professional who provides and coordinates patient medical care.
Medical TermsRollator
A wheeled walker with a seat and hand brakes, offering support and a place to rest while moving.
Daily CareRepositioning
Regularly changing a bedridden person's position every two hours to prevent pressure ulcers.
Daily CareRehabilitation
A program of therapies designed to restore function and independence after illness, injury, or surgery.
Medical TermsReadmission
A return to the hospital within 30 days of discharge, often preventable with proper transitional care.
Medical TermsRemote Patient Monitoring
Technology that tracks a patient's vital signs and health data from home and sends it to providers.
Medical TermsRaised Toilet Seat
An attachment that increases toilet height, making it easier for people with limited mobility to sit and stand.
Daily CareRamp
An inclined surface installed at doorways or steps to provide wheelchair and walker access to a home.
Daily CareRange of Motion
Exercises that move joints through their full extent to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.
Medical TermsResident Rights
Legal protections for people living in care facilities, including privacy, dignity, and freedom from abuse.
Legal & FinancialRespite Voucher
A subsidy or coupon that helps pay for temporary respite care services for family caregivers.
Support ServicesRespiration Rate
The number of breaths a person takes per minute, monitored as part of routine vital sign checks.
Medical TermsRespite Home
A facility that provides short-term residential care so a primary caregiver can take a temporary break.
Support ServicesReminiscence Therapy
Using photos, music, and stories from the past to stimulate memory and conversation in dementia patients.
Support ServicesRestorative Care
A nursing approach focused on helping patients regain maximum function and independence after illness or injury.
Medical TermsRespite Weekend
A short-term residential stay, typically two to three days, giving the primary caregiver a full break.
Support ServicesS
Speech Therapy
Treatment by a licensed therapist to improve speaking, swallowing, or language skills after illness or injury.
Medical TermsSkilled Nursing
Medical care provided by a licensed nurse, such as wound care, injections, or IV management.
Medical TermsSpend Down
The process of reducing assets to meet Medicaid's financial eligibility limits for long-term care coverage.
Insurance & BenefitsSkilled Nursing Facility
A licensed facility offering round-the-clock medical care and rehabilitation services after hospitalization.
Medical TermsSundowning
Increased confusion, agitation, or anxiety in dementia patients that worsens in the late afternoon and evening.
Health ConditionsStroke
A medical event where blood flow to the brain is interrupted, potentially causing lasting physical or cognitive damage.
Health ConditionsSocial Worker
A professional who helps individuals and families access community resources, counseling, and care services.
Support ServicesSupport Group
A gathering of caregivers who share experiences, coping strategies, and emotional support with each other.
Support ServicesSelf-Care
Actions a caregiver takes to maintain their own physical, mental, and emotional health while caregiving.
Support ServicesShort-Term Care
Temporary care provided during recovery from surgery, illness, or injury, often in a rehab facility.
Medical TermsShower Chair
A waterproof seat placed in a shower or tub to allow a person to bathe safely while seated.
Daily CareStair Lift
A motorized chair that moves along a rail mounted to stairs, carrying a person between floors.
Daily CareSepsis
A life-threatening response to infection that can lead to organ failure, requiring emergency medical treatment.
Health ConditionsSocial Engagement
Interactions and activities that keep an older adult connected to others and reduce feelings of isolation.
Support ServicesSocial Isolation
A lack of social contact that increases the risk of depression, cognitive decline, and poor health in older adults.
Health ConditionsSenior Center
A community facility offering activities, meals, health screenings, and social programs for older adults.
Support ServicesSafety Assessment
An evaluation of a person's home for hazards like loose rugs, poor lighting, and lack of grab bars.
Daily CareSkilled Care
Medical treatment that requires the training and expertise of licensed healthcare professionals.
Medical TermsSuctioning
Removing mucus from the airways using a suction device, often needed for patients with tracheostomies.
Medical TermsSleep Apnea
A condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, treated with a CPAP machine.
Health ConditionsSymptom Management
Monitoring and treating symptoms like pain, nausea, and shortness of breath to improve patient comfort.
Medical TermsSandwich Generation
Adults who simultaneously care for aging parents and their own children, facing dual caregiving demands.
Support ServicesScooter
A motorized mobility device with a seat, handlebars, and a platform for the feet for short distances.
Daily CareSpousal Impoverishment
Medicaid rules that protect a portion of assets and income for the spouse of a nursing home resident.
Insurance & BenefitsSpecialist Referral
A recommendation from a primary care doctor to see a specialist for a specific medical condition.
Medical TermsT
Toileting
Assisting with bathroom needs including transfers, hygiene, and managing incontinence products.
Daily CareTransferring
Moving a person from one surface to another, such as from bed to wheelchair or chair to toilet.
Daily CareThickened Liquids
Beverages with added thickener to slow swallowing and prevent choking in people with dysphagia.
Daily CareTransitional Care
Coordinated care provided when a patient moves between settings, such as hospital to home.
Medical TermsTelehealth
Remote healthcare services delivered by phone or video, allowing patients to see providers from home.
Medical TermsTremor
Involuntary shaking of a body part, often the hands, associated with Parkinson's disease or other conditions.
Health ConditionsTransportation Services
Programs providing rides to medical appointments and errands for older adults who no longer drive.
Support ServicesTrust
A legal arrangement where assets are held by one party for the benefit of another, often used in elder planning.
Legal & FinancialTracheostomy Care
Cleaning and maintaining a tracheostomy tube in the throat used for breathing, requiring trained care.
Medical TermsU
UTI
Urinary Tract Infection is a common infection in older adults that can cause confusion and behavioral changes.
Health ConditionsUnskilled Care
Non-medical assistance with daily activities that does not require professional healthcare training.
Daily CareUniversal Precautions
Safety practices treating all bodily fluids as potentially infectious, including wearing gloves and washing hands.
Medical TermsV
Vital Signs
Basic health measurements including temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure.
Medical TermsVascular Dementia
A type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often resulting from strokes.
Health ConditionsValidation Therapy
A communication approach for dementia patients that acknowledges their feelings rather than correcting them.
Support ServicesVeterans Benefits
Healthcare and financial assistance programs available to military veterans and their caregiving family members.
Insurance & BenefitsVA
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides healthcare, benefits, and support services to eligible veterans.
Insurance & BenefitsVision Loss
Decreased eyesight that affects daily activities, common in older adults due to cataracts or macular degeneration.
Health ConditionsW
Walker
A lightweight frame device that provides stability and support for people who need help walking.
Daily CareWheelchair
A chair with wheels used for mobility by people who cannot walk or have difficulty walking.
Daily CareWound Care
The cleaning, treatment, and bandaging of wounds, pressure sores, or surgical sites by trained caregivers.
Medical TermsWandering
A behavior in dementia patients where they walk aimlessly or try to leave a safe environment.
Health ConditionsWill
A legal document that states how a person's property and assets should be distributed after their death.
Legal & Financial