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Cancer
Cancer is a disease that develops when cells in the body grow out of control. Normal cells grow, divide and die. Instead of dying, cancer cells continue to grow and form new abnormal cells. Cancer cells often travel to other body parts where they grow and replace normal tissue. This process, called metastasis, occurs as the cancer cells get into the bloodstream or lymph vessels. Cancer cells develop because of damage to DNA. DNA is in every cell and directs all its activities. When DNA becomes damaged the body is able to repair it. In cancer cells, the damage is not repaired. People can inherit damaged DNA, which accounts for inherited cancers. Many times, DNA becomes damaged by exposure to something in the environment.

Capitation
Capitation is a method of compensation for health care services under which doctors and other providers are paid a fixed monthly fee for each HMO member under their care, rather than for each service or treatment they perform.

Care Conferences
Care Conferences are meetings held routinely or on an as-needed basis, in Long Term Care Communities with staff, family or resident. The agenda includes discussing a resident's health, medications and activities. The care conference is a good place to meet staff members, ask questions and raise concerns.

Care Management (Case Manager, Geriatric Care Manager)
Care Management services are provided by agencies and individuals who offer guidance, assessment, planning, monitoring and coordination of appropriate social and medical services for those that are not able to fully care for themselves. Services can include the selection of appropriate at-home services or help with finding a senior housing community for the older adult to reside. Care Managers are also available for a crisis situation where there is a traumatic health event. Care Managers are particularly helpful family support is long distance or unavailable. Some non-profits offer care manager services on a sliding scale and note that faith-based non-profit care management groups serve all faiths. The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers specifies that a care manager should have "a graduate degree in the field of human services or a substantial equivalent," and be certified or licensed at the independent practice level of his or her state."

Care Plan or Service Plan
Care Plans are required in nursing homes and assisted living facilities and are detailed plans for the care of each resident, including personal care needs.

Caregiver Education
Caregiver Education is formal or informal opportunities for caregivers to acquire knowledge, experience, or skills related to the care of others. Education can be offered in a conference setting or through the Internet. Topics must be relevant to caregivers, examples may be: dealing with stress, personal care needs, managing behaviors, sensitivity training, or other related topics.

Caregiver Programs
Caregiver Programs are support for caregivers by education, resources, information or support group.

Caregiver Support Groups
Caregiver Support Groups provide an opportunity to share experience, knowledge and coping skills that enhance the health, happiness, knowledge and comfort of caregivers (family members or friends) who are helping or caring for another. Support group meetings may or may not be facilitated by a professional.

Caregiver
Caregiver is a broad term referring to an individual who provides care for another individual unable to care for himself due to a disability or limitation. This individual could provide nonmedical care such as help with bathing or eating or could provide medically necessary care such as changing dressings. The care may be provided informally by a relative, friend or neighbor or by a paid individual who may or may not be a licensed professional.

Caregiving & Support
Caregiving and Support on this website provides information for those caring for older adults and offer resources and support for managing the stress and the physical burdens of being a caregiver. Resources can include Respite Care to give the caregiver a break from the duties of caregiving and care managers to relieve some of the burden of planning and implementing care for older adults.

Caregiving
Caregiving refers to services provided to individuals who are unable to fully care for themselves due to a disability or functional limitation. These services can be provided informally by a family member or friend or more formally by a paid professional such as a home health aide, nurse or therapist.

Casinos & Gaming
Casinos are facilities that accommodate gambling activities, some casinos are known for hosting live entertainment events, such as concerts and sporting events.

Catheter
Catheter is a hollow flexible tube for insertion into the body to allow the passage of fluids or expand a passageway. Uses include: the drainage of urine from the bladder through the urethra or insertion through a blood vessel into the heart for diagnostic purposes.

Causalgia
Causalgia is pain, sometimes burning, associated with change in color of the skin, change in temperature, change in sweating, or swelling. Causalgia usually occurs after a nerve injury.

CCRCs (Continuing Care Retirement Communities)
CCRCs (Continuing Care Retirement Communities) are age-restricted properties that include a a continuum of care from independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing services all on one campus. The facilities allow individuals to live within the same community as their needs progress through the spectrum of care. They typically offer the full selection of amenities associated with retirement living. A large endowment fee in addition to a monthly maintenance fee can be expected. (Also called Life-Care Facility and Life-Care Community)

Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), formerly the U.S. Health Care Financing Administration, CMS is the part of the Department of Health and Human Services that finances and administers the Medicare and works with states to administer Medicaid programs. Among other responsibilities, CMS establishes standards for the operation of nursing facilities that receive funds under the Medicare or Medicaid programs.

Central Nervous System
Central Nervous System includes the brain and the spinal cord.

Certificate of Medical Necessity
Certificate of Medical Necessity is a document completed and signed by a physician to certify a patient's need for certain types of medical equipment or care (i.e. wheelchairs, walkers, etc.).

Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA)
Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) is a lawyer certified in the area of law pertaining to the rights and legal matters concerning older adults. This includes such subjects as estate planning, wills, guardianship, powers of attorney, Medicare & Medicaid. An elder law attorney handles general estate planning issues and counsels clients about planning for the future with alternative decision-making documents. Not all attorneys specialize in elder law. Your local bar association or the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and your local chapter can refer you to elder law attorneys in your area. See also (Elder Law)

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
Certified Nursing Assistants provide personal care to residents or patients, such as bathing, dressing, changing linens, transporting and other essential activities. CNAs are trained, tested, certified and work under the supervision of an RN or LPN. Typically found in hospital, home care, or housing communities.

Certified Senior Advisors (CSAs)
Financial-oriented advisors relating specifically to senior issues, typically in the areas of insurance, financial concerns, real estate, etc. Certification comes from additional training focusing on issues from the senior perspective.

Chaplain
Chaplains offer spiritual counseling. Many organizations will have a chaplain on staff, such as hospice, hospital.

Charge Nurse
Charge Nurse is an RN (Registered Nurse) or LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) responsible for the supervision of a unit within a nursing facility or hospital unit. The charge nurse schedules and supervises the nursing staff and provides care to facility residents. The charge nurse's shift usually lasts eight or twelve hours. On each shift, day or night, a charge nurse should be available.

Charitable Giving
Charitable Giving on this website, includes nonprofit organizations along with descriptions of the services they offer and suggestions of how individuals can help.

Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic Care is an alternative medicine that involves the manipulation and/or stretching of muscles and/or joints along with other treatments such as heat, ice packs, ultrasound and other methods.

Chore Services
Chore Services is assistance with heavy housework, yard work, or sidewalk maintenance. (i.e. shoveling snow, lawn mowing, lawn raking, etc.)

Chronic Disease
Chronic Disease is a disease or condition that lasts over a long period of time and typically cannot be cured, often associated with a disability.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a group of chronic respiratory disorders characterized by the restricted flow of air into and out of the lungs. Disorders include asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and bronchiectasis.

Chronic Pain
Chronic Pain is pain that occurs for more than one month after healing of an injury, pain that occurs repeatedly over months, or is due to a lesion that is not expected to heal.

Clinical Trials
Clinical Trials are carefully planned and monitored experiments to test a new drug or treatment. See also (Medical & Drug Trials)

Cognition
Cognition is the mental processes of recognizing, learning, understanding, remembering and evaluating information.

Cognitive Impairment
Cognitive Impairment is a diminished mental capacity, such as difficulty with short-term memory or dementia.

Coinsurance
Coinsurance is a portion of a prescription's cost that you pay out of your pocket. The amount is a percentage of the price of the drug.

Colostomy
Colostomy is a removable, disposable bag that attaches to the exterior opening of a colostomy (stoma) to permit sanitary collection and disposal of bodily waste.

Community Resources
Community Resources on this website contains information an older adult would need in a local community such as county health departments, motor vehicle licensing, disability programs, elder abuse and Ombudsman contacts, resources for low income older adults, senior organizations, transportation, tax credit information, employment, volunteer opportunities and much more.

Community Spouse's Resource Allowance (CSRA)
Community Spouse's Resource Allowance (CSRA) is the amount of resources that states must allow for protection for the spouse of an institutionalized person seeking Medicaid coverage.

Co-morbidities
Co-morbidities are multiple conditions or diseases occurring in the body simultaneously.

Companion Care
Companion Care is in-home support service provided by a caregiver or sitter to assist an older adult with personal care or errands, allowing the client to remain at home. Services can be provided on a daily, weekly or 24/7 regular schedule and are non-medical services such as meal preparation, errands, social contact, personal care and light housekeeping. This service is also known as "Personal Assistance" and is licensed by some states. Some Agencies may staff bonded caregivers and conduct background checks. Companion Care services can also be arranged for visiting an older adult residing in senior housing community.

Companionship or Sitter Service
Companionship services offer visitation to older adults for conversation, reading and light errands for the purpose of relieving loneliness and providing social contact.

Complementary Medicine
Complementary Medicine is similar to an "Alternative" or "Holistic" approach to medical treatment that is outside of mainstream medical training. Complementary medicine treatments may include: acupuncture, low-level laser therapy, meditation, aroma therapy, Chinese medicine, dance therapy, music therapy, massage, therapeutic touch, yoga, osteopathy, naturopathy, and homeopathy.

Compression Stockings
Compression Stockings are special hosiery which prevent swelling, provide comfort and promote circulation of blood in the feet and legs in order to reduce the incidence problems associated with poor circulation.

Computed Tomography (CT/CAT) Scan
Computed Tomography (CT/CAT) Scan is a painless technique used to produce a picture of a cross-section of a part of the body. X-rays are used to produce this picture.

Computer Classes
Computer Classes include: basic computer use, specific programs, or surfing the Internet; classes may be offered senior centers, colleges, or on the World Wide Web.

Concierge Service
Concierge Service is similar to that found in a hotel. A concierge will typically run errands, schedule transportation, help out with activities, etc.

Conditions & Treatments
Conditions & Treatments on this website, include information and resources about symptoms, care options, education, treatments and care related to specific conditions.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a type of heart disease characterized by poor pumping action of the heart; causing inadequate circulation of blood due to lack of strength or other factors.

Congregate Housing
Retirement hotels, inns, boarding homes and other similar rental residential facilities where individuals can live independently in their unit, but share common areas, social activities and amenities and eat most meals in a communal dining area.

Congregate Meals
Congregate Meals are served in a group setting at facilities such as senior centers or housing communities to promote health and social interaction.

Conservator or Guardian
Conservator or Guardian services are generally provided by a person of trust who petitions the court or is appointed by the court to protect the legal rights of another person who can no longer manage his or her own affairs. A Conservator is responsible for the financial protection of their assets. A guardian in general is responsible for the physical well being of a person; this impacts the subject's rights and as such is usually used as a last approach. A guardian and conservator may be the same person but do not have to be the same and both positions may also be filled by an institution, both require a court order.

Constipation
Constipation is difficulty having a bowel movement.

Consumer Affairs
Consumer Affairs includes government and non-profit organizations that provide information that protects the rights of consumers.

Consumer Protection Services
Services designed to protect individuals, groups, and organizations from any type of fraudulent, deceitful, or unfair transaction or trade practice. (i.e. mail solicitation, phone solicitation, identity theft, etc.) Consumer Protection Services can also be those designed to educate the public about the dangers of fraud, phone solicitation, identity theft, product safety, etc.

Continence
Continence is the ability to control bladder and bowel functions.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are age-restricted properties that include a a continuum of care from independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing services all on one campus. The facilities allow individuals to live within the same community as their needs progress through the spectrum of care. They typically offer the full selection of amenities associated with retirement living. A large endowment fee in addition to a monthly maintenance fee can be expected. (Also called Life-Care Facility and Life-Care Community)

Continuing Education or Adult Education
Continuing Education or Adult Education is for adult learners, and is not normally considered to include basic instruction, but rather a continuation or exploration of interest or expertise, providing formal or informal opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge, experiences, or skills. Education can be offered in a conference setting, University or community college, public library, health fair, hospital, an individual's home or other formal or informal setting. Topics may be relevant to older adults or their caregivers.

Continuum of Care
Care services available to assist individuals throughout the course of a disease. This may include Independent Living, Assisted Living, Nursing Care, Home Health, Home Care and Home and Community Based Services.

Contractures
Contractures are the shortenings of the tendons and muscles and can make the knees, arms, hands or feet curl up. Physical therapy can sometimes prevent or treat this condition. But contractures following a stroke or dementia may be permanent.

Convalescent Home
State-licensed facilities that provide a safe, therapeutic environment for individuals who require rehabilitative care or can no longer live independently due to functional or cognitive impairment. Also known as skilled nursing facilities or nursing homes.

Co-payment
Co-payment is the portion of a medical expense that is the member's financial responsibility. A part of a physician visit, hospital visit, or prescription's cost that you pay out of your pocket; typically it is a fixed amount.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)is a form of heart disease characterized by narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the heart muscle preventing an adequate flow of blood and interrupting the supply of oxygen and other nutrients that the heart needs to function.

Counseling
Counseling services are provided by trained mental health care providers such as family therapists, social workers, psychologist, psychiatrists and other professionals. Typically there is an assessment and then a treatment plan is suggested. A Counselor may advise or enable an individual or family, via discussion or lending a sympathetic ear, to resolve problems (concrete or emotional) or to relieve temporary stresses encountered; including: individual, family, and group counseling.

County Health Departments
County Health Departments work to promote, protect and improve the health and well-being of the community, by maintaining good health and preventing problems that contribute to disease and injury. All state governments have County Health Departments that are part of their larger state health departments. Free or reduced cost services are available based on age and income. Services include flu shots, health screening, foot clinics, etc. Typically a County Health Department also administers the licensing of nursing homes and organizations providing medical services.

Coupons & Discounts
Coupons & Discounts on this website, include information on age related specials or discount pricing.

Coverage Gap
Coverage Gap is the stage in Medicare prescription drug coverage when you pay all of your own drug expenses.

Creditable Coverage
Creditable Coverage is health or drug coverage offered by other plans, such as a current or former employer or union, that gives you coverage at least as good as the standard Medicare prescription drug coverage.

Cremation
Cremation can be an alternative funeral rite to the burial of a body in a grave.

Crisis Intervention
Crisis Intervention is counseling or intervention used to help individuals in crisis. The goal is to promote effective coping for positive growth and change.

Cruises
Cruises are pleasure voyages, where the voyage and the ship's amenities are part of the experience; these may be a private yacht or sailing cities with many ports of call.

Custodial care
Custodial care helps a person accomplish the activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, eating, getting in and out of a bed or chair, moving around, and using the bathroom. Custodial care does not include a skilled nursing care. In most cases, Medicare doesn't pay for custodial care.