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Search Engines
Search Engines are websites designed to search for information
on the World Wide Web. Information may consist of web pages, images and
other types of files.
Section 8
Section 8 is a federally funded housing subsidy program that
provides low-income families the opportunity to choose and
lease safe, decent and affordable privately owned rental housing by supplementing
what they could afford on their own. Public Housing Authorities across the
country apply to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
for Section 8 funds, which are then provided to eligible families in accordance
with HUD rules and regulations. There is often a wait list
for these funds and rental units.
Security Deposit
Security Deposit is paid when renting an apartment that protects
the landlord for excessive damages and repairs to the unit
when the lease is up. At the end of the lease the landlord
may also use the funds to offset any amounts owed under the
lease agreement. Any remaining amount is refunded to the tenant. The landlord
must notify the tenant within a defined period of time at the end of the
lease any amount being withheld for damages. The balance must be refunded
to the tenant within a defined period of time.
Senior Apartment
Age-restricted, multi-unit housing for older adults who are
able to care for themselves, similar to Independent Living.
Usually no additional services such as meals or transportation
are provided.
Multifamily residential rental properties restricted to adults
at least 55 years of age. These properties don't have central
kitchen facilities and generally don't provide meals to residents,
but may offer community rooms, social activities and other
amenities. May include: low-income, affordable or subsidized housing.
Senior Centers
Senior centers are community-based organizations that provide
programs and socialization for older adults at a central
location. Programs vary between centers and may include social
activities, computer resources, transportation, fitness programs,
organized trips and presentations from local experts on subjects
important to older adults. Some locations may offer meal programs and referrals
for services needed by older adults. Geographically-based local centers
for senior individuals focused on providing social activity and informational
support for local seniors. Often provide some level of congregate
meal programs.
Senior Housing Options
Senior Housing spans numerous options for seniors, typically
dependent on an elder's physical level of activity, level
of mobility, state of mind, etc. Most commonly referred to
options are: Retirement Communities, Active Adult, Independent
Living, Assisted Living, Alternate Family Care, Dementia
Facilities, Nursing Homes and Hospice. Various types of temporary
senior housing, such as: Adult Day Care and Rehab Centers offer alternative
solutions to specific situations and needs.
Senior Organizations & Services
Senior Organizations on this website are non-profit, government
and community groups that offer resources, information and
other interest-based services to older adults.
Senior Ride Program
Senior Ride Program is a service that provides transportation
for aging adults no longer capable of driving themselves.
Senior scams
Senior Scams are illegitimate offers or opportunities that
take advantage of seniors and attempt to steal assets.
Shopping & Retail
Shopping & Retail includes shopping resources organized by topic such
as apparel, coupons, e-gifts, electronics, greeting cards,
hardware and home improvement, health and beauty, home furnishings and sporting
goods. The Internet is a great way to see what is available outside your
local community.
Skilled Nursing Care
Skilled Nursing Care is medical care, nursing and rehabilitative
care which must be furnished under direct supervision of
licensed nursing personnel and the general direction of a
physician. Services include the assessment, observation and
management of a treatment plan as well as direct services
to a patient. Examples are: medication assistance, wound
care, IV therapy, etc. Home health agencies and housing communities
that provide this service are required to be licensed by
the State.
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) or Nursing Homes
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) or Nursing Homes are 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.
Nursing Homes offer 24-hour skilled nursing care and medical
services by registered nurses and support professionals.
This is the highest level of care that can be provided that
is not hospitalization. Additionally, nursing facilities
offer residents planned social, recreational and spiritual
activities. These senior communities care for individuals
who have needs that are beyond the scope of an assisted living
community or board and care home. In many cases, these properties
are licensed for Medicare and possibly Medicaid reimbursement.
Also known as skilled nursing facilities
Sliding Scale Services
Sliding Scale Services are services with fees set according
to an individual's ability to pay, some times income must
be verified. Volunteers may perform the work.
Social Groups
Social Groups are organizations that provide an opportunity
for individuals to gather, share and socialize, with a unifying
theme or purpose.
Social Security
Social Security is a national social insurance program administer
by the Social Security Administration of the United States
government. It provides not only retirement programs for
US citizens but also family benefits for disability, survivorship,
and death. The program is administered through state, local
and national offices. Social Security refers to the Federal
Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program; now
amended to encompass several social welfare or social insurance
programs.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an extension
of Medicare coverage that provides cash disability benefits
for those who qualify. It is a payroll tax-funded, federal
insurance program of the US government. SSDI is managed by
the Social Security Administration and designed to provide
income to those unable to work due to disability. SSDI is
intended to be provided until their condition improves, and
is intended to guarantee income if the individual's condition
does not improve.
Social worker
Social Workers offer patients, residents and their families
therapy, support services and planning for discharge. Social
workers may also teach and counsel staff members.
Special Needs Trust or Supplemental Needs Trust
Special Needs Trust or Supplemental Needs Trust is an irrevocable
trust created for a disabled beneficiary and intended to
supplement government benefits. The beneficiary cannot control
trust distributions.
Speech Language Pathologist
Speech Language Pathologist tests, diagnoses and treats people
with speech and swallowing problems.
Speech Therapy
Speech Therapy is individual or group therapy sessions that
help an individual overcome communication conditions such
as aphasia, swallowing difficulties, and voice disorders.
Physical exercises designed to improve muscle strength and
speech practice to improve clarity are two examples of speech
therapy techniques. Medicare may cover some of the costs
of speech therapy after client meets certain requirements.
Spend Down
Spend Down is a requirement that an individual use up most
of his or her own income to meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Sporting Goods
Sporting Goods are products for athletics, sports, hunting,
and fishing; and also include outdoor clothing and supplies.
Staff to Resident Ratio
Staff to Resident Ratio compares the number of staff members
to the number of residents.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
A State program funded by the federal government to give
free one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance to people
with Medicare and their families. The name for this program
may vary from state to state.
State Pharmacy Assistance Program (SPAP)
A state-run program,
separate from Medicaid, that provides drug coverage and may
coordinate that coverage with Medicare prescription drug
plans for maximum saving to eligible residents.
Stroke
Stroke is an interruption of blood flow to the brain causing
paralysis, slurred speech and/or altered brain function.
It may be caused by a blood clot or mass of undissolved matter
in the blood blocking circulation or by bleeding into brain
tissue causing tissue damage. A stroke can happen when a
blood vessel carrying blood to the brain is blocked by a
blood clot. This is called an ischemic stroke. A hemorrhagic
stroke occurs when a blood vessel breaks open due to trauma
or an aneurysm ruptures causing blood to leak into the brain.
Studio
Studio is a small apartment where the bedroom and living
area is combined. There is usually a galley kitchen and private
bath.
Sub Acute Care
Sub Acute is Care that is necessary due to a condition or
illness that is not severe enough to be acute and is not
chronic. Specialized units are often in a distinct part of
a nursing facility. A level of care designed for the individual
who has had an acute event as a result of an illness and
is in need of skilled nursing, intensive rehabilitation,
complex wound care and post-surgical recovery or rehabilitation
but does not need the intensive diagnostic or invasive procedures
of a hospital.
Subsidized Housing
Subsidized housing is federally funded housing that provides
low-income individuals and families the opportunity to rent
safe, decent and affordable privately owned rental housing
by supplementing what they could afford on their own. The
rent is reduced based on a person's income. Examples include:
housing authority offices where applications are processed,
low-income senior apartments, section 8 housing, HUD housing,
etc.
Substance Abuse
Substance Abuse is treated with inpatient or outpatient services
through counseling and medical help. Organizations may lso
offer advocacy and support for families. Counseling may be
provided for persons who need help due to the misuse of medications,
alcohol, certain drugs, and other toxins. Substance abuse
treatment may be offered in an inpatient or out-patient setting.
Sundown Syndrome
Sundown Syndrome, also known as Sundowning or Sundowner's,
is an ailment that causes symptoms of increased confusion
later in the day near sundown. These symptoms appear in people
who suffer from Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.
Not all patients who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer's
exhibit Sundowner's symptoms, however. Conversely, some people
exhibit symptoms of dementia all day, which grow worse in
the late afternoon and evening, while others may exhibit
no symptoms at all until the sun goes down.
Supplemental Insurance
Supplemental Insurance policies provide coverage for services
not covered by Medicare. Organizations may provide assistance
understanding policies, medigap insurance, etc.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
A federal program that pays monthly checks to people in need
who are 65 years or older or who are blind or otherwise disabled.
The purpose of the program is to provide sufficient resources
so that any one who is 65 or older, blind or otherwise disabled
can have a basic monthly income. Eligibility is based on
income and assets.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a monthly stipend provided
to those 65 or older or disabled persons based on need, paid
by the US Government. The program is administered by the
Social Security Administration, but Payments are made from
the US Treasury general funds and not the Social Security
trust funds. The payments are generally paid on the 1st of
the month, for the current month (as opposed to social security
benefits which are paid for the prior month). It is designed
to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little
or no income; and it provides cash to meet basic needs for
food, clothing and shelter
Support Group
Support Group is a facilitated gathering of caregivers, family,
friends or others affected by a disease or condition for
the purpose of discussing issues related to the disease.
Meetings may be open to the family members and friends of
individuals suffering from Disease, or may be open only to
those afflicted. Support Groups may or may not be facilitated
by a professional. The purpose of these meetings is to enhance
the health, happiness, and comfort of caregivers, family
or. These support groups indirectly benefit sufferers of
a Disease by providing their caregivers with information
and emotional/social support.
Supportive Services
Supportive Services are programs that are designed to enable
individuals to socialize and reduce personal isolation.
Survey
Survey by the state health department is an annual unannounced
survey of each nursing home and other licensed facility once
a year. This survey helps make sure a facility is giving
good care. A facilities must participate to keep its license.
Each facility has to post its latest survey results. These
required surveys differ from the surveys of the Joint Commission
on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) that
a nursing home may request (see Accredited facility).
