What is it?
Glossary of Retirement & Aging Terminology
The following list is comprised of some of the more common terms and phrases used by service providers when serving boomers, older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. We have also included definitions for words that are used on this website. The list is organized in alphabetical order with an A to Z link feature.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J-K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W-X-Y-Z
A
24-hour Controlled Access
24-hour Controlled Access in a facility provides control of all
points of entry/exit 24-hrs a day for the security of the residents.
AARP (American Association of Retired Persons)
AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) is a nonprofit,
nonpartisan membership organization for those aged 50 and older.
AARP provides information, benefits, advocacy and services for
its members.
Abuse and Neglect
Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation are the infliction of injury,
unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or cruel punishment resulting
in physical harm, pain, or mental anguish, or deprivation by
a person (including a caregiver), of goods or services that are
necessary to avoid physical harm, mental anguish, or mental illness." You should report
abuse to organizations who provide services designed to protect older persons
from neglect, exploitation (including financial exploitation), or abuse.
Accessibility
Accessibility describes a space designed to provide the greatest
amount of use by an individual with a disability.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a seal of approval given by an autonomous governing
body to a community or service provider. To become accredited,
the provider must meet specific requirements set by the accreditation
entity and is then generally required to undergo a thorough review
process by a team of evaluators to ensure certain standards of
quality. The independent accrediting organizations are not government
agencies or regulatory bodies. Some examples of accreditation bodies for
the senior housing and care industry include CARF (Commission on Accreditation
of Rehabilitation Facilities), CCAC (Continuing Care Accreditation
Commission), and JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations).
Active Retirement Developments or Active Adult Communities
Active Retirement Developments or Active Adult Communities are
for-sale single-family homes, townhomes, cluster homes, mobile
homes and condominiums with no specialized services, restricted
to adults 55 and older. Residents generally lead an independent
lifestyle; units offer low maintenance, but are not equipped
to provide increased care as the individual ages. Communities
may include amenities such as clubhouse, golf course and recreational spaces.
Outdoor maintenance is normally included in the monthly homeowner's association
or condominium fee.
Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) are physical daily functions
of self care, including bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting,
eating, and transferring in and out of beds and chairs. An aide
may be needed to assist with ADLs, but these costs are not usually
covered by Medicare.
Activity Director or Life Enrichment Coordinator
Activity Director or Life Enrichment Coordinator is the person
responsible for planning or coordinating: outings, entertainment,
group events, art projects and other activities. Such activities
help residents of a long-term care facility stay active, alert
and sociable.
Acute Care Facilities
Acute Care Facilities provide short-term care and rehab for illness
and disability; typically in a medical setting such as a hospital,
intensive care unit, nursing home or emergency department. Treatments
can be provided in an outpatient or inpatient setting.
Acute Pain
Acute Pain is pain that has a known cause and occurs for a limited
time. Acute pain usually responds to treatment with analgesic
medications and treatment of the cause of the pain.
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) was passed by Congress
in 1980, this law establishes a clear and comprehensive prohibition
of discrimination on the basis of disability.
Adaptability
Use and design of space that addresses the problems of physical
changes over a period of time, allowing for ease of adaptability
as needed.
Adaptive or Assistive Equipment
Adaptive or Assistive Equipment is an appliance or device which
assists an individual in caring for themselves, performing work
or other activities. Equipment may be specialized to meet the
need of a physical disability, and can help individuals lead
independent lives.
Adaptive technology
Adaptive Technology for computer equipment provides options to
individuals for their eye, hand and motor skills, low vision
and other physical abilities. Resources include large print keyboards,
modified mouse, screen modifications and more.
Administration on Aging (AoA)
Administration on Aging (AoA) is an agency of the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services that administers the Older Americans
Act. AOA is an advocate agency at the federal level and provides
resources and education to older Americans and their caregivers.
AOA works closely with its nationwide network of State and Area
Agencies on Aging (AAA).
Administrator
Administrator refers to a licensed professional who manages the
day-to-day operations of a care facility such as a nursing home,
hospital, or assisted living facility. Sometimes this position
may also be referred to as an Executive Director, Community Manager,
or similar.
Adult Care Home or Adult Foster Care
Adult Care Home or Adult Foster Care is a facility that provides
a more private, home-like setting, typically in a residential neighborhood
and serves a small number of residents. The caregiver may perform several
functions, such as personal care, housekeeping and activities. Group meals
are served and help is given with ADLs. Usually housekeeping and laundry
is taken care of and some activities are provided. Amenities and nursing
services vary widely in these facilities, so it's best to check each location
for specifics. (Also called Group Home, Personal Care Home, Board and Care
Home, Residential Care Facility and Adult Foster Care.)
Adult Care Home or Adult Foster Care
Adult Care Home or Adult Foster Care is a facility that provides
a more private, home-like setting, typically in a residential
neighborhood and serves a small number of residents. The caregiver may perform
several functions, such as personal care, housekeeping and activities. Group
meals are served and help is given with ADLs. Usually housekeeping and laundry
is taken care of and some activities are provided. Amenities
and nursing services vary widely in these facilities, so it's best to check
each location for specifics. (Also called Group Home, Personal Care Home,
Board and Care Home, Residential Care Facility and Adult Foster Care.)
Adult Day Care Programs or Adult Day Health Care
Adult Day Care Programs or Adult Day Health Care offer a protective
setting for those who cannot be left alone due to health care
and social needs. The structured program offers: socialization,
planned activities, companionship and meals. There are two types of Adult
Day Care: Non-Medical Day Care provides daytime respite for the caregiver
who typically works, needs time for other responsibilities, to simply to
take a break. These programs can be full or partial day and are available
on daily or weekly basis. Some programs are designed for older adults with
dementia and/or physical limitations. Programs may be located at churches,
senior centers or senior housing communities. Medical or "Healthcare" programs provide the additional health-related
services of on-site nurses, therapists, social workers and other health professionals.
Services are in accord with a comprehensive assessment of care needs and
individualized health care plan. Programs through senior housing communities
that are listed on this website must accept non-residents to be included.
Adult Day Treatment
Adult Day Treatment is an intense counseling services provided
in a partial-hospitalization setting.
Adult Education or Continuing Education
Adult Education or Continuing 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.
Adult Protective Services (APS)
Adult Protective Services is the agency where professionals investigate
allegations of suspected dependent adult abuse, and handles allegations
of suspected dependent adult abuse in both the community settings
of Long Term Care (LTC) facilities and hospitals, as well as,
private homes. APS is typically under the Department of Human
Services (DHS) Services
Advance Directive
Advance Directive is a written legal document, also referred
to as a medical directive, that documents an individual's preferences
regarding the manner in which they would like to receive health
care or refuse medical care, in the event they can no longer
communicate such wishes directly. Advance directives include:
a living will that explains your wishes about medical treatments
at the end of life and a health-care power of attorney that lets
you choose someone to make medical decisions for you
Advanced Planning
Advanced Planning includes companies that specialize in advance
planning of burial services including traditional cemetery plots,
casket burials and cremation alternatives. In this website, this
topic also includes links to living wills and medical durable
power of attorney.
Advantage List
Advantage List is a list of health service providers who agree
to give a particular insurance company's policyholders a pre-set
discount.
Advocacy
Advocacy Programs seek to influence legislative or regulatory
actions to benefit specific interest groups. Advocacy may be
pro-active in nature, such as when professionals or citizens
groups work with legislators or public officials to ensure that
the rights and needs of older persons are considered when developing
laws and public programs.
Advocate
Advocate is a person who secures, researches, or works for the
rights or benefits of another or to resolve complaints or problems
on behalf of an older. Advocacy does not include services provided
by an attorney or work under the supervision of an attorney.
Age Restricted Communities
Age Restricted Communities are housing areas or developments
that restricts ownership or residency to individuals who are
over a set age. These communities are set up to accommodate older
adults.
Aging in Place
Aging in Place is a concept designed to allow an individual to
remain in their home and the community regardless of cognitive
or functional impairments.
Allodynia
Allodynia is pain caused by an abnormal source that does not
normally cause pain (such as clothing touching the skin).
Allowable cost
Allowable cost is the highest fee the state will pay for people
on Medicaid. Other insurance plans may also set allowable costs
for the services they cover.
Alternative Therapies
Alternative Therapies may be an alternative to traditional western
medicine and/or complementary therapies. Examples include, but
are not limited to: massage therapy, reflexology, reiki, healing
touch, acupuncture, etc.
Alzheimer's Disease
One of the most common of dementia disorders, it is a progressive,
degenerative disease that attacks the brain and results in impaired
memory, thinking, and behavior. Gradual memory loss, lessening
ability to perform routine tasks, disorientation in time and
space, and personality change are a few of the symptoms. Alzheimer's
disease is the most common cause of dementia. Over months or
years, this disease cripples the brain's nerve cells. Alzheimer's
disease destroys memory and learning. Advanced stages of this
disease generally require 24-hour care. The disease was first
described in 1906 by German physician Dr. Alois Alzheimer (pronounced
AHLZ-hi-merz).
Ambulatory Aids
Ambulatory Aids are devices that help individuals move safely
and independently. These include walkers, crutches, canes, scooters
and wheelchairs. See also (Mobility Equipment)
Ambulatory Care
Ambulatory Care is Health service provided in an outpatient setting
and do not require an overnight hospital stay.
Ambulatory
Ambulatory refers to the ability to walk freely & independently; not
confided to a bed or wheelchair.
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a nonprofit,
nonpartisan membership organization for those aged 50 and older.
AARP provides information, benefits, advocacy and services for
its members.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed by Congress
in 1980, this law establishes a clear and comprehensive prohibition
of discrimination on the basis of disability.
Analgesic Medications
Analgesic Medications are those used to prevent or treat pain.
Annual Enrollment Period
Annual Enrollment Period is the period each year that you can
enroll in or change to another drug or health plan.
Antidepressant
Antidepressant Medications are used to treat depression, and
also used to treat chronic pain. Antidepressants may also be
helpful for pain-related symptoms, like sleep problems and muscle
spasms.
Anxiolytics or Anti-Anxiety
Anxiolytics or Anti-Anxiety Medications are used to treat anxiety,
and also used to treat chronic pain. Anxiolytics reduce pain-related
anxiety, help relax muscles and can help a person cope with pain.
Apartment
Apartment is a living space designed for use as a residence and
located within a building where there is more than one unit.
Apartments can range from Efficiency, Studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedromm,
3-bedroom and larger. The number of bathrooms can also vary along
with apartment amenities. They do not provide assistance with
the activities of daily living and may or may not be subsidized.
Apparel
Apparel includes clothing, accessories, and shoes and may include
resources for adaptable clothing or dressing aids.
Aquatic Classes & Therapies
Aquatic Classes & Therapy consists of an exercise program that is performed
in the water using the resistance of water instead of weights.
Arbitration and Mediation
Arbitration and Mediation is the intervention between parties
to help them reconcile differences, find compromises, or reach
mutually satisfactory agreements.
Area Agency on Aging (AAAs)
Area Agencies on Aging are local government agencies that provide
or coordinate home based services, advocacy , including information
and referral, benefits counseling, home-delivered meals, transportation,
employment services, senior centers, adult day care, and a long-term
care ombudsman program, and other resources for older adults
and people with disabilities, and their families. The Area Agency
on Aging was established under the Older Americans Act (OAA)
in 1973 to respond to the needs of Americans age 60 and over
in every local community in the United States. The states have
multiple agencies statewide that provide local and national information
and referrals for programs and services needed by older adults.
AAAs serve as portals to care, assessing needs, determining eligibility
for assistance, purchasing home health and other services for
income eligible seniors, and developing programs to respond to
new needs as they arise.
Assessment
Assessment is a tool to describe an individual's physical and
cognitive functions to determine if he or she can still complete
activities of daily living. An assessment of mental status is
a test of a person's ability to think, feel and react to others.
An assessment may occur before admission to a facility and often
repeated regularly afterwards; and takes the large view of a
patient's conditions and needs. Assessments are performed by
geriatric physicians, care managers, social workers or other
similar professional.
Assisted Living (AL) (ALF)
Assisted Living Communities are State-regulated (regulations
vary among states) rental properties that provide an independent
living environment, but also provide care yo those needing assistance
with activities of daily living including management of medications,
bathing, dressing, toileting and eating, residents require less
assistance than that at a skilled nursing facility. The fee schedule
is regular monthly rent along with additional fees for specific
services and Medicare does not generally cover care in these
facilities. The community may be a large location or a small
personal residence converted into an AL residence; many have
private living space and a kitchenette. Some of these facilities
do provide specific care for Alzheimer's Disease.
Assistive Products
Assistive products are devices, items and/or technology that
aid persons with activities of daily living so they can be more
independent. An assistive device may include eyeglasses, a cane,
a wheelchair or a hearing aid, but may also be jar openers, show
horns, walk in showers, etc...
Associations for Specific Condition
Associations for Specific Conditions are organizations that provide
information and resources about medical conditions, such as:
Alzheimer's, Cancer, and similar.
At Home Care & Services
At Home Care & Services are services that assist individuals to remain
in their homes or assist families in caring for elders living with them.
Services can include Companion Care, Emergency Response Systems, Errand & Shopping
Services, House Cleaning, Medication Reminders, Personalized Visitation.
Attorneys & Elder Law
Attorneys & Elder are law firms specialize in legal issues affecting
older adults and disabled; including probate and estate planning, guardianship,
long-term care planning, estate planning, wills, and counsels clients about
planning for the future with alternative decision-making documents. The attorney
can also assist the client in planning for possible long-term care needs,
including nursing home care. 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.
Audiologist
Audiologist is a health professional who specializes in hearing
measurement and hearing loss or impairment correction. Issues
may include: hearing loss, tinnitus , and lack of balance. Audiologists
provide hearing aids and other listening devices.