Vancouver A-Z Topics

Identify the topic of interest and select the link to retrieve search results. A brief definition is included.
Abuse
Active Retirement Developments
Adaptive Technology
Adult Day Care Programs
Adult Family Home
Advanced Planning
Advocacy
Aquatic Classes & Therapies
Area Agency on Aging
Assisted Living & Residential Care
Assistive Equipment
Associations for Specific Conditions
Associations on Aging
Attorneys & Elder Law
Bereavement
Care Management
Caregiving Resource & Support
Casinos & Gaming
Chiropractic Care
Computer Classes
Conditions & Treatments
Consumer Affairs
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
Continuing Education
Counseling
County Health Departments
Cremation
Daily Money Managers
Dental Resources & Services
Department of Motor Vehicles
Diabetic Resources
Dialysis
Diet & Nutrition
Disability Programs
Elderhostel
Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Response Systems
Employment
Energy Resources
Entertainment & Recreation
Errand & Concierge Services
Estate Planning
Estate Sales
Faith Based Senior Groups
Fiduciary Services
Financial Assistance
Financial Services
Fitness, Health & Wellness
Food Resources
Foot Care
Funeral Services
Government Resources & Services
Grandparenting
Grocery Delivery
Guardian or Conservator
Handicapped License Plates
Health Clinics
Health Screenings
Hearing Resources & Services
HMOs & Health Insurance
Holistic Health & Alternative Medicine
Home Health Agencies
Home Modifications & Improvement Services
Home Repair & Maintenance
Hospices
Hospitals
House Cleaning Services
Housing Resources
Housing Specialist or Referral Service
Identity Theft
In-Home Care & Companions
Independent Living
Infusion
Intergenerational Programs
Landscaping & Tree Services
Legal Aid & Resources
Libraries
Long Term Care Insurance
Mediation
Medicaid
Medical & Drug Trials
Medical Equipment
Medicare
Medication Reminder
Memory Care Assisted Living
Memory Care Nursing Homes
Mental Health Services
Mobile Beauty Service
Mobile Medical Services
Mobility Equipment
Move Management & Organizing Services
Moving Services
Nursing Homes
Nutrition
Organ & Body Donation
Oxygen
Personal Historians & Preservation
Personalized Visitations
Pet Services
Pharmaceutical
Pharmacies
Physicians
Political Contacts
Prescription Assistance
Products and Eqipment
Professional Associations
Real Estate Services
Rehabilitation Facilities
Respite Care
Reverse Mortgages
RVs & Camping
Senior Centers
Senior News
Senior Organizations
Sliding Scale Services
Social Groups
Social Security
Subsidized Housing
Substance Abuse and Addiction
Tax Advice & Preparation
Tax Credit Information
Telephone Reassurance
Therapy Services
Transportation
Travel Resources & Services
Veteran Services
Vision Resources & Services
Volunteer Opportunities
Websites & Groovy Links
Abuse
Elder Abuse includes physical, financial or emotional abuse and should be reported to government agencies; resources include an abuse registry, adult protective services or Ombudsmen program.

Active Retirement Developments
Active Retirement Developments are planned communities and may include amenities, such a golf, clubhouse or pool, and are designed for low maintenance.

Adaptive Technology
Adaptive Technology is for individuals who find operating a computer difficult: resources include large print keyboards, modified mouse, screen modifications and more.

Adult Day Care Programs
Adult Day Care Programs provide a secure environment of companionship and activity for older adults during the day while their family caregivers work or need respite.

Adult Family Home
Adult Care Home or Family Care Home are private residences that provide a home-like setting, and serves 5 or less residents. The caregiver may perform several functions, such as personal care, housekeeping and activities and group meals.

Advanced Planning
Advanced Planning includes organizations that specialize in advance planning of burial or cremation services, as well as, access to living wills and Power of Attorney documents.

Advocacy
Non-profits and government agencies that protect and advocate for people with disabilities, seniors and other at risk members of society.

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.

Area Agency on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging are local government agencies that provide or coordinate home based services, advocacy and other resources for older adults and people with disabilities.

Assisted Living & Residential Care
Housing that provides an independent lifestyle for older adults but with personal assistance and support available; most have private living space or bedroom and some may offer a kitchenette.

Assistive Equipment
Assistive Equipment include appliances or devices, which assists an individual in caring for themselves or performing work or leisure activities.

Associations for Specific Conditions
Associations for Specific Conditions list organizations that provide information and resources about medical conditions, such as: Alzheimer's, Cancer, and similar.

Associations on Aging
Associations on Aging are non profit or government agencies that support or coordinate with Local Area Agencies on Aging to provide services, advocacy, education and other resources.

Attorneys & Elder Law
Attorneys & Elder Law deals with legal issues affecting older adults and disabled; including probate and estate planning, guardianship, long-term care planning, and more.

Bereavement
Bereavement is the emotional, physical, cognitive, or behavioral reaction to loss. Grief may result from loss of a friend, family, or companion, but also: a pet, status, sense of safety, or possessions.

Care Management
Care Management services are provided by Care Managers who give guidance, assessment, care plans and coordination of services for an individual.

Caregiving Resource & Support
Resources & Support for caregiving provides information; resources, support groups and networks to help individuals better manage physical and mental stress of caregiving.

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

Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic Care is care of the spine and musculoskeletal system that involves the manipulation or stretching of muscles or joints, and other treatments.

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.

Conditions & Treatments
Conditions & Treatments list information and resources about symptoms, care options, education, treatments and care related to specific conditions.

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

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) offers a range of care from private apartments to skilled nursing care at the same location, allowing residents to age in place.

Continuing Education
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.

Counseling
Counseling refers to services provided by trained professional such as family therapists, social workers, psychologist, psychiatrists and other individuals.

County Health Departments
County Health Departments promote, protect and improve the health and wellness of the community, by maintaining good health and preventing problems that contribute to disease and injury.

Cremation
Cremation can be an alternative funeral rite to the burial of a body in a grave, resources include companies specializing in cremation services or scattering of ashes.

Daily Money Managers
Companies that provide personal business assistance to those experiencing difficulty in managing their personal monetary affairs. Services range from organizing and maintaining financial and medical insurance papers to assisting with check writing and reconciling bank accounts.

Dental Resources & Services
Dental Resources & Services lists organizations that provide dental services, resources or education; some may provide services on sliding scale payment arrangements.

Department of Motor Vehicles
Department of Motor Vehicles or its equivalent oversees the state's driving programs, safe driver education, Handicapped Accessible License Plates and other services.

Diabetic Resources
Diabetic Supplies include education, resources, or supplies needed for the care of diabetes, including test strips, glucometer, lancets and more.

Dialysis
Dialysis is used to clean individual's blood when one or both kidneys are defective or absent, and to remove excess accumulation of drugs or chemicals in the blood.

Diet & Nutrition
Diet & Nutrition can include nutritional advice, education or meal preparation from a registered dietician, personal chef; meals may be prepared in your home or delivered.

Disability Programs
Disability Programs originate at National, State and Local levels and provide financial support, health care coverage, transportation and other support services to individuals with disabilities.

Elderhostel
Elderhostel offers older adults 55 and older travel opportunities that focus on education, recreation and travel opportunities worldwide.

Emergency Preparedness
Emergency preparedness guidance from the US government lists and explains possible threats and recommended response.

Emergency Response Systems
Emergency Response Systems (ERS) allow a person experiencing a medical emergency to transmit a signal via digital equipment, usually a telephone line.

Employment
Employment resources are organizations, companies and websites that provide employment opportunities or additional skills training for mature adults.

Energy Resources
Energy Resources provide financial assistance for public utilities and/or home weather proofing programs for individuals with limited financial income.

Entertainment & Recreation
Entertainment & Recreation include local attractions including natural historic areas, sports events, museums, galleries, performing arts and more.

Errand & Concierge Services
Errand & Concierge Services are provided by individuals or agencies; services may include errands, shopping, transportation; some companion care companies also provide this service.

Estate Planning
Estate Planning refers to the process of planning for an individual's assets; this generally requires involvement of an attorney or financial planner.

Estate Sales
Estate Sales include appraisal or pricing of items for sale, and may also include the sale of items either in a total sale, individual piece or consignment.

Faith Based Senior Groups
Faith Based Senior Groups are social, service or interest based groups who provide resources in a manner that reflects a commitment to religious beliefs or spiritual values.

Fiduciary Services
Fiduciary Services may include bill paying, managing finances, and other similar services, but could also be a court appointed legal relationship dealing with financial matters.

Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance provides resources and assistance for individuals facing a financial crisis; services may include local relief programs or temporary financial support.

Financial Services
Financial Services can include financial planning, banking, insurance, medical bill review, asset protection & estate planning, tax reduction strategies, and more.

Fitness, Health & Wellness
Fitness, Health & Wellness includes information, educations, programs and resources on healthy living topics offered by hospitals, community centers, or other organizations.

Food Resources
Food Resources provide groceries, meal at home programs or congregate meals for individuals facing a financial crisis or those with limited resources to meet their needs.

Foot Care
Foot Care includes resource and services related to the care of the lower leg, including Podiatry, Pedorathist, orthotics, specialized shoes, shoes for diabetics and more.

Funeral Services
Funeral Services comprise the beliefs and practices to remember the dead, from the funeral, memorial, burial, cemetery, and various monuments in their honor.

Government Resources & Services
Government Resources & Services are links to government organizations, such as Area Agencies on Aging, and other agencies serving the needs of older Americans.

Grandparenting
Grandparenting includes resources on sharing your life with grandchildren, such as traveling, education, creating memories and more.

Grocery Delivery
Companies or individuals that deliver groceries to the home, may be provided by grocery stores, online shopping services or individuals.

Guardian or Conservator
Guardian or Conservatorship in general is an individual or agency appointed by a court as representation for an individual who can no longer manage his or her own affairs.

Handicapped License Plates
Handicapped License Plates are administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Each state manages their program and application and renewal requirements.

Health Clinics
Health centers provide checkups when you're well, treatment when you're sick, immunizations, dental care and prescription drugs for your family, and more.

Health Screenings
Health Screenings are used to identify disease or conditions, thus enabling earlier intervention and management; many screenings are performed at hospitals, community centers or annual health screening events.

Hearing Resources & Services
Hearing Resources & Services lists organizations that provide hearing services, resources or education; some may provide services on sliding scale payment arrangements.

HMOs & Health Insurance
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) & Health Insurance provide a comprehensive range of health maintenance and treatment services for a prepaid fee, including Medicare supplemental plans.

Holistic Health & Alternative Medicine
Holistic Health & Alternative Medicine refers to alternative health services such as Acupuncture, Reflexology, Kelation, Reiki and Kinetic therapy.

Home Health Agencies
Home Health Agencies offer professional in-home care services and are licensed by the state to provide personal care, rehab therapies, and nursing services.

Home Modifications & Improvement Services
Home Modifications & Improvement Services adapt living spaces to meet the needs of individuals with limitations in order to maintain or improve independence and safety.

Home Repair & Maintenance
Home Repair & Maintenance such as: plumbing, roofing, tile work, HVAC, gutter cleaning, and more; include do-it-yourself resources and professionals.

Hospices
Hospice is care provided to enhance the life of a person in the end stages of life, the focus of care is comfort and counseling, rather than treatment or lifesaving measures.

Hospitals
Hospitals are medical facilities offering emergency care, surgical care, testing, specialty care and other medical services, many offer community education and health screenings.

House Cleaning Services
House Cleaning Services also known as maid service can be provided on a weekly or monthly schedule or arranged for one time large cleaning jobs.

Housing Resources
Housing Resources includes government and non-profit agencies that contain information on government senior housing and programs.

Housing Specialist or Referral Service
Housing Information Specialist offers advice and referral services to senior housing communities; some are at no charge to the individual.

Identity Theft
Identity Theft is a crime involving illegal usage of another individual's identity. The most common form of identity theft is credit card fraud.

In-Home Care & Companions
In-Home Care & Companions is support by a caregiver or sitter in a clients home or community in order to provide companionship or assistance with personal care or errands.

Independent Living
Independent Living is an apartment style setting that may or may not provide hospitality or supportive services; residents require minimal or no extra assistance.

Infusion
Infusion is the administration of medication or solutions intravenously, including: nutrition, antibiotics, antiviral, antifungal agents, pain management, chemotherapy or hydration.

Intergenerational Programs
Intergenerational Programs bring generations together usually youth and older adults for activities, shared education and companionship; coordinated by organizations or individuals.

Landscaping & Tree Services
Landscaping & Tree Services such as: tree trimming, lawn care, landscaping, stump removal, irrigation and more; include do-it-yourself resources and professionals.

Legal Aid & Resources
Legal Aid & Resources are government and non-profit legal aid programs for low income individuals and serve as a resource for general inquiries.

Libraries
Libraries offer a means to provide special services for individuals, such as computer and Internet access, large print books, book mobiles and general interest presentations.

Long Term Care Insurance
Long Term care insurance covers cost associated with personal care generally not covered by health insurance, such as dressing, bathing, eating, toileting, transferring, and walking.

Mediation
Mediation services utilizes a trained mediator to guide people through the process of negotiation with the goal of finding a mutually agreed upon resolution to a conflict or dispute.

Medicaid
Medicaid serves people with low incomes and resources, and is funded by the state and federal government, and is managed by the states.

Medical & Drug Trials
Medical & Drug Trials are used to establish average efficiency of a treatment as well as learn about side-effects; often participants receive new treatment or medication options.

Medical Equipment
Medical Supply may include aids for daily living or first aid, mobility equipment, or diabetic supplies.

Medicare
Medicare is a Federal insurance health insurance program for those 65 and over, or others who meet other criteria.

Medication Reminder
Medication Reminders are services or devices that assist clients in remembering to take their medicine on the prescribed schedule.

Memory Care Assisted Living
Memory Care Assisted Living provides a secure setting that alerts staff if a resident has exited, offer a secure outdoor area, and the staff receives training on Alzheimer's and related dementia.

Memory Care Nursing Homes
Memory Care Nursing Homes offer 24-hour skilled nursing care in a secure setting that alerts staff if a resident has exited; the staff receives training on Alzheimer's and related dementia.

Mental Health Services
Mental Health Services includes services such as inpatient and outpatient counseling, as well as, information, resources and education.

Mobile Beauty Service
Mobile Beauty Service is salons or individuals that offer their services to clients in their home or in a senior housing community.

Mobile Medical Services
Mobile Medical Services provides medical services that go directly to the individual's residence or a senior housing community; services include mobile x-ray, MRI and more.

Mobility Equipment
Mobility Equipment are products that individuals use to maintain their mobility and independence, such as lift chairs, wheelchairs and scooters.

Move Management & Organizing Services
Move management & organizing services assist with moves from a larger home to an apartment or community and often handle personal details of a move.

Moving Services
Moving Services include personalized services, packing and unpacking, general moving, storage and specialty shipping of antiques and valuables.

Nursing Homes
Nursing Homes care for the very frail who are dependent on nursing care; many provide short-term rehabilitation for residents needing rehab between hospital and home.

Nutrition
Nutrition includes information on health diets, supplements, resources and assessments containing options and advice for improving an individual's nutritional status.

Organ & Body Donation
Organ & body donation is the removal of organs or tissues from a person who has recently died, or from a living donor, for the purpose of transplanting or grafting them into other persons.

Oxygen
Oxygen includes liquid oxygen or concentrator systems, as well as, respiratory equipment and supplies.

Personal Historians & Preservation
Personal historians are people that record and preserve memoirs, life stories or group histories. This service can be provided to a single person, group or organization.

Personalized Visitations
Personalized Visitation services provide companionship to an older adult at home or in a senior housing community; these visits do not address any personal care needs.

Pet Services
Pet Services includes products and services for pets, pet shelters, low cost veterinary services and a source for finding pet companions for individuals.

Pharmaceutical
Pharmaceutical includes information about medications, drug companies, research and other education and resource services.

Pharmacies
Pharmacies provide prescription services to individuals and their families; many will help review prescriptions and compare costs.

Physicians
Physicians and geriatric physician specialists provide healthcare to older adults; they work in a clinic, private practice, visit senior communities or make house calls.

Political Contacts
Political Contacts includes websites that contain information on how to locate and contact your national, state and local government agencies or representatives.

Prescription Assistance
Prescription Assistance includes resources and access to financial assistance and discounts programs that may lower the cost of medicine.

Products and Eqipment
Products and Equipment are items that make the tasks of daily living easier, including: bathroom safety items, specialized clothing, and other independent living aids.

Professional Associations
Professional Associations offer educational or networking opportunities, including: compliance, referral networks, personal or professional development.

Real Estate Services
Real Estate Services include all things related to buying or selling a home. Realtors with Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES(r)) designation specialize in serving older adults.

Rehabilitation Facilities
Rehabilitation Facilities provides acute or sub-acute care to individuals in recovering from illness or accidents, including nursing and therapy services.

Respite Care
Respite Care is short term relief for family caregivers to take a break from the caregiving responsibilities, including: housing, home care, day care, or financial assistance.

Reverse Mortgages
Reverse Mortgages are for those 62 years old with low or no mortgage debt, allowing you to borrow against the equity in the home; repayment upon selling or leaving the home permanently.

RVs & Camping
RVs and Camping include locations to rent or purchase campers or equipment, and resources to help research, plan, and reserve your next destination.

Senior Centers
Senior Centers are community based centers with activities, programs and non-medical services that promote wellness and socialization to independent older adults.

Senior News
Senior News is interesting and informative local news, happenings, events and special offers. New information valuable to boomers, older adults and caregivers is featured monthly.

Senior Organizations
These are non-profit, government and community groups that offer resources, information and other interest-based services to older adults.

Sliding Scale Services
Sliding Scale Services for home repair and home modification are available to income qualifying individuals, and fees are proportional to financial resources.

Social Groups
Social Groups fare organizations that provide an opportunity for individuals to gather, share and socialize, with a unifying theme or purpose.

Social Security
Social Security refers to the Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program; now amended to encompass several social welfare or social insurance programs.

Subsidized Housing
Subsidized housing is federally funded housing that provides low-income individuals the opportunity to rent safe, decent and affordable rental housing.

Substance Abuse and Addiction
Substance Abuse and Addidction may be treated with inpatient or outpatient services through counseling and medical help; education and other resources may also be found here.

Tax Advice & Preparation
Tax Advise and Preparation include resources on tax laws and regulations, tax planning and preparation, tax advocacy, tax reduction, and more.

Tax Credit Information
Tax Credit Information includes information on how to locate tax credit resources for older adults.

Telephone Reassurance
Telephone Reassurances provided by companies who offer regular, pre-scheduled calls to individuals who live alone as a routine safety check and to reduce loneliness.

Therapy Services
Therapy Services include occupational, physical, respiratory and speech therapy on an inpatient or outpatient basis.

Transportation
Transportation includes routed public transportation, flexibly scheduled van service, taxi services, and medical transport vehicles. Vehicle Modification may also be found here.

Travel Resources & Services
Travel resources & services are planned trips usually with a guide that focus on a common theme or event, such as golfing, history, archeology, geology, or eco tourism and other travel resources.

Veteran Services
Veteran Services includes veteran hospitals, support groups, help lines, veteran burial benefits and Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit.

Vision Resources & Services
Vision Resources & Services lists organizations that provide vision services, resources or education; some may provide services on sliding scale payment arrangements.

Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities are available for older adults through non-profits, government and volunteer organizations.

Websites & Groovy Links
Websites & Groovy Links features a variety of websites about interesting, funny, informative and groovy subjects.