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Definitions

Definitions

Here are some words you might run into when taking care of an elderly loved one. Use this page to help you navigate through the world of senior care.

Adult Day Care

A daytime community-based program for functionally impaired adults that provides a variety of health, social, and support services in a protective setting.

Assisted Living

Residences that provide a “home with services” and emphasize residents’ privacy. Residents typically have private locking rooms (only shared by choice) and bathrooms. Personal care services are available on a 24-hour-a-day basis. They are licensed as residential care facilities or as rest homes.

Alzheimer’s Disease

A progressive, irreversible disease characterized by degeneration of the brain cells and loss of memory causing the individual to become dysfunctional and dependent upon others for basic living needs.

Board and Care Home

Residence which offers housing and personal care services to 3-16 residents. Services such as meals, supervision, and transportation are usually provided by the owner or manager. May be a single-family home. Also called an adult care home or group home.

Caregivers

Person who provides support and assistance with various activities to a family member, friend, or neighbor. May provide emotional or financial support, as well as hands-on help with different tasks. Caregiving may also be done from long distance.

Case Management

Offers a single point of entry to the aging services network. Case managers assess client needs, create service plans, coordinate services, and monitor those services. They may operate privately or may be employed by social service agencies or public programs. Typically, case managers are nurses or social workers.

Chore Service

Help with chores such as home repairs, yard work, and heavy housecleaning.

Continuum of Care

The entire spectrum of specialized health, rehabilitative, and residential services available to the frail and chronically ill. The services focus on the social, residential, rehabilitative, and supportive needs of individuals as well as needs that are essentially medical in nature.

Dementia

Term which describes a group of diseases (including Alzheimer’s Disease) which are characterized by memory loss and other declines in mental function.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

A 1993 federal law requiring employers with more than 50 employees to provide eligible workers up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for birth, adoptions, foster care placement, and illnesses of employees and their families.

Geriatrician

Physician who is certified in the care of older people.

Gerontology

Study of the biological, psychological, and social processes of aging.

Homebound

Someone who is generally unable to leave the house. If they do leave home, it is only for a short time (e.g., for a medical appointment) and requires much effort. It is one of the requirements to qualify for Medicare and Home Health Care.

Levels of Care

Here are some words you might run into when taking care of an elderly loved one. Use this page to help you navigate through the world of senior care.

Assisted Living

Residences that provide a “home with services” and that emphasize residents’ privacy and choice. Residents typically have private locking rooms (only shared by choice) and bathrooms. Personal care services are available on a 24-hour-a-day basis. They are licensed as residential care facilities or as rest homes.

Independent Living

Any housing arrangement designed exclusively for older adults, generally those aged 55 and over. Housing varies widely, from apartment-style living to single-family detached homes.

Hospice Care

Services for the terminally ill provided in the home, a hospital, or a long-term care facility. Includes home health services, volunteer support, grief counseling, and pain management.

Skilled Nursing

A living arrangement that maximizes independence and self-determination, especially if the disabled person is living in a community instead of a medical facility.

Total Care

24-hour nursing care.

Resource Center

Explore the Age Well resource page to find opportunities and aid for Orange County residents 60+.
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