Moving into senior communities can be an exhausting and emotional process, made all the more overwhelming by the often unfamiliar and confusing terms you may encounter along with way. Hence, to help you along your journey to find the ideal senior living community, here are some basic terminology you may need in your arsenal.
Accreditation is an independent seal of approval given by a third-party evaluator such as an industry or government body which symbolizes that the service provider has met the standards set by said evaluator. This is an method of quality assurance.
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is a law passed in the United States in 1980 which concerns discrimination based on someone’s disabilities. It is important to know the details of this law, especially if you have aging loved ones.
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder that impacts the memory and cognitive abilities of an individual. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to memory loss, confusion, wandering, and being unable to recognize friends and family.
Assisted Living is a term that refers to programs in typically state-licensed residential communities. These programs often provide meals, medication management, daily assistance and housekeeping and laundry services for their residents.
Co-Insurance is the per cent of the approved charge that the policy holder is required to pay after Part A and Part B deductible are paid.
Dementia is a neurological disorder that affects one’s cognitive abilities. It is a progressive disorder that affects the individuals judgement, cognition, and memory.
Developmental Disability is an affliction that may manifest as chronic physical and/or mental disabilities. This includes but is not limited to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, chronic seizures, and limb loss.
Durable Power of Attorney (DPA) is a legal document that a fully competent person gives their attorney-in-fact the legal power to make health care decisions in their stead in the event they are no longer able to those decisions themselves.
Hospice care refers to the care provided to those suffering from terminal illnesses. These services may include counselling services, medical services, and perhaps even social services. The services are typically provided in-home or in select special hospitals and hospices.
Independent living refers to multi-unit residential developments for older adults. These residences may include services and amenities such as housekeeping, meals, medical care, and transportation. Nonetheless, independent living can also refer to retirement communities that do not provide such supportive services and amenities.
Living willing is a document that holds advance directives that lay out the specific types of medical care that an individual wishes to receive or not receive in the event that the person is no longer able to make medical decisions
Long-Term care refer to a broad spectrum of medical and support services provided to individuals of any age whom are suffering from long-term health impairments which have caused them to lose some or all their capacity to function without assistance.
Medicare is a federal, nationwide medical insurance program administered by the Social Services Administration. It provides insurance for people who are 65 years old and above, along with people with certain disabilities regardless of income or wealth.
Nursing homes are state-licensed facilities that provide around the clock nursing care. They provide residence as well as activities and events for the residents. Medical supervision and rehabilitation therapy services are also be available in nursing homes.
