Glossary of Terms

Activities of Daily Living: (ADL's) Activities of daily living include bathing, feeding, dressing, toileting, ambulating (walking). For some seniors minor assistance in these areas is needed in order to maintain their independence.

Adult and Social Day Care Facilities: Adult Day Care facilities are designed for adults who have a need for medical services and significant supervision but who do not require institutionalization in a nursing home or assisted living facility.Social Day Care facilities are for adults who have no significant medical need, but who may benefit from socialization and need supervision during the day.

Certified Home Health Agency: This agency provides home health care services to seniors in their homes on an intermittent basis under the Medicare program. Services may include Skilled Nursing, Therapies (Physical, Speech and Occupational), Medical Social Workers and Home Health Aides.

Home Health Aides: These home care workers work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and can provide non-skilled services such as assistance with bathing, dressing, etc. on an intermittent basis. They may not perform any skilled services and may not dispense medication.

Meals on Wheels: Meals on Wheels programs were developed to meet the needs of people who need assistance with meals. For a nominal charge, hot nutritious meals are delivered to homebound people. This program also provides human contact/socialization for these individuals.

Medicare: Medicare is a national health insurance program designed primarily for seniors. Medicare is overseen by the Federal government and virtually every permanent resident of the United Sates 65 or older is eligible for Medicare (even non-citizens).
There are two parts to Medicare:
Part A pays for hospitalizations and for limited home and nursing home care.Part B pays for physicians, lab tests, and outpatient hospital care.

Nurses: The term nurses refers to either Registered Nurses (R.N.'s) or Licensed Vocational or Licensed Practical Nurses (LVN's/LPN's). Nurses are licensed by the state they practice in.

RN's are permitted to provide assessments and develop care plans for home care patients. RN's and LVN's/LPN's can provide education to the patients and their family on self-care, administer medications and provide treatments. RN's also supervise other members of the team (LPN's/LVN's and Home Health Aides).

Occupational Therapists: Occupational Therapists (OT's) work with their patients to regain the skills they need to perform their day-to-day activities, such as dressing. They may also recommend modifications such as grab bars or other devices to help the patient remain independent and safe.

Home Health Aides: Home Health Aides assist patients with activities of daily living (ADL's). Home Health Aides may not perform any skilled services or dispense medication.

Physical Therapists: Physical Therapists (PT's) help patients who have been disabled by an accident or illness regain strength, flexibility, coordination and general functions.

Respite Services: Many facilities and community-based organizations offer respite program to provide family caregivers with relief. The respite period can be for anywhere from hours to days.

Social Workers: Social workers assist people who have need for assistance with medical, functional, emotional, psychological, family relationship, and/or environmental challenges. They are trained in counseling and are aware of community programs that may benefit the client.

Speech Therapists: Speech Therapists (ST's) help patients regain their ability to understand speech as well as facilitate communication skills.