By Elli Baldwin, CDP
Senior Care Terms to Know
My dad’s Case Manager recommends “a short-term rehab stay to help my dad to be able to master ADLs, and then transitioning into a continuing care community that can allow for my dad to age in place, or an independent living community that also offers assisted living.” Caring for an aging loved one is difficult but often feels more complex when talking to healthcare professionals. It can feel like the first time you entered a Starbucks and ordered a drink – a Venti? Grande? JUST GIVE ME A SMALL!
We understand, and we have been there. So, we’ve created a list of commonly used senior care terms and their meaning below.
Case Manager – Case managers provide their patients with the necessary assistance to be discharged from the healthcare facility and function in society, referring them to the right services to ensure this happens.
ADLs – This term stands for Activities of Daily Living. The activities of daily living are those skills required to manage one’s basic physical needs, including personal hygiene or grooming, dressing, toileting, transferring or ambulating, and eating.
Short-term Rehab – Short-term rehab is a type of inpatient care that provides 24/7 medical supervision and therapy for patients who need to recover from an illness, injury, or surgery. Doctors usually recommend this type of care when patients have been hospitalized due to a serious condition like a stroke or heart attack. They may also recommend this type of care if the patient has recently undergone a joint replacement or cardiac bypass surgery.
CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community) – A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is a senior living option that allows seniors to “age in place” or live in one location for as long as needed. These communities typically offer independent and assisted living options, on-site healthcare services, and 24/7 access to doctors and nurses. A significant investment is required to be a part of a CCRC. Usually (not always) a significant entrance fee is required.
Age In Place: According to the National Institute on Aging, “Many people want the same things as they get older: to stay in their own homes, to maintain independence for as long as possible, and to turn to family and friends for help when needed.” “Aging in place” is a term used to describe the desire to have as few moves as possible during the aging process…whether that be aging in place at home or in one senior living community that allows different levels of care to provide what is needed.
Independent Living Community: Independent Living Communities are best for individuals who still have physical ability but enjoy having access to assistance when needed. They provide
residents with convenient access to dining, entertainment, and more. The independent living lifestyle offers residents a safe living environment, but is not licensed for personal or medical care.
Assisted Living Community: Assisted living is for people who need help with daily personal care, but not as much help as a rehab or a skilled nursing facility provides. Assisted living facilities offer various services, including meals, housekeeping, and social activities, and are licensed for personal care services like medication management and hands on assistance with ADLs (see term above).
Skilled Nursing Facility (pronounced SNIFF): These facilities are considered traditional “nursing homes.” Similar to a hospital setting, round-the-clock nursing care is accessible. The main focus is health care, not quality of life or amenities. Rooms are usually shared or semi-private. Most SNFs offer two types of care: Long-Term Care or Short Term Rehabilitation.
Assisted Living with Memory Care (MC): This type of care feels like assisted living but is specifically for memory care needs – dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. It is a secure unit designed to avoid wandering or elopement and is safe for exit-seeking residents. Activities and programming are specific to memory care, meals, laundry, housekeeping, and transportation. The pricing is usually “all-inclusive” to include care. These environments often feel like assisted living, not skilled nursing.
Palliative Care: Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness, such as cancer or heart failure. Patients in palliative care may receive medical care for their symptoms and treatment to cure their serious illness. Palliative care is meant to enhance a person’s current care by focusing on the quality of life for them and their family.
Hospice Care: Hospice care focuses on the care, comfort, and quality of life of a person with a severe illness approaching the end of life. Like palliative care, hospice provides comprehensive comfort care as well as support for the family, but in hospice, attempts to cure the person’s illness are no longer given.
This list is not exhaustive…there are many more terms that are thrown around in the senior healthcare world. Check out our Sunways Blog – we have free downloads and resources! www.sunwaysseniorliving.com
Always remember, you don’t have to walk this journey alone. Because our services are free to our clients, please contact me anytime to discuss your unique situation and see how we can support you.
“See” you next month! If you have any specific topics or questions you would love for me to cover, please contact info@sunwaysseniorliving.com or call 727-314-6415.
Sunways Senior Living Concierge
www.sunwaysseniorliving.com
info@sunwaysseniorliving.com
727-314-6415
5969 Cattleridge Blvd., Ste. 101,
Sarasota, FL 34232