Medicare supplemental insurance - private insurance (often called Medigap) that pays Medicare's deductibles and co-insurance, and may cover some charges not covered by Medicare.
Activities of daily living (ADLs) - ADLs are basic functions performed by an individual to maintain self-care and social functioning, such as walking, dressing, grooming, getting in and out of bed, eating, bathing, and using the bathroom.
Adult day care center - a community based program that may feature supervised activities, meals, health, and rehabilitative services for older adults who, because of mental or physical limitations, are unable to participate in typical senior center programs. Most adult day care centers operate during the week and can be attended full or part-time.
Alzheimer's disease - a progressive, degenerative disease, typically occurring in older adults, that attacks the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking, and behavior.
Advance directive - a written and properly witnessed statement of an individual's preferences regarding the manner in which they would like to receive health care, in the event that they become unable to express their wishes directly. Living Wills and Health Care Powers of Attorney are examples of advance directives.
Area agency on aging - typically at the county or city level, this agency administers government funded programs for older adults, such as adult day health care, transportation, home delivered meals, and referrals to home care agencies and long-term care facilities.
Assisted living - assisted living is a general term for a residential facility with staff providing round-the-clock assistance, such as help with dressing, bathing, feeding, and housekeeping. Assisted living facilities usually offer minimal to no skilled nursing care. Medicare typically does not cover care in assisted living facilities.
Caregiver - an individual who takes care of an older person who needs assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). Refers to both paid workers and family / friends.
Chore / companion services - services in the home that may include housekeeping, meal preparation, shopping, and transportation. These services are not considered to be skilled medical care and tend not to be covered by Medicare.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) - housing communities that offer different levels of care, ranging from independent living to skilled nursing care. Many CCRCs require a large down payment prior to admission, in addition to monthly fees.
Dementia - deterioration of cognitive ability, characterized by disorientation and loss of memory.
Discharge planner - a social worker or nurse, who assists patients and their families with health care arrangements following a hospital stay.
Durable Power of Attorney - a power of attorney that stays in effect even after the individual who signs it becomes incompetent to handle his or her own affairs.
Elderlaw attorney - attorneys who specialize in issues concerning older adults, such as: estate planning, wills, guardianship and conservatorship, financial and health care powers of attorney, and Medicare and Medicaid.
Geriatric care manager - a professional (usually a licensed social worker or nurse) who performs an individual assessment of an older person's capabilities and needs and creates a care plan to address housing, medical, social, and other needs.
Geriatrician - physicians who have specialized training in the care and well-being of older adults.
Health Care Power of Attorney - a written and properly witnessed statement in which an individual appoints another individual to make health care decisions on their behalf.
Home health care / agency - provides skilled and non-skilled services in the home, which may include: nursing, occupational, speech or physical therapy, social work, or a home health aide. Medicare usually covers this care during a period of acute illness.
Home health aide - an individual who provides personal care, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, assistance with meals, and some light housekeeping.
Hospice care - care that addresses the needs (physical, spiritual, emotional, psychological, social, financial, and legal) of a dying person and his or her family. Under certain circumstances, Medicare will pay for hospice either in the home or in a specified facility such as a nursing home.
Long-term care facilities - range of institutions that provide custodial and/or nursing care to people who are unable to manage independently in the community. Facilities may provide short-term rehabilitative services as well as chronic care management.
Long-term care ombudsman - a patient advocate who investigates consumer complaints against a nursing home or community resident facility. Typically, the Ombudsman is not allowed to recommend one nursing home over another. However, he/she can provide information on the nature and number of complaints about a given facility. The ombudsman is usually associated with the local area agency on aging.
Medicare - federal health insurance program for people 65 years of age or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease. Part A covers in-patient care. Part B covers doctors' services. Medicare generally does not cover long-term care.
Medicaid - a joint federal and state program that assists with medical costs for certain individuals with low incomes and limited resources. Medicaid programs and eligibility requirements vary from state to state.
Respite - services designed to provide temporary relief for caregivers. Respite services can be provided in the home, community setting, or long-term care facility. Care may be from a few hours to several weeks. An adult day care center is an example of respite.
Retirement community - a type of living arrangement for older adults who are nearly or totally independent. These communities tend to provide laundry services, housekeeping, meals, recreational, and social programs. Nursing services are not typically offered but may be hired privately.
Reverse mortgage - a financial tool that provides seniors with funds from the equity in their homes. Generally, no payments are made on a reverse mortgage until the borrower moves or the property is sold. The final repayment obligation is designed to not exceed the proceeds from the sale of the home.
Trustee - an individual who is named to manage the property of an established trust for the benefit or use of the beneficiary(ies).
Will - a legal document that specifies how one's belongings, assets, and property will be divided upon his or her death.
Macular degeneration - a medical condition in which the light-sensing cells in the macula malfunction and over time cease to work. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it is the leading cause of central vision loss in the US today for people 50+.
