Glossary

Not sure what a term means? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.

A

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Basic activities essential for daily living, including walking, getting in and out of bed, bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and self-administering medications. ADLs are widely used to assess functional status.

Acute Care

Short-term medical treatment provided for sudden or severe health conditions, often requiring hospital visits or urgent care to stabilize or cure an illness or injury.

Administration on Aging (AOA)

A federal agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that supports programs and services aimed at improving the lives of older adults across the country.

Adult Day Care

Day programs offering seniors social interaction, supervision, and care during daytime hours, providing family caregivers with essential time for work, rest, or personal tasks.

Advance Directive

A written legal document where individuals outline their medical care preferences or designate someone to make healthcare decisions if they become unable to communicate their wishes.

Advocacy

The act of supporting or speaking on behalf of someone’s needs, rights, or interests, often to ensure dignity, respect, and proper care for a loved one.

Alzheimer's Disease

A progressive brain disorder that gradually impairs memory, thinking, and behavior, leading to significant cognitive decline and eventual loss of independence.

Ambulation

The process of moving or walking from one place to another, often referring to mobility in healthcare settings.

Ambulatory

Capable of walking independently without assistance or mobility aids.

Ambulatory with Assistance

The ability to move around with the help of devices such as canes, crutches, braces, wheelchairs, or walkers.

Analgesic

A type of medication used to relieve pain, ranging from over-the-counter options to stronger prescription drugs.

Area Agency on Aging (AAA)

Local agencies that offer resources, support, and programs to meet the needs of older adults through partnerships with public and private organizations.

Assistive Technology Devices

Tools or equipment designed to help individuals maintain independence, including items like hearing aids, canes, or electric-powered mobility devices.

B

Bed Pan

A portable, shallow container used for urination and defecation by individuals who are bedridden or unable to access the bathroom.

Bed-Bound

Unable to get out of bed or move without assistance, often requiring full-time care for daily needs.

Bereavment

The period of grief and mourning following the death of a loved one.

Burnout

A state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, often affecting caregivers and healthcare professionals.

C

Cardiologist

A medical specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions related to the heart and cardiovascular system.

Catheter

A flexible tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine, often referred to as a Foley or indwelling catheter.

Certified Nursing Assistant

A trained and certified professional who assists individuals with daily care tasks, particularly those with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or aging-related needs.

Chair Bound

Unable to rise or move out of a chair independently without physical assistance.

Chronic Disease

A long-term health condition, lasting a year or more, that requires ongoing medical care or limits daily activities like walking, dressing, or bathing.

Chucks

A disposable, waterproof pad with a soft surface, used to protect surfaces and assist with incontinence or drainage management.

Cohousing

A housing arrangement where private homes are grouped around shared spaces like kitchens, dining areas, and common rooms to encourage a sense of community.

Commode

A movable, portable toilet often used in a bedroom or patient’s room for individuals with limited mobility.

Comorbidity

The occurrence of two or more medical conditions or disorders in a person at the same time.

Competence

The legal capacity to understand, evaluate, and communicate decisions based on provided information.

Conservator

A court-appointed individual responsible for managing another person’s financial or personal affairs when they are unable to do so.

Consumer-directed Personal Assistance Program

A Medicaid service that enables chronically ill or disabled individuals to hire, train, and supervise their own caregivers.

Continent

The ability to maintain control over bowel and bladder functions. Opposite of incontinent.

Copayment

A set fee that an individual pays out-of-pocket for a healthcare service, with the remaining cost covered by insurance after the deductible.

Custodial Care

Non-medical support that assists individuals with daily living tasks like bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene.

D

Decubitus Ulcer

A sore caused by prolonged pressure and poor blood circulation to the skin, commonly referred to as a bedsore or pressure ulcer.

Dehydration

A condition caused by insufficient water levels in the body, leading to health complications if untreated.

Delirium

A sudden onset of confusion, disorientation, and difficulty focusing, often accompanied by hallucinations or disrupted speech.

Dementia

A group of symptoms involving memory loss, impaired reasoning, and cognitive decline, often severe enough to disrupt daily activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause.

Dermatologist

A medical specialist focused on diagnosing and treating conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails.

Diabetes

A medical condition where the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

Dietician

A trained professional who specializes in creating meal plans and advising on nutritional needs to support health and wellness.

Discharge Planner

A healthcare professional who helps patients and families coordinate care plans after leaving a hospital or nursing facility.

Disorientation

A state of confusion where a person loses awareness of time, place, or their surroundings.

Diuretics

Medications that help the body remove excess fluid by increasing urine production.

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)

A medical order indicating that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should not be performed in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Drainage Bag

A collection bag used to gather urine from a catheter for individuals who cannot empty their bladder naturally.

Draw Sheet

A sheet placed under a patient to assist with repositioning or transferring them in bed.

Durable Power Of Attorney

A legal document that grants someone the authority to make decisions on behalf of another, even if the individual becomes incapacitated.

E

Edema

Swelling caused by the accumulation of excess fluid in the body’s tissues.

Eldercare

Services, products, or support specifically designed to improve the quality of life for older adults.

Eldercare Specialist

A professional who evaluates the needs of older adults and connects them with appropriate care services and resources.

Emphysema

A chronic lung condition where air sacs are damaged, making it difficult to breathe and reducing lung function.

Endocrinologist

A physician specializing in diagnosing and treating hormone-related and metabolic conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders.

End-of-Life Doula

A trained individual who offers emotional, spiritual, and non-medical support to people nearing the end of life and their loved ones.

Evidence-Based Programs (EBPs)

Structured programs developed through research and testing to provide proven benefits to specific groups or populations.

Extended Care

Temporary or long-term care provided in rehabilitation centers or nursing facilities to help patients recover and regain independence.

F

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

A federal law that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for family or medical reasons.

Family Care Giver

A relative, friend, or neighbor who provides unpaid support to an adult with a chronic illness, disability, or other care needs.

Febrile

A condition characterized by the presence of a fever.

Fiscal Intermediaries

Private organizations contracted by the government to process Medicare claims and manage reimbursements.

Formal Care

Professional care services provided by trained or licensed individuals for a fee.

Formulary

A list of prescription medications approved and covered by a specific health insurance plan.

Functional Impairment

A reduced ability to carry out daily tasks such as dressing, eating, or bathing without assistance.

G

Gastroenterologist

A physician specializing in diagnosing and treating disorders of the digestive system.

Geri-Chair

A type of wheelchair designed for individuals who cannot propel themselves, often offering additional comfort and support.

Geriatric Assessment

A comprehensive evaluation that identifies an older adult’s strengths, challenges, and care needs to guide treatment.

Geriatric Care Manager

A professional who coordinates and oversees care plans for older adults, ensuring their specific needs are met.

Geriatrician

A doctor who specializes in providing medical care tailored to the health needs of older adults.

Gerontologist

A specialist who studies the aging process, including its physical, psychological, and social impacts.

Grab Bar

A safety device installed in bathrooms or other areas to provide stability and support for individuals with mobility challenges.

Guardianship

A legal arrangement in which a court-appointed individual is granted authority to make decisions for someone unable to do so independently.

H

Hand Rails

Sturdy railings installed on walls to provide support and enhance safety, particularly for individuals with mobility challenges.

Health and Maintenance Organization (HMO)

A healthcare plan offering a wide range of medical services and treatments for members in exchange for a fixed, prepaid fee.

Health Care Proxy

A legal document that designates a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on behalf of an individual who is unable to do so.

Hematologist

A physician specializing in diagnosing and treating blood-related disorders and conditions.

Home Health Agency (HHA)

An organization that provides skilled nursing care, personal care services, and therapy within a person’s home.

Home Health Aide (HHA)

A trained professional who assists individuals with daily personal care tasks, such as bathing, grooming, and basic hygiene at home.

Home Health Care

Medical and personal care services provided in a person’s home for those who are elderly, disabled, recovering, or chronically ill.

Homemaker Service

In-home support services including light cleaning, cooking, laundry, shopping, and other tasks to assist individuals with daily living.

Hospice Care

Supportive care for individuals in the final stages of a terminal illness, addressing physical, emotional, spiritual, and comfort needs.

Hyper Tension

A medical condition characterized by consistently high blood pressure within the arteries.

I

IADLS

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, which include tasks that improve daily life, such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, and managing household responsibilities.

Incontinence

The loss of control over bladder or bowel functions, leading to unintentional leakage.

Independent Living

Housing options designed for older adults who can live independently with minimal services, focusing on convenience and accessibility.

Informed Consent

The process of openly communicating healthcare options, ensuring patients understand and agree to treatments before proceeding.

In-home Caregiver

A professional who delivers personal care and assistance to individuals within the comfort of their home.

In-home Personal Care

Support for everyday tasks such as meal preparation, housekeeping, bathing, grooming, and transportation for individuals needing assistance.

Inpatient Care

Medical treatment that requires a patient to stay overnight or for an extended period in a healthcare facility.

L

Laxatives

Medications used to relieve constipation by promoting bowel movements.

Licensed Practical Nurse

A licensed healthcare professional with specialized training who performs essential nursing duties under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians.

Living Will

A legal document that outlines a person’s preferences for life-sustaining treatments and medical care in critical situations.

Long-term Care (LTC) Insurance

Insurance coverage that helps pay for extended care services, such as home care, assisted living, or nursing facility costs.

Long-term Care Ombudsman

An advocate who protects the rights and well-being of individuals living in nursing homes, residential care facilities, and assisted living communities.

M

Meals on Wheels

A community service that delivers nutritious meals to elderly or disabled individuals who are unable to prepare food for themselves.

Medicaid

A government-funded health program that provides medical coverage for low-income individuals, including children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.

Medical Doctor (M.D.)

A licensed healthcare professional who has completed medical school, hospital training, and passed federal and state exams to practice medicine.

Medical Power of Attorney

A legal document that allows someone to designate a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they are unable to communicate.

Medicare

A federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as younger people with qualifying disabilities.

Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C)

Private health plans that offer the same benefits as original Medicare, often with additional coverage options and services.

Medigap

Supplemental insurance policies that cover out-of-pocket costs not included in original Medicare, such as deductibles and copayments.

N

Nasal Gastric Tube (NG Tube)

A flexible tube inserted through the nose into the stomach to deliver liquid nutrition or medication.

National Family Caregiving Support Program (NFCSP)

A federally funded program that provides grants to support caregivers through respite care, education, counseling, and other services.

Nephrologist

A medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating kidney-related conditions and diseases.

Neurologist

A physician who focuses on disorders and conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system.

Nurse Practitioner (N.P.)

An advanced practice nurse with specialized training who can diagnose, prescribe medications, order tests, and provide comprehensive care.

O

Ombudsman

An advocate who protects individuals’ rights, offering guidance, resolving complaints, and promoting fair treatment in care settings.

Oncologist

A physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating various types of cancer.

Ophthalmologist

A physician specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgery of eye diseases and vision disorders.

Orthopedic Surgeon (Orthopedist)

A doctor who focuses on the treatment of bone, joint, and connective tissue injuries or conditions, often performing surgery when needed.

Osteopath (DO)

A doctor trained in osteopathic medicine, emphasizing manual techniques and a holistic approach to musculoskeletal and overall health.

Osteoporosis

A medical condition characterized by weakened bones, leading to decreased density and increased risk of fractures.

Otolaryngologist (ENT)

A specialist who diagnoses and treats disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck.

Out of Hospital Do Not Resuscitate (OOH-DNR)

A legal order directing emergency medical personnel to withhold CPR if the patient experiences cardiac or respiratory arrest outside of a hospital.

Outpatient Care

Medical treatment or procedures provided without requiring an overnight stay in a hospital or healthcare facility.

P

Palliative Care

Specialized medical care aimed at managing pain, symptoms, and stress for individuals with serious or chronic illnesses, focusing on comfort and quality of life.

Patient Advocate

A professional who assists in addressing concerns and improving a patient’s healthcare experience.

Patient Co-Payment

The fixed amount a patient pays out-of-pocket for healthcare services after insurance covers its share.

Personal Care

Support with essential daily tasks such as eating, dressing, bathing, and walking to meet individual care needs.

Personal Care Services (PCR)

In-home assistance with personal hygiene and self-care provided by trained personal care aides (PCAs).

Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)

A wearable or home-based alarm system that alerts help during medical or personal emergencies.

Physical Therapist (PT)

A licensed professional who helps individuals improve or recover muscle function, mobility, and strength through movement, exercise, and treatments.

Physician Assistant (PA)

A healthcare provider who works alongside physicians to diagnose, treat, and care for patients.

Podiatrist

A medical specialist focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the feet and ankles.

Power Of Attorney (POA)

A legal document that grants authority to someone to manage another person’s financial or personal affairs.

Primary Care Physician (PCP)

The first point of contact for medical checkups, routine care, and general health concerns.

PRN

A term meaning “as needed,” used to describe medications or treatments given only when required.

Psychiatrist

A medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, often through therapy and prescription medication.

Psychologist

A trained professional who supports individuals and families with emotional challenges, behavior concerns, and decision-making through counseling.

R

Radiologist

A doctor who specializes in using and interpreting medical imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to diagnose and treat diseases.

Registered Nurse (RN)

A licensed nursing professional who provides patient care, administers treatments, and educates patients about their health.

Rehabilitation Hospital

A specialized facility that helps individuals recover physical, cognitive, or functional abilities through therapy after an illness, injury, or surgery.

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)

A healthcare service where patients use digital devices to share health data with their medical team remotely for ongoing monitoring.

Respite Care

Temporary care provided to support a sick, disabled, or elderly individual, giving family caregivers a break for a few hours, days, or weeks.

Restraint

A device or tool used to prevent someone from falling or moving unsafely from a chair or bed.

Rheumatologist

A doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of joint pain, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

S

Sedatives

Medications that help calm or relax individuals experiencing anxiety, agitation, or nervous excitement.

Self-Care

The ability to independently perform personal tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, and using the toilet.

Senility

A non-medical term referring to age-related cognitive decline, including memory loss or confusion.

Senior Center

A community space offering programs, activities, and resources for older adults to stay active, socialize, and improve their quality of life.

Skilled Care

Healthcare services, such as nursing or physical therapy, provided by licensed professionals under a doctor’s direction for rehabilitation or medical needs.

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)

A healthcare center certified by Medicare or Medicaid to deliver specialized nursing care and rehabilitation services.

Social Security

A federal insurance program that provides financial benefits to retirees, individuals with disabilities, and surviving dependents of deceased workers.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

A program offering monthly financial assistance to individuals unable to work for at least a year due to a significant illness or disability.

Social Worker

A professional who assesses social, emotional, and practical needs, connecting individuals and families to essential resources and services.

Spend Down

A process of reducing income or assets through medical expenses to qualify for Medicaid coverage.

Sundown Syndrome or Sundowning

Increased confusion, anxiety, or agitation that often occurs in individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease during late afternoon or evening hours.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

A federal program that provides monthly financial support to individuals with limited income who are elderly, blind, or have disabilities.

Surrogate

A person legally appointed to make decisions or act on behalf of another individual.

T

TAU

A protein that helps stabilize other proteins essential for neuron structure and cellular function in the brain.

Terminal

A condition that is incurable and expected to result in death.

Third-Party Payment

Healthcare costs covered by someone other than the patient or their family, such as insurance providers or government programs like Medicare.

TIA

A transient ischemic attack, often called a “mini-stroke,” which temporarily disrupts blood flow to the brain and serves as a warning for future strokes.

TPR

An acronym referring to the measurement of Temperature, Pulse, and Respiration, key indicators of health.

Transfer (in terms of ADL's)

A daily living activity that involves moving from one position to another, such as getting in and out of a bed, chair, or wheelchair.

Transitional Care

Specialized care for individuals recovering from a hospital stay, surgery, or injury, supporting a smooth transition back home with services like transportation, medication management, and in-home assistance.

U

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

An infection that occurs in the urinary system, often affecting patients who use catheters.

Urologist

A doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions of the urinary tract and male reproductive system.

V

VA

An abbreviation for Veterans Administration, an organization that provides healthcare and benefits to U.S. military veterans.

Vertigo

A feeling of dizziness or spinning, often caused by inner ear issues or neurological conditions.

Vital Signs

Key measurements, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, used to assess the body’s basic functions and health.

W

Walker

A lightweight mobility aid with a sturdy frame designed to provide support and stability while walking, offering more balance than a cane.

Wheelchair

A wheeled chair designed to assist individuals who cannot walk due to injury, illness, disability, or aging, providing mobility and independence.