To learn more about all the terminologies that have been used over the years within the senior living sector, refer to the descriptions in our senior living glossary below.

Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

ADL is a term that describes day-to-day care activities. ADLs may include bathing, grooming, dressing, feeding, medication management, and others.

Senior Assisted Living

Assisted living is a senior living option that offers residents with assistance for their personal and medical needs. Residents of an assisted senior living program receive support and care on a daily basis from certified professionals.

Aging in Place

This term refers to older adults who retire in their own homes by themselves with or without their loved ones around.

Adult Day Care / Respite Care

This is a short-term care service that provides care and support to residents on a temporary basis. This is useful for caretakers who may become unavailable for a short period of time for work or personal matters.

Alzheimer’s Disease in Seniors

This is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by the death of nerve cells and loss of function in several parts of the brain. The condition can lead to the loss of mental functions such as learning and memorizing. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.

Dementia in Seniors

Dementia is the severe loss of intellectual functions that include remembering, thinking, and reasoning. Dementia is not by itself a disease but it comprises a group of symptoms that can accompany other conditions and diseases. Its symptoms may include changes in mood, personality, and behavior. Dementia is not reversible when it is caused by injury or disease. However, it can be reversed when caused by alcohol, drugs, hormone imbalances, or depression.

Senior Independent Living

Independent living is a senior living option that caters to older adults who are generally independent and mobile. They do not require assistance for day-to-day tasks or medical needs.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLS)

This is a term that is used to describe more complicated day-to-day tasks such as preparing meals, balancing a checkbook, or taking public transportation. Residents of assisted living homes often require assistance with IADLS.

Long-Term Care

Long-term care refers to care that is given in the form of support and medical services to people who have lost part of or all their capacity to function due to disability or illness.

Medicaid

Medicaid refers to public assistance funded by individual states in the United States. It caters to those who are not able to fund for healthcare. Medicaid is only accessible when all other funds and assets have been depleted.

Medicare

This is a U.S. federal health insurance program for individuals over the age of 65 as well as those with disabilities.

Medication Management / Administration for Seniors

This is a service offered to people who require assistance for their medical needs. It is rendered following a procedure with a clearly written set of rules.

Senior Memory Care

This is a senior living option that caters to residents experiencing memory-related conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The program offers memory care services through a holistic approach rendered by qualified caregivers.