Activities of Daily Living
Basic self-care tasks including bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring (e.g., moving from bed to chair). 

Adult Day Care 
A daytime program providing social activities, meals, and health services for adults who need supervision and care. 

Assisted Living Facility
A residential community that offers personal care services, meals, social activities, and some health services to individuals who need assistance with daily activities but do not require full-time nursing care. 

C

Caregiver 
A person who provides care to someone who is elderly, ill, or disabled. Caregivers can be family members, friends, or professional caregivers. 

Custodial Care 
Non-medical care that assists with activities of daily living (ADLs). This care can be provided at home or in a care facility. 

D

Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) 
A legal document that grants someone the authority to make financial and/or healthcare decisions on another person's behalf if they become incapacitated. 

H

Home Health Care 
Medical and personal care services provided in a person's home. These services can include nursing care, physical therapy, and assistance with ADLs. 

Hospice Care 
Care designed to provide comfort and support to individuals with terminal illnesses and their families. Hospice care focuses on quality of life rather than curative treatment. 

I

Independent Living 
Housing designed for older adults who are able to live independently but want access to services and activities. These communities typically offer amenities like meals, transportation, and social events. 

Long-Term Care Insurance 
A type of insurance policy that helps cover the cost of long-term care services, such as in-home care, assisted living, and nursing home care. 

M

Medicaid 
A joint federal and state program that provides healthcare coverage for individuals with low income and limited resources. Medicaid can cover long-term care services for eligible individuals. 

Medicare 
A federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 and older, and for some younger people with disabilities. Medicare has limited coverage for long-term care services. 

N

Nursing Home 
A facility that provides 24-hour medical care and supervision for individuals with significant health needs. Nursing homes offer both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services. 

P

Palliative Care 
Specialized medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatment. 

Personal Care 
Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting. Personal care can be provided at home or in a care facility. 

R

Respite Care 
Temporary care provided to give primary caregivers a break from their caregiving responsibilities. Respite care can be provided at home, in a day care center, or in a residential facility.

S 

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) 
A healthcare facility that provides skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services to individuals recovering from illness, injury, or surgery. Skilled nursing care includes medical monitoring and treatments provided by licensed nurses. 

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) 
A federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. Eligibility is based on the individual’s work history and the severity of the disability. 

V

Veterans Benefits 
Benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to eligible veterans and their families. These benefits can include healthcare, disability compensation, and long-term care services.