Senior living, senior care, and senior housing can all open up a whole new world to families. There are different levels of care with each offering various features to cater to an elderly’s unique senior living needs. To find out more about the different terms used within the senior living sector, refer to our senior living glossary and reach out to us for any assistance.

Activities of Daily Living

This term refers to activities done from day to day that can include eating, bathing, toileting, dressing, grooming, medication management, transfer and mobility, and other self-care activities.

Assisted Living Facilities

In the United States, there are more than 28,000 assisted living facilities that offer accommodation for older adults who are not able to live on their own and require help with their activities of daily living. Assisted living facilities are known as ALF in the world of senior care.

Aging in Place

Aging in place is a concept that supports an older person who chooses to stay in his/her own place of residence regardless of their mental or physical decline that may take place with age.

Alzheimer’s Disease

An advancing, neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by the death and loss of function of nerve cells found in various parts of the brain, causing loss of learning and memory. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease.

Caregiver

In the United States, there are 65.7 million caregivers who provide care to someone who is disabled, ill, or aged. The term caregiver refers to the main person in charge of taking care of a person with special needs, usually linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The individual can either be a family member or a designated healthcare professional.

Dementia

Dementia is the severe loss of intellectual abilities that can include reasoning, thinking, and remembering. It is not a disease on its own but it consists of various symptoms that may accompany conditions or diseases. Its symptoms may include changes in mood, personality, and behavior. Dementia cannot be reversed if it is caused by injury or disease, but it may be reversed when it is caused by alcohol, drugs, hormone and vitamin imbalances, or depression.

Long-Term Care

Care is given in the form of support and medical services to an individual who has lost some or all of their ability to function as a result of a disability or an illness.

Medicaid

A public assistance program that is funded by individual U.S. states designed to support individuals who cannot finance their own health care. The program can only be accessed when a person’s other funds and assets have been depleted.

Medicare

A United States federal health insurance program designed for individuals aged 65 years old and above as well as those with disabilities.

Memory Care

A senior living care program designed to provide specialized care to individuals with memory-related conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. They get to participate in stimulating activities and enjoy engaging dining experiences. On-site therapy will also be provided to help improve their quality of life.