Health & Aging Jargon

A B C E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Home Terms: A

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Activities that include help in walking, getting in and out of bed, bathing, dressing, eating, toileting and self-administration of medications. Widely used as a basis for assessing functional status.

Acute

Opposite of chronic; a disease with an abrupt onset and usually a short course.

Acute Care

Medical care designed to treat or cure disease or injury, usually within a limited time period. Acute care usually refers to physician and/or hospital services of less than three months' duration.

Administration on Aging (AOA)

An agency of the US Department of Health and Human Services that is the focal point for older persons and their concerns at the federal level.

Administrator

The person in charge of an agency, office, or institution. Nursing homes require the Administrator to have special training in fiscal, legal, social and medical aspects of health care and be licensed by the State.

Adult Day Care Centers

Programs offering social and recreational activities, supervision, health services, and meals in a protective setting for older adults with physical or cognitive disabilities.

Advance Directive

A general term that describes two kinds of legal documents, living wills and medical powers of attorney. These documents allow a person to give instructions about future medical care should he or she be unable to participate in medical decisions due to serious illness or incapacity. Because each state regulates the use of advance directives differently, individuals need to obtain an advance directive in the state they currently reside.

Alzheimer's Disease

A progressive, irreversible form of dementia. It is the most common form of dementia, affecting 5% of those over 65 and 20% of those over 80. The cause of the disease is unknown at this time. Symptoms begin with loss of memory and rational thinking and usually progress to total disability over a number of years. Its effects are mainly on the mind, not the physical body.

Ambulatory

Able to walk about.

Ambulatory With Assistance

Able to get about with the aid of a cane, crutch, brace, wheelchair or walker.

Ancillary Services

Those services needed by a nursing home resident, but not provided by a nursing home, such as podiatry, dentistry, etc., and which may not be included in the basic rate of the facility.

Anti-Anxiety Medications

A group of tranquilizing drugs which have a calming or soothing, quieting or pacifying effect without depressing. Valium and Librium are anti-anxiety medications.

Anti-Depressant Medications

A group of drugs that work to regulate mood. Elavil, Desyrel, Prozac and Tofranil are some anti-depressants.

Anti-Hypertensive Medications

Drugs that lower blood pressure. Vasotec and LoPressor are anti-hypertensives.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Drugs used to treat inflammation like that occurring with arthritis. Aspirin, and Motrin/Ibuprofen are anti-inflammatory drugs.

Anti-Psychotic Medications

Another group of tranquilizing drugs which are more powerful than anti-anxiety drugs and work to reduce psychotic behaviors. Haldol, Zyprexa and Risperdal are anti-psychotic drugs.

Approved Amount

The amount Medicare determines to be reasonable for a service that is covered under Part B. It may be less than the actual amount charged. For many services, including doctor services, the approved amount is taken from a fee schedule that assigns a dollar value to all Medicare-covered services that are paid under that fee schedule.

Area Agency on Aging (AAA)

Regional organizations which oversee programs serving elders (12 total in Ohio). Provide information and referral services and also typically serve as PASSPORT Administrative Agencies.

Assignment

A method of billing Medicare for services. The provider agrees to bill Medicare directly for services and agrees to accept Medicare's allowed charge as payment in full. Medicare pays the provider directly. The provider can then bill the beneficiary for deductibles and coinsurance.

Assisted Living

A special combination of housing, personal services and health care designed to respond to the individual needs of those who require help with Activities of Daily Living. Care is provided in a professionally managed group living environment and usually includes private occupancy units, three meals a day, 24-hour staff availability to meet the individual's scheduled and unscheduled needs. At this time, regulations governing Assisted Living Facilities are confusing and in flux, with little consistency throughout the country. Some states have regulations for Assisted Living Facilities and a number of states are considering revisions in their existing regulations related to these types of facilities and assisted living-type environments and care. The breadth of state regulations varies from comprehensive regulations on staffing, physical design, required services and resident characteristics to minimal requirements.

Authorized Representative or Representative Payee

Any person that the Social Security (SS) beneficiary or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipient requests to be given the right to represent him/her in any business with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Many people choose an attorney for this role. The right to have an authorized representative exists for all claimants of SS and SSI benefits and is secured by obtaining and completing the "Appointment of Representative" form (SSA-1966; 12/68) which defines the limit for fees to be charged by the authorized representative, the penalties for charging an unauthorized fee and conflict of interest. The form also formally identifies the authorized representative for the SSA.

Home Terms B

Bed Pan

A pan used to allow elimination of urine and feces while remaining in bed.

Benefit Maximum

The limit a health insurance policy will pay for a certain loss or covered service. The benefit can be expressed either as 1) a length of time (e.g., 60 days), or 2) a dollar amount (e.g., $350 for a specific illness or procedure), or 3) a percentage of the Medicare approved amount. The benefits may be paid to the policyholder or to a third party. This may refer to a specific illness, time frame or the life of the policy.  

Benefit Period

A way of measuring the claimant's use of services under Medicare's Hospital Insurance. The claimant's first Benefit Period starts the first time he enters a hospital after his hospital insurance begins. When the claimant has been out of a hospital (or other facility primarily providing skilled nursing or rehabilitation services) for 60 days in a row, a new benefit period starts the next time he enters the hospital. There is no limit to the number of benefit periods he can have.

Blood Pressure (BP)

Measurement of the pressure of the blood in the arteries. High blood pressure is called hypertension.

Bowel and Bladder Training

A program of retraining of bowel and bladder functions to minimize or eliminate the inability to control these functions.

Home Terms C

Capacity

In relation to end of life decision-making, a patient has medical decision-making capacity if he or she has the ability to understand the medical problem and the risks and benefits of the available treatment options. The patient's ability to understand other unrelated concepts is not relevant. The term is frequently used interchangeably with competency but is not the same. Competency is a legal status imposed by the court.  

Caregiver

Family, friend, professional, or paraprofessional providing care to individual in need of assistance.  

Care/Case Management (CM)

Offers a single point of entry to the aging services network. Care/Case managers assess clients' needs, create service plans, and coordinate and monitor services. Typically Care/Case managers are nurses or social workers.  

Carriers

Private insurance organizations under contract with the federal government that handle claims from doctors and other suppliers of services covered by the medical insurance part of Medicare (Part B).

Catheter

A tube passed through the urethra and into the bladder to drain urine. Other names used are Foley, Foley Catheter and In-Dwelling Catheter.  

Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

Formerly called Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA). This branch of the federal Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for administering the Medicare program.  

Certificate of Need (CON)

A certificate issued by a government body to a health acre provider who is proposing to construct, modify or expand a facility, or to offer new or different types of health care services. CON is intended to prevent duplication of services and over-bedding. The certificate signifies that the change has been approved.  

Certification

The granting of a certificate to a facility that is found in an annual inspection to be in compliance with a set of federal standards on staffing, cleanliness and maintenance of records, etc. Nursing homes must be certified in order to be reimbursed for care provided to Medicare and Medicaid recipients.  

Charge Nurse

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN), who is responsible for supervising the aides of a given unit, dispensing medication and providing patient care.  

Chemical Restraint

Any drug used for discipline or convenience and not required to treat medical symptoms.  

Chronic

A medical condition of long duration, denoting a disease of slow progress and long continuance.  

Chux

Trade name for a disposable pad that is soft on one side and waterproof on the other. Used under incontinent persons or under draining areas of the body.  

Coinsurance

The amount, usually 20% of Medicare allowed charges, that are not reimbursed by the Medicare program.  

Coma

A state of unconsciousness from which one cannot be aroused.  

Congregate Housing

Apartment houses or group accommodations that provide support services to functionally impaired older persons who do not need routine nursing care.  

Conservatorship

A "conservator" may be appointed to manage the individual's property and business affairs only if a court determines that the person is unable to manage his property for reasons such as mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability, advanced age, chronic use of drugs, chronic intoxication, confinement, detention by a foreign power or disappearance; and (if) the person has property that will be wasted or dissipated unless proper management is provided, or that funds are needed for the support, care and welfare of the person or those entitled to be supported by him and that protection is necessary and desirable to obtain or provide funds.  

Continent

Able to control the passage of urine and feces. The opposite is incontinent or unable to control the passage of urine or feces.  

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)

A retirement community offering multiple levels of care (independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care) housed in different areas of the same campus and which give residents the opportunity to remain in the same community if their needs change. Provides residential services (meals, housekeeping, laundry), social and recreational services, health care services, personal care, and nursing care. Requires payment of a monthly fee and possibly an entrance fee.  

Continuum of Care

A comprehensive system of services and support in the community, as well as in institutions. The continuum includes: 1) community support services such as senior centers; 2) in-home care, such as home delivered meals, homemaker services, home health services, shopping assistance, personal care, chore services and friendly visiting; 3) community-based services such as adult day care; 4) non-institutional housing arrangements such as congregate housing; 5) assisted living residences, nursing homes and sub-acute and acute facilities if necessary.

Contractures

Shortening of muscles producing distortions or deformities or abnormal limitations of movement of the joints.  

Custodial Care

Care that does not require specialized training or services. Assistance with activities of daily living, as well as with self-administration of medications and preparing special diets. Examples: help in walking, eating, and taking medicine. These may be referred to as Activities of Daily Living (ADL).

Home Terms D

Decubitis Ulcer

A sore or ulcer caused by the lack of blood circulating to some area of the body. This condition often results from sitting or lying in one position too long. Other names are bedsores and pressure sores.

Deductible

A yearly amount required by Medicare or other insurance carriers that is the responsibility of the patient or other parties.  

Dehydration

Lack of adequate fluid in the body. A crucial factor in the health of older people.  

Dementia

A term which describes a group of diseases (including Alzheimer's disease) which are characterized by memory loss and other declines in mental functioning.  

Denial of Payment

An enforcement sanction that can be used by a state agency or the federal government when a facility has serious deficiencies.  

Dermatologist

A physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, defects and injuries of the skin.  

Diabetes

A condition caused by the failure of the pancreas to secrete insulin. An older person may have poor circulation, poor eyesight or other debilitating complications from this disease.  

Diabetic Medications

Replacement medications used to control Diabetes. Insulin, Glucophage, and Glipizide are Diabetic medications.  

Dietician

One qualified by training an education in planning menus and regular and special diets, and in establishing dietary procedures.  

Director of Nursing

A Registered Nurse (RN) who oversees the nursing department, including nursing supervisors, Licensed Practical Nurses, nurses aides and orderlies. The Director of Nursing writes job descriptions, hires and fires members of the nursing staff and writes and executes procedures and policies for nursing practice.  

Disorientation

Loss of one's bearings; loss of sense of familiarity with one's surroundings; or loss of one's bearings with respect to time, place and person.  

Diuretics

A class of drugs given to help the body rid itself of excess fluid; often used on older persons with heart disease.  

Do-not-resuscitate order

A DNR order is a physician's written order instructing health care providers not to attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in case of cardiac or respiratory arrest. A person with a valid DNR order will not be given CPR under these circumstances. Although the DNR order is written at the request of a person or his or her family, it must be signed by a physician to be valid. A non-hospital DNR order is written for individuals who are at home and do not want to receive CPR.

Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA)

A document which names a person who will act as someone's agent and who will make decisions on their behalf, if they are incapacitated. The power of attorney can be restricted to a specific area (such as health care) or can cover broad decision-making responsibilities. Consult an attorney for more details.

Durable Medical Equipment/Home Medical Equipment (DME/HME)

Equipment that enables independent functioning such as walkers, wheelchairs, oxygen, lift chairs, etc.

Home Terms E

Edema

Collection of fluids in tissues that result in swelling.  

Emergency Response Systems/Personal Response System (ERS/PRS)

Also called lifelines or personal emergency response systems, a call button usually worn by the older individual which can be pushed to get help from family, friends, or emergency assistance in case of emergency.  

Emphysema

A condition in which the lungs become distended or ruptured.  

Explanation of Medicare Benefits (EOMB) Form

The statement that Medicare sends the beneficiary to show what action has been taken by the carrier in processing the Medicare claim. If payment is issued to the Medicare beneficiary, a check will be attached. Most Medigap policies pay claims based on an EOMB.

Home Terms F

Family Care Rest Home

Provides permanent facilities, resident beds and personal care services (safety, comfort, nutritional needs, well-being) for three or less residents who are normally able to manage activities of daily living in a family setting.

Fee for Service

A method of charging for services rendered.  

Financially Needy

Those individuals who are eligible for all medical services under a state Medical Assistance Plan (Medicaid) on the basis of financial need.  

Fire Resistance Rating

The time, in minutes or hours, that materials have withstood a fire exposure as established in accordance with test procedures of Standard Methods of Fire Test Building Construction and Material.  

Fiscal Agent

A contractor that processes or pays vendor claims on behalf of the Medicaid agency.  

Fiscal Intermediaries

Private insurance organizations under contract with the federal government to handle Medicare claims from hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies (Part A).

Home Terms G

Gastrointestinal Disease

Disease of the stomach, colon, bowels, or rectum; i.e., peptic ulcer (ulcer of the stomach), colitis and diverticulitis (inflammatory disease of the large bowels).

Gastrointestinal Medications

Medications to relieve stomach problems. Tagamet and Donnatal are Gastrointestinal Medications.  

Geri-Chair

A wheelchair that cannot be self-propelled. It must be pushed by someone else, has a high back, foot ledge and removable dining tray.  

Glaucoma

Disease of the eye. Results in atrophy of the optic nerve and blindness. An early sign of glaucoma is a complaint that lights appear to have a halo around them.  

Grab Bar

Bars or railings placed around tubs, showers and toilets to be used to steady oneself.  

Guardianship

Legal arrangement in which the court appoints a surrogate decision-maker to act on someone's behalf because they are declared incompetent. May include guardianship of the person, estate (finances), or both. The guardian may or may not know this person, depending on the situation at the time of the appointment.

Home Terms H

Hand Rails

Railings placed on walls of halls to steady oneself. Used to improve safety.

Health Insurance Information Counseling Assistance Program (HIICAP)

Program for Medicare beneficiaries where peer counselors respond to questions and requests for help in navigating the private and public insurance systems.  

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

An organization that provides a comprehensive range of health services including hospitalization, preventive care, and diagnosis. HMOs require members to use specific health care services (doctors, hospitals, etc.) in the HMO's "network." The HMO will pay less or nothing if members go outside the network.  

Hearing

(in reference to the Social Security Administration) The second step in the appeals process whereby an administrative law judge of the SSA hears the initial or recommended decision made by the SSA along with any new evidence and issues a decision.  

Heart Attack

Common term used to describe sudden internal damage to the heart often as a result of arteriosclerosis heart disease.  

Heart Medications

Medicines that control the heart beat. Digoxin, Lanoxin and Cardizem are commonly used examples.  

Heimlich Maneuver

A type of first aid administered to individuals who are choking.  

Hip Pinning

A surgical procedure used to repair a broken hip. Refers to the placing of a steel plate or pin to hold splinters together.  

Home Delivered Meals or "Meals On Wheels"

(MOW) delivers nutritionally sound meals five or more days a week to those who cannot purchase their own groceries or prepare meals.  

Home Health Agency (HHA)

A public or private agency certified by Medicare that specializes in providing skilled nurses, homemakers, home health aides and therapeutic services, such as physical therapy in an individual's home.  

Home Health Aide  

A semi-skilled professional, often employed by a home health agency, who provides in-home assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).  

Home Health Care

Includes a wide range of health-related services such as assistance with medications, wound care, intravenous (IV) therapy, and help with basic needs such as bathing, dressing, mobility, etc., which are delivered at a person's home.  

Homemaker Services

Help with light housekeeping, laundry, shopping, and meal preparation.  

Hospice Care

A program model for delivering comfort care to individuals who are in the final stages of terminal illness. In addition to providing comfort care and personal support to the patient, hospice includes support for the patient's family while the patient is dying, as well as support to the family during their bereavement.  

Hypertension

High blood pressure or elevated pressure in the arteries.

Home Terms I

IMR

Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded.

Incapacitated Adult

A legally incapacitated person is someone impaired by sickness, accident, injury, mental illness, mental disability, chronic use of drugs, chronic intoxication or any other causes, to the extent that the person does not have sufficient understanding or ability to make or communicate responsible decisions concerning his/her day-to-day care.  

Incontinence

Loss of bladder control. Incontinence is not a disease, but a symptom of an underlying condition. Incontinence affects both men and women of all ages and is NOT a normal part of aging. Should be discussed with a health care provider.  

Informed Consent

A legal term that refers to a person's consent to a proposed medical intervention after receiving relevant information. The information that is legally required includes: diagnosis, nature and purpose of the proposed intervention, risks and consequences of the proposed treatment, probability that the treatment will be successful, feasible treatment alternatives and prognosis if the treatment is not given.  

Injection

The administration of medication or nutrient directly into the body via a special needle. These may be given into the muscle (IM), into the subcutaneous tissue (Sub-Q) or directly into the venous system (IV).  

Intermediate Care Facility (ICF)

A health care facility that provides care and services to individuals who do not need skilled nursing care, but whose mental or physical condition requires more than custodial care and services in an institutional setting.  

Institutionalization

Admission of an individual to an institution, such as a nursing home, where he or she will reside for an extended period of time or indefinitely.  

Insulin

A medication used to treat Diabetes.  

I and O

Intake (of food and liquids) and output (of urine and feces).

Home Terms J

Home Terms K

Home Terms L

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

One who has completed one or two years in a school of nursing or vocational training school. LPNs are in charge of nursing in the absence of a Registered Nurse (RN). LPNs often give medications and perform treatments. They are licensed by the state in which they work.

Life Care Arrangement or Life Care Contract

Contract between a resident and a continuing care retirement community in which the residency agreement provides for a guaranteed lifetime of care.  

Living Will

A type of advance directive in which an individual writes down their wishes about medical treatment should he/she be at the end of life and unable to communicate. It may also be called a "directive to physicians," "health care declaration," or "medical directive." The purpose of a living will is to guide family members and doctors in deciding how aggressively to use medical treatments to delay death.

Long-Term Care

Range of medical and/or social services designed to help people who have disabilities or chronic care needs. Services may be short-term or long-term and may be provided in a person's home, in the community, or in residential facilities (nursing homes, assisted living facilities).  

Long-Term Care Ombudsman

A representative responsible for investigating patient complaints about long-term care.

Home Terms M

Managed Care

A health care plan in which monthly premiums are paid for a complete package of services through an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) or similar type of provider.

Meal-On-Wheels

A program that delivers meals to people who are homebound.

Medicaid

Federal and state funded program of medical assistance to low-income individuals of all ages. There are income eligibility requirements for Medicaid. Contact local Department of Jobs and Family Services for more information.

Medical Director

A physician who is to formulate and direct policy for medical care in the nursing home or other health care agency.

Medical Power of Attorney

A document that allows an individual to appoint someone else to make decisions about his/her medical care if he or she is unable to communicate. This type of advance directive may also be called a "health care proxy," "durable power of attorney for health care," or "appointment of a health care agent." The person appointed may be called a health care agent, surrogate, attorney-in-fact, or proxy.  

Medicare

Federal health insurance program for persons age 65 and over (and certain disabled persons under age 65). Consists of two parts: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (optional medical insurance which covers physicians' services and outpatient care in part and which requires beneficiaries to pay a monthly premium).  

Medicare Summary Notice (MSN)

A notice that is sent to a Medicare beneficiary after a claim is processed explaining what the provider billed for, how much was approved, how much Medicare paid and what the beneficiary is responsible for. This has been replaced by the Explanation of Medicare Benefits (EOMB), which summarizes all services over a specified period, generally monthly.  

Medigap

Insurance supplement to Medicare that is designed to fill in the "gaps" left by Medicare (such as co-payments). May pay for some limited long-term care expenses, depending on the benefits package purchased.  

Mental Health

Has to do with how you feel about yourself, how you feel about others, and how you are able to meet and handle the demands of life. It describes the ability to balance problems with appropriate coping skills.

Home Terms N

Nasal Gastric Tube (NG Tube)

A tube passed through the nose to the stomach for the purpose of liquid feeding (gastric feeding).  

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

A registered nurse who performs a number of tasks that were traditionally performed by the physician (i.e., taking medical histories or making routine examinations). Training for Nurse Practitioners usually includes a Master’s degree in nursing. Nurse Practitioners work in collaboration with physicians.  

Nursing Home

A place where patients reside who need medical or personal assistance. Nursing homes may be called Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs), Intermediate Care Facilities, and Custodial Care Facilities. Not all nursing homes are Medicare-approved facilities.

Home Terms O

Occupational Therapist (OT)

A person trained to conduct therapy to maintain, restore or teach skills to improve manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

Older Americans Act (OAA)

Federal law enacted in 1965 to provide money for programs and direction for a multitude of services designed to enrich the lives of senior citizens.

Ombudsman

A "citizen's representative" in a nursing home who protects a person's rights through advocacy, providing information and encouraging institutions to respect citizens' rights.

Ophthalmologist

A physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, defects and injuries of the eye.  

Organic Brain Syndrome (OBS)

May be acute or chronic; reversible or irreversible – resulting in impaired mental function.  

Osteoporosis

A disorder that causes a gradual decrease in the strength of bone tissues. Bones "thin out," becoming less dense or more porous, and thus lose strength. The loss of strength can result in an increased incidence of broken bones.

Home Terms P

Palliative Care

A comprehensive approach to treating serious illness that focuses on the physical, psychological, and spiritual needs of the patient. Its goal is to achieve the best quality of life available to the patient by relieving suffering, controlling pain and symptoms, and enabling the patient to achieve maximum functional capacity. Respect for the patient's culture, beliefs, and values are an essential component. Palliative care is sometimes called "comfort care" or "hospice-type care."

Parkinson's Disease

Shaking palsy caused by a neurological disorder.

Paraplegia

Usually involves paralysis of the legs and often other muscles up to the middle of the chest resulting from damage to the spine.  

Participating Provider

An institution, facility, agency, health professional or other person certified or licensed by the appropriate agency of the state having jurisdiction, and holding a current signed participation agreement with the Medicaid agency.  

Patient Care Plan

A plan formulated by a Registered Nurse in conjunction with a physician for the on-going care and rehabilitation for a nursing home resident to their optimum potential.  

Patient Co-Payment

The amount of allowed charges that is the responsibility for the Medicaid recipient to pay.  

Peer Review Organization

A Quality Improvement Organization paid by the federal government to review hospital treatment of Medicare patients. A patient has the right to appeal to a peer review organization if there is a question about care or length of stay.  

Personal Care

Care that involves help with eating, dressing, walking and other personal needs but very little or no nursing supervision. The terms "custodial care," "domiciliary care" and "residential care" are often used interchangeably with personal care, although personal care strictly defined may imply a somewhat higher level of service.  

Personal Care Assistance/Home Health Aide

Non-medical services to assist older persons in the home such as bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning, laundry, and running errands.  

Personal Needs Allowance (PNA)

Money under the Medicaid program that is protected (set aside) for a nursing home resident's personal use.  

Physical Therapist (PT)

A person trained to retain or restore functioning in the musculature of the arms, legs, hands, feet, back and neck through movement, exercises or treatments.  

Physician Assistant (PA)

A person who performs a number of tasks that were traditionally performed by the physician (i.e., taking medical histories or making routine examinations). Training for Physician Assistants usually includes a specialized 2-year program. Physician Assistants always work under the supervision of a physician.  

Podiatrist

A physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, defects and injuries of the foot.  

Post-Surgical Recovery

Recovery from major surgery.  

Power of Attorney

A legal document which gives another person (usually a spouse, other relative, or friend) the power to act on your behalf. In order to grant a power of attorney, you must be competent, and you do not lose the legal right to act on your own behalf.  

Presbycusis

Impaired hearing due to old age.  

Privacy Curtain

A curtain that can be pulled around a patient's bed affording privacy from other people in the room.  

PRN

An abbreviation used to indicate that a medication is given or treatment performed only as the need arises.  

Proprietary Facility

A facility that is operated for the purpose of making a profit.  

Provider

Individual or organization that provides health care or long-term care services (e.g., doctors, hospital, physical therapists, home health aides, and more).  

Psychotropic Medications

Drugs used in the treatment and control of mental illness.

Home Terms Q

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary

A state program that uses Medicaid money to pay the Medicare deductibles and co-payments for persons whose income is low enough to qualify. Qualifying income is above the poverty level. Contact your local Department of Jobs and Family Services for eligibility information.

Home Terms R

Reality Therapist

A person trained to help reorient the disoriented patient to time, place and person.

Reasonable Charges

The allowable charges that Medicare will cover on a percentage basis. They are published annually for an effective date of July 1 and are based on the actual charges made by physicians and suppliers in the claimant's area during the previous calendar year.  

Reconsideration

A review by the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the Social Security or Supplemental Security Income applicant's or recipient's file and the formal determination by the SSA which is being appealed. Reconsideration constitutes the first step in the SSA's appeals process.  

Recreational Activities Director or Recreational Therapist

The person responsible in a nursing home for developing, scheduling and conducting a multifaceted program geared to meet the social and diversional needs of all residents.  

Registered Nurse (RN)

A graduate nurse who has completed a minimum of two years of education at an accredited school of nursing. RNs are licensed by the state in which they work.  

Rehabilitation Therapy

Therapy aimed at restoring or maintaining the greatest possible function and independence. Rehabilitation therapy is especially useful to persons who have suffered from stroke, an injury or disease by helping them recover the maximum use of the affected area(s) of the body.  

Representative Payee

An individual who is chosen by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and who agrees to receive a Social Security or SSI recipient's check and to handle the funds in the best interest of the recipient. The process of selecting a Representative Payee was initiated by the SSA because not everybody who receives either a Social Security or an SSI check can handle his/her own funds. Also see Authorized Representative.  

Reserve Days

The lifetime reserve of 60 Benefit Days of coverage in excess of the standard 90 days coverage that Medicare offers as a right to each Medicare beneficiary. That is, after a Medicare claimant has been in the hospital for 90 days (an allowable time for which Medicare will pay a percentage of reasonable costs), the claimant can use the 60 Reserve Days at that time if he/she has to remain in the hospital that long by doctor's orders. However, if the claimant does not wish to use the Reserve Days at that time, he/she must tell the hospital in writing ahead of time. Otherwise, the extra days will be taken from his/her Reserve Days automatically.  

Resident Rights

Those rights prescribed by federal law for residents or nursing homes participating in Medicare and Medicaid. Residents’ Council An organization of nursing home residents. Its goal is to improve the quality of life, care and communication within an institution by providing some measure of control or self-determination by the residents.  

Respite Care

Service in which trained professionals or volunteers come into the home or provide short-term care at a nursing facility (from a few hours to a few days) for an older person to allow caregivers some time away from their caregiving role. Adult day service may be another way to provide "respite."  

Restraint

A device used to prevent a person from falling out of a chair (e.g., a belt around the waist tied to a wheelchair or a jacket with straps tied to a wheelchair). A jacket restraint could be used to prevent a person from crawling over the side rails of a bed. Wrist restraints are used under unusual circumstances. Restraints should be used as protection for the resident only when other means are not reasonable.  

Room Occupancy Fee

The basic room rental fee for residents of a nursing home.

Home Terms S

Sedatives

Drugs that provide calm and quiet to those in a state of nervous excitement. Nembutal, Seconal, Chloral Hydrate and Phenobarbital are commonly used examples.

Self Care

The ability to bathe, dress, toilet and feed oneself.  

Self Help

The concept that individuals can manage many of their own health problems when given sufficient instruction and appropriate medications.  

Senility

Popularized laymen's term used by doctors and the public alike to categorize the mental deterioration that may occur with aging.  

Senior Center

A community facility for the elderly. Senior centers provide a variety of activities for their members including any combination of recreational, educational, cultural or social events. Also, some centers offer nutritious meals and limited health care services.  

Senior Companion

Adults age 60 and over provide companionship to older adults with special needs. Companions volunteer 20 hours per week. Stipend and travel expenses are provided (companions must meet income guidelines.)  

Skilled Care

"Higher level" of care (such as injections, catheterization, and dressing changes) provided by trained medical professionals, including nurses, doctors, and physical therapists.  

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)

A facility that has been certified by Medicare and/or Medicaid to provide skilled care.  

Social Security

A national insurance program that provides income to workers when they retire or are disabled and to dependent survivors when a worker dies. Retirement payments are based on worker's earning during employment.         

Social Security Administration

A branch of the federal Department of Health and Human Services, responsible for determining the Medicare eligibility and enrollment process.  

Social Services

Services designed to help individuals with problems that concern housing, transportation, meals, recreation and family support and relations. These services are provided by professional Social Workers.  

Social Worker

A person trained to identify social and emotional needs of nursing home residents and provide services necessary to meet them. Full-time social workers are not required in nursing homes, although facilities must provide social services. This person often has responsibility for admissions and discharges.  

Special Diet

A diet that adds or subtracts certain nutrients in specified amounts or makes other modifications (e.g., pureed) because of medical condition (e.g., diabetic diet).  

Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary

State program that uses Medicaid money to pay the Medicare Part B premium for person whose income is low enough to qualify. Qualifying Income is above the poverty level. Contact County Department of Jobs and Family Services.  

Spend Down

Medicaid financial eligibility requirements are strict and may require beneficiaries to spend down/use up assets or income until they reach eligibility level.  

Spousal Impoverishment

The community property and assets of a community spouse of a nursing facility resident may be divided according to standards set by the Health Care Financing Administration and state law as a means of protecting the assets of the non-institutionalized spouse.  

Stroke

Occurs when blood supply to a part of the brain tissue is cut off, and, as a result, the nerve cells in that part of the brain cannot function. Effects may be severe or slight, temporary or permanent depending on how widespread the damage is.  

Subacute Care

Care provided to patients who are sufficiently stabilized to no longer require Acute Care services, but are too complex for treatment in a conventional nursing center. Subacute programs typically treat patients who are medically complex and require extensive physiological monitoring, intravenous therapy or pre- or post-operative care. Care may focus on a specific medical specialty, such as physical rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation, wound care, infectious disease care, neurological rehabilitation, orthopedic care, pre- and post-transplant care and pulmonary care, including ventilator care.  

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

A federal program that pays monthly checks to people in need who are 65 or older and to people in need at any age who are blind or disabled. The purpose of the program is to provide sufficient resources so they can have a basic monthly income. Eligibility is based on income and assets.  

Suppliers

Persons or organizations other than doctors and health care facilities that furnish equipment or services covered by Medical Insurance (Part B) of Medicare (e.g., ambulance firms, independent laboratories and organizations that rent or sell medical equipment).  

Support Groups

Groups of people who share a common bond (e.g., caregivers) who come together on a regular basis to share problems and experiences. May be sponsored by social service agencies, senior centers, religious organizations, as well as organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association.  

Surrogate Decision-making

Surrogate decision-making laws allow an individual or group of individuals (usually family members) to make decisions about medical treatments for a patient who has lost decision-making capacity and did not prepare an advance directive. A majority of states have passed statutes that permit surrogate decision making for patients without advance directives.  

Surveyor

Agent of the state licensure office who inspects (surveys) nursing homes for the purpose of licensure and certification.

Home Terms T

Telephone Reassurance

Program in which volunteers or paid staff call homebound elders on a regular basis to provide contact, support, and companionship.

Third-Party Payment

Payment for care that is made by someone other than the patient or his/her family (e.g., Medicare or private insurance companies).  

Title III Services

Services provided to individuals age 60 and older funded under Title III of the Older Americans Act. Services include: congregate and home-delivered meals, supportive services (e.g., transportation, information and referral, legal assistance), in-home services (e.g., homemaker services, personal care, chore services), and health promotion disease prevention services (e.g., health screenings, exercise programs). Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to see what services may be available in your area.  

Tranquilizers

A group of drugs that bring tranquility by calming, soothing, quieting or pacifying. Valium and Librium are commonly used examples.  

Transfer of Assets

Transfer of a potential Medicaid recipient's money or possessions to a third party, which may be interpreted under state and federal Medicaid law as an attempt to qualify the person for Medicaid when he/she would not otherwise be eligible. Medicaid regulations govern time frames and conditions which individuals may transfer assets to others without jeopardizing Medicaid eligibility.

Home Terms U

Home-Terms To Learn-Health & Aging Jargon U

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

An infection in the urinary tract, most common in patients with catheters.

Utilization Review

A cost control device that requires any participating hospital or nursing home to evaluate the appropriateness of Medicare and Medicaid patients' admission to and continued stay in the institution. Such a review is conducted by a utilization review committee composed of physicians and other health professionals who must review 1) the medical necessity of the admission and 2) the medical necessity of continued institutionalization.

Home Terms V

VA

Veterans Administration.

Vital Signs

Temperature, Pulse, Respiration and Blood Pressure.

Home Terms W

Walker

A lightweight frame held in front of a person to give stability in walking. It offers more stability than a cane.

Withholding or Withdrawing Treatment

Forgoing life-sustaining measures or discontinuing them after they have been used for a certain period of time.

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