The following glossary is intended to acquaint you with some commonly used senior housing terms, and to help you understand some of the available senior housing and senior care choices.
Accessory Apartment
A separate living unit inside a single-family home. This is a popular senior housing option for people who want to stay in their homes, and a potential source of caregiving between an older person and a friend, neighbor or relative, providing the convenience of physical closeness while maintaining privacy. It provides additional income for the landlord, and low rent for the tenant.
Accreditation
A seal of approval given by a governing body to a senior housing or service provider. To be accredited, the provider must meet requirements set by the accreditation body and must undergo a thorough evaluation to ensure that it meets certain standards of quality. Accrediting organizations are not government agencies or regulatory bodies. Examples of some accreditation bodies for the senior housing and senior care industry include CCAC (Continuing Care Accreditation Commission), CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) and JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations).
Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
Everyday activities such as bathing, grooming, eating, using the toilet, and getting dressed.
ADA (American with Disabilities Act)
A law passed by Congress in 1990, which established a clear and comprehensive prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability. The law requires equal access to public buildings and places of employment for people with disabilities. Subsequent amendments have extended the access requirement to telecommunications, information on the Internet, etc.
Adult Day Care
Daily structured programs in a community setting with activities and health-related and rehabilitation services for seniors who are physically or emotionally disabled and need a protective environment. This care is provided during the day, and the senior receiving the care returns home in the evening.
Aging in Place
A concept that allows a senior to remain in his or her living environment, despite the physical and/or mental decline that may occur during the aging process.
Assisted Living
Generally, these are state-licensed programs offered at senior residential communities with services that include meals, laundry, housekeeping, medication reminders, and assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). The exact definition will vary from state to state, and a few states do not license assisted living facilities. Assisted living is generally regarded as a step or two below skilled nursing in its level of care. Approximately 90 percent of the country's assisted living services are paid for with private funds, although some states have adopted Medicaid waiver programs.
Assisted living may also be referred to as Personal Care, Board and Care, Residential Care, Boarding Home, etc., although some states differentiate between their definition of "Assisted Living" and these other terms (e.g., Washington state recognizes and licenses "Assisted Living" facilities as well as "Boarding Homes;" although licensed by the State of Washington, a Boarding Home does not meet the higher physical plant and service requirements necessary to be considered an Assisted Living facility).
ALF's range in size from small homes housing 6-12 people to large full service facilities. The range of services vary from facility to facility. Services typically include assistance with meals, bathing, dressing, continence care and other routine daily needs. Medical services vary by facility.
Congregate Housing
See Independent Living (may be also referred to as Supportive Housing).
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
Senior housing planned and operated to provide a continuum of accommodations and services for seniors, including but not limited to independent living, congregate housing, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. A CCRC resident contract often involves either an entry fee or a buy-in fee in addition to the monthly service charges, which may change according to the medical services required. Entry fees may be partially or fully refundable. The fee is used primarily as a method of privately financing the development of the project and as payment for future health care. CCRCs are typically licensed by the state. See also Life Care Community.
Convalescent Home
See Nursing Home.
