Senior Care Authority

Common Terms

Harold and Kyle Spitzfaden, Local Senior Advisors

SoundView Plaza, 1226 E Main Street, Suite 700 R - Stamford, CT 06902

(203) 450-4479

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Memory Care Facilities in Common Terms, Long Term Care, Medical Common Terms

We have compiled this list of acronyms and terms you might encounter to help you understand and simplify the shorthand that is often used. It’s always acceptable and a good idea to ask questions if something doesn’t make sense to you!

Long Term Care Services

ADL

Activities of Daily Living, including bathing, grooming, feeding, toileting, dressing, mobility assistance

IADL

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, related primarily to independent living, include cooking, driving or use of public transportation, managing medication, housework and others

AID and ATTENDANCE

Common financial benefit for eligible Veterans to be used for care needs

LTC

long-term care, generally assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing

independent living, no care, unlicensed, but may offer meals in common dining room, housekeeping, some transportation

assisted living, for people needing assistance with ADLs, med management, includes meals, laundry, housekeeping, some transportation to appointments, planned activities and excursions

memory care, services provided in assisted living with additional care and supervision for those with cognitive impairment, includes appropriate activities

CCRC

continuing care retirement community, may require a buy in, usually offers all levels of care through end of life

SNF

skilled nursing facility, for those requiring medical services as part of their care plan; also used for post acute rehabilitation

APS

Adult Protective Services

OMBUDSMEN

protects residents’ rights in assisted and memory care communities

Service Providers

CDP

certified dementia practitioner

CNA

certified nursing assistant

CSA

certified senior advisor

HHA

home health aide

LVN

licensed vocational nurse

LPN

licensed practical nurse

registered nurse

nurse practitioner

PCP

primary care provider

Medical

medical shorthand for diagnosis

ALZ

Alzheimer’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease

FTL

Frontal Temporal Lobe Dementia

DLB

Dementia with Lewy Bodies

MCI

Mild Cognitive Impairment

COPD

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

CHF

congestive heart failure

DNR

Do not resuscitate

Advanced Directive

POA

Power of Attorney (one for healthcare, and one for financial)

"I got to know Harold when my mother became unable to care for herself after the death of my father. Harold, was a terrific listener as I described her situation. It became very clear to me that Harold was extremely knowledgeable about Adult Living options and was the right person to guide us through this process. He was patient and compassionate and always available whenever we needed him. With Harold’s help, we found the right community for mom and she is extremely happy there.

I would highly recommend Harold to anyone needing the kind of help that he specializes in."

I got to know Harold when my mother became unable to care for herself after the death of my father. Harold, was a terrific listener as I described her situation. It became very clear to me that Harold was extremely knowledgeable about Adult Living options and was the right person to guide us through this process. He was patient and compassionate and always available whenever we needed him. With Harold’s help, we found the right community for mom and she is extremely happy there. I would highly recommend Harold to anyone needing the kind of help that he specializes in.

- LC

“Harold assisted my brother and I with the grueling task of finding an assisted living location for my mom. He was so caring and understanding of our financial issues and my mom’s struggles of leaving her home that she lived in for over 40 years. He did research to make sure that the assisted living communities not only met our financial needs but also my mom’s needs which even included being able to retain her dog.”

- HK

“Getting your loved ones settled in an assisted living residence can be a trying experience. Having a professional that guided us through the process made all the difference in the world. Harold answered every question that arose and even anticipated our questions and concerns. He was professional and compassionate.”

- SE

"Harold listened. He listened to what I wanted for my husband who is ailing from Parkinson’s Disease, and he brought me to a solution that fit my expectations and budget. His kindness and compassion helped me and my family make a difficult decision. It took a year for us to move my husband into the residence Harold found for us because he was not ready. During that interim, Harold checked in with me regularly, not in an intrusive way, but in a caring way. And when the time came, Harold was there to ease the way. Thank you. Namaste, Hazel"

- Hazel