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Senior Care Authority

Common Terms

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
IL
independent living, no care, unlicensed, but may offer meals in common dining room, housekeeping, some transportation
AL
assisted living, for people needing assistance with ADLs, med management, includes meals, laundry, housekeeping, some transportation to appointments, planned activities and excursions
MC
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
RN
registered nurse
NP
nurse practitioner
PCP
primary care provider

Medical

DX
medical shorthand for diagnosis
ALZ
Alzheimer’s Disease
PD
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
AD
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."

LC

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Grandpa and Grandson
Couple at Lake

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

“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
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