EXPERT ADVICE NAVIGATING THE CARE CHOICES
YOUR LOVED ONE DESERVES
YOUR LOVED ONE DESERVES
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
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ADLActivities of Daily Living, including bathing, grooming, feeding, toileting, dressing, mobility assistance
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IADLInstrumental Activities of Daily Living, related primarily to independent living, include cooking, driving or use of public transportation, managing medication, housework and others
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AID and ATTENDANCECommon financial benefit for eligible Veterans to be used for care needs
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LTCLong-term care, generally assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing
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ILIndependent living, no care, unlicensed, but may offer meals in common dining room, housekeeping, some transportation
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ALAssisted living, for people needing assistance with ADLs, med management, includes meals, laundry, housekeeping, some transportation to appointments, planned activities and excursions
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MCMemory care, services provided in assisted living with additional care and supervision for those with cognitive impairment, includes appropriate activities
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CCRCContinuing care retirement community, may require a buy in, usually offers all levels of care through end of life
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SNFSkilled nursing facility, for those requiring medical services as part of their care plan; also used for post acute rehabilitation
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APSAdult Protective Services
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OMBUDSMENProtects residents’ rights in assisted and memory care communities
Service Providers
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CDPcertified dementia practitioner
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CNAcertified nursing assistant
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CSAcertified senior advisor
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HHAhome health aide
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LPNlicensed practical nurse
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LVNlicensed vocational nurse
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NPnurse practitioner
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PCPprimary care provider
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RNregistered nurse

Medical

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ADAdvanced Directive
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ALZAlzheimer’s Disease
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CHFcongestive heart failure
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COPDchronic obstructive pulmonary disease
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DLBDementia with Lewy Bodies
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DNRDo not resuscitate
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DXmedical shorthand for diagnosis
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FTLFrontal Temporal Lobe Dementia
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MCIMild Cognitive Impairment
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PDParkinson’s Disease
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POAPower of Attorney (one for healthcare, and one for financial)