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Long Term Care, Common Medical Terms

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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, Medical Common Terms

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

LPN

licensed practical nurse

LVN

licensed vocational nurse

NP

nurse practitioner

PCP

primary care provider

RN

registered nurse

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Medical

AD

Advanced Directive

ALZ

Alzheimer’s Disease

CHF

congestive heart failure

COPD

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

DLB

Dementia with Lewy Bodies

DNR

Do not resuscitate

DX

medical shorthand for diagnosis

FTL

Frontal Temporal Lobe Dementia

MCI

Mild Cognitive Impairment

PD

Parkinson’s Disease

POA

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

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