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
LPN

licensed practical nurse
LVN

licensed vocational nurse
NP

nurse practitioner
PCP

primary care provider
RN

registered nurse

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)