Independent Retirement Living

A living arrangement in residential apartments where elders share common space, but are able to maintain their independence with little or no assistance. Better facilities typically provide three meals daily for all residents, plus utilities, some transportation, housekeeping, etc., as well as standby assistance, if needed, and a wide variety of social activities.

Adult Day Health Program

Program providing supervision, recreation and health care services during the day to older people to better allow family caregivers to work or attend to other responsibilities on a daily basis only.

Assisted Living

A housing option for older adults who need some assistance with activities of daily living such as dressing, eating, bathing, ambulating or toileting, but do not require 24-hour nursing care. They are still able to live independently with some assistance.

Medicaid

A state and federal health insurance program providing health care coverage for individuals with limited incomes or who have been impoverished by medical expenses.

Medicare

A federal health insurance program providing health care coverage for the elderly and disabled.

Nursing Facility

Facility providing 24-hour nursing care, rehabilitative services, and assistance with activities of daily living to the aged or chronically ill as well as those who have been hospitalized for an illness or operation and require a short period of rehabilitation before returning home.

Skilled Nursing Care

Refers to the type of daily nursing and rehabilitative care that can be performed only by, or under the supervision of, skilled licensed medical personnel.