Glossary
Glossary
Consult our Glossary to learn more about commonly used terms related to topics such as senior housing, senior care and available choices.
- Activities of Daily Living (ADL's)
Everyday tasks that individuals undertake to manage their own personal care including toileting, bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, getting in and out of a bed or chair and walking.
- ADA (American with Disabilities Act)
A law passed by Congress in 1980, which established a clear and comprehensive prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability. The law requires equal access to public buildings and places of employment for people with disabilities.
- Advance Directive
Most commonly known as a "Living Will," an Advance Directive is a written document that states a person's health care preferences, designates a proxy decision maker, or both, in the event a serious illness or injury leads to a loss of the ability to make one's own health care decisions.
- Aging In Place
A concept that allows a senior to remain in his or her living environment, despite the physical and/or mental decline that may occur during the aging process. (See Continuing Care Retirement Community)
- Alzheimer's
A progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of function and death of nerve cells in several areas of the brain, leading to loss of mental functions such as memory and learning. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.
- Assisted Living
Senior housing with personalized supportive services and health care designed to meet the needs -- both scheduled and unscheduled -- of those who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs). Assisted Living communities are licensed and regulated by individual states. Services provided in Assisted Living residences usually include:
- Three meals a day served in a common dining area
- Housekeeping services
- Transportation
- As-Needed Physical Assistance
- 24-hour staff availability
- Emergency response systems
- Assistance with medications
- Linen Laundry Services
- Social and recreational activities