Definitions & Acronyms for Elder Care

Created by Elders Care Inc., 11/13/06

AD: Advance directive, a document such as a living will, health care proxy, a durable power of attorney for
Health care decisions.

ADL: Activities of daily living; dressing, bathing, walking, medication monitoring and cognitive issues

ALC: Alternative level of care, waiting for placement

APS: Adult Protective Services

CCRC: Continuing care retirement communities, see Housing definitions

DNR: Do not resuscitate

DOH: Department of Health

ECHO: Elder cottage housing opportunity, see living definitions

FMHA: Farmers home administration, provides loans and grants to low income people over 62, for alterations and repair in rural areas.

GCM: Geriatric Care Manager

Gerontology: The comprehensive study of aging and problems of aging.

HCPA: Health Care Proxy / Durable power of attorney for health care, in which you appoint another person to make health care decisions should you become unable to do so.

HINN: Hospital issue notice of non-coverage

HUD: Housing Urban Development

IADL: Instrumental activities of daily living, includes meal preparation, management of money, Laundry, cooking, cleaning and shopping.

LTC: Long Term Care, refers to the supportive services required by people whose ability to care for him or herself has been reduced by a chronic illness or disability, whether mental or physical. This is determine by the extent of care, assistance or supervision an individual requires in performing ADL (activities of daily living) or IADL (instrumental activities of daily living).

MEDICARE: 2 parts,
Hospital insurance (Medicare Part A)
Medical insurance (Medicare Part B)

NAHC: The National Association for Home Care and Hospice

NASW: National Association of Social Workers

NCEA: The national Center on Elder Abuse

PPS: Prospective payment system, Medicare payments for skilled nursing facility services.

PRI: Patient Review Instrument, to be done by a certified nurse

Public Sources funding: See FMHA

SCOFA: Suffolk county office of aging

SNF: Skilled Nursing Facilities

SSI: Supplemental Security Income

VA: Veterans Administration

Definitions of Housing Facilities

Echo: Elder Cottage housing opportunity, provides for your relative to live near you without moving
into your house.

Assisted Living: Refers to a variety of supportive housing for adults. The Assisted living Federated of
America has defined it as a combination of housing, hospitality and health care.

Adult Homes: are facilities established for the purpose of providing supportive services and
Supervision for not less than five and not more than two hundred adults. Generally, adult home accommodations are rooms and not apartments.

Assisted living facilities: **Supported Housing
Are facilities that provide services mainly for the elderly. Most assisted living facilities are licensed as adult homes and regulated by NYS Department of Health. Some assisted living facilities are not regulated by DOH.
Services required by State law must include, but are not limited to:
* 24 hour awake staff to provide oversight and meet scheduled and unscheduled needs
*Provision and oversight of personal and supportive services (assistance with activities of daily living and
instrumental activities of daily living.
*Health- related services (e.g., medication management services)
*Social Services
*Recreational activities
*Meals
*Housekeeping and laundry
*Transportation
The resident has the right to make choices and receive services in a way that will promote the resident’s dignity, autonomy, independence and quality of life.

Enriched housing: This is a New York State licensed program that provides senior residents in Apartment
Housing with a package of services that includes: meals, housekeeping, homemaking/chores, shopping,
Transportation, social activities and some personal assistance.

CCRC: (Continuing Care Retirement Communities or Life Care),” CORKS“. **Supported Housing
This type of housing and care complex is restricted to seniors. It includes independent living units
(apartment and / or cottages), social activities, meals, supportive assistance and personal care all on one campus. Nursing home care also is included and may be provided on or off a campus facility.
There is a substantial cost to buy into these communities as well as, monthly cost.

Independent Housing: Independent Housing arrangements are for seniors living alone or with spouse who are able to make most decisions about their living activity on a daily basis without the assistance of others. They may live in their own home or apartment or in congregate living arrangement or senior communities. It is possible for an individual to receive some supportive services.

**Supportive housing: This type of housing is when the seniors condition deteriorate or becomes complicated , perhaps due to chronic conditions further restricting personal independence.
There are varieties of housing options offered: cost, services, and living arrangements. Definitions
may vary by State.

**Subsidized Housing Programs: Are subsidized housing for renters with low income.
The public housing and section 8 rental assistance programs serve a large number of
Older persons.

**Board and Care Homes: Board and care homes provide protective oversight, meals, and limited assistance with activities of daily living. Some of these homes serve residents with mental retardation, developmental disabilities and some Mental illness.

**Supported housing