Senior Housing Definitions

AFFORDABLE SENIOR HOUSING

– Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), helps apartment owners offer reduced rents to low-income tenants.

AGE RESTRICTIONS – Some communities have a restriction on the youngest age they are allowed to accept. These restrictions vary by community.

ALZHEIMER’S / DEMENTIA

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY – Licensed assisted living facility or skilled nursing facility that specialize in delivering care to victims of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Communities are typically bedroom-style rental units with common areas for dining and activities. Many are locked for residents’ safety.

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

– Typically apartment-style with kitchenettes and private baths. Some offer companion accommodations. Personal assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, eating and ambulation. – Type A facility cares for residents who do not require routine attendance during sleeping hours and are capable of following directions in an emergency. – Type B facility is for residents who require staff assistance to evacuate, are not capable of following directions in an emergency and require nighttime attendance. DAY CARE – Any provider can elect to provide day/night services on a short or long term basis. Rates typically include a place to rest, one or two meals and snacks and activities for the day. Licensed communities are prohibited by law to promote these services without a specific license.

INDEPENDENT HOUSING – Apartments and communities for adults 55+ with little or no senior support services (e.g. no meals, etc...)

INTERMEDIATE CARE – 24 hour inpatient care residents who need licensed nursing supervision and supportive care, but do not require continuous nursing care. Residents may receive full assistance with ADL’s and transfers. Residents receive meds from a nurse following a doctor’s orders and may receive outpatient rehab services. Facilities may use a nurse as a their consultant and the residents receive periodic assessments from a licensed practitioner.

LONG-TERM CARE – Chronic, custodial care provided on an on-going basis.

MEDICAID WAIVER – An assisted living waiver may be used to transition individuals out of nursing facilities or to provide persons at risk of institutionalization with options for remaining in their communities. Assisted living waivers are designed to provide an alternative to more costly nursing home care.

PRICE DEPENDENT ON LEVELS

OF CARE – Flexible levels of service geared to accommodate different needs over time. Rates may vary depending on the changing levels of care while one maintains the same physical residence.

PUBLIC HOUSING (PH) – Affordable apartments for low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities.

REHABILITATION AND THERAPY – Many skilled nursing facilities offer restorative and rehabilitative physical and occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services. Short-term rehabilitation services may be provided to individuals with diagnoses such as joint replacements, stroke, etc. Long-term rehab may also be provided for permanent residents of the facility who have chronic or progressive illnesses. Occupational therapy services in this setting are generally reimbursed by Medicare Part A for short-term, acute care clients; Medicare Part B for long-term residents who require skilled services and have medically necessary need for rehab; and often by private insurance, Medicaid, or private pay for younger clients.

RESIDENTIAL HOME – Assisted living homes are private residential homes that typically have a small number of residents who live together and receive care from live-in caretakers. Adult family homes offer room and board for seniors who want a more private, home-like community. Assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing are provided. Amenities and nursing services vary greatly between homes. Ask about their services when you tour. They are also referred to as personal board and care homes. Most accept private pay; Medicaid in some instances.

RESPITE CARE / SHORT-TERM

STAY – Otherwise known as a short-term stay. Any provider of IL, AL, ALZ or SNF care can elect to provide fully furnished accommodations to a person for a short period of time. Rates usually quoted on a daily basis and are typically inclus

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY – Housing designed specifically for mature adults. Typically Studio, 1 BR or 2 BR rental apartments with full kitchens, and private baths are available. Services include meal plans, transportation, housekeeping, laundry and maintenance. Amenities are usually abundant; formal libraries, computer stations, swimming pools, gardens, and other social gathering spaces. Rates are monthly, and are typically based on size/location of apartment.

SECURED UNIT – A secured unit dedicated to Alzheimer’s/Dementia residents to prevent wandering outside the community without supervision.

SHORT-TERM CARE – Acute care provided on a short term basis.