Housing Defi nitions

SENIOR HOUSING DEFINITIONS

ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (ADLs) – Activities involving personal care and mobility such as bathing, dressing, toileting, walking and meal preparation. INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITIES (IL) – Apartments and communities for adults 55+ with little or no senior support services (e.g. no meals, etc...).

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

ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCES (AL) – Typically apartment-style with kitchenettes and private baths. Assisted living services and personal assistance with ADLs are provided. Rates vary from an all-inclusive to base rates with levels of care. Amenities vary for each residence. In PA there is a licensure distinction between Assisted Living Residences and Personal Care Homes. An Assisted Living Residence in PA is “a signifi cant long-term care alternative to allow individuals to age in place…and [to] develop and maintain maximum independence, exercise decision-making and personal choice” according to PA Code, Ch 2800.

ADULT DAY SERVICES – Most providers 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.

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) Helps apartment owners off er reduced rents to low-income tenants. INSTRUMENTAL ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (IADLs) – Activities involving more complex functioning such as grocery shopping, writing checks, housework, cooking, traveling, and managing money.

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

MEMORY CARE RESIDENCES (MC) – Licensed Assisted Living or Personal Care Homes that specialize in delivering care to patients 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. Specifi cally trained staff usually serves the special needs of this population. Amenities vary for each community.

PA LICENSURE – In PA there is a li-

censure distinction between Assisted Living Residences and Personal Care Homes.

PERSONAL CARE HOME (PCH) – Typically apartment-style with private baths. Personal assistance with ADLs is provided. Rates vary from all-inclusive to base rates with levels of care. Amenities vary for each home. In PA there is a licensure distinction between Personal Care Homes and Assisted Living Residences.

RESPITE CARE / SHORT-TERM STAY – Otherwise known as a short-term stay. Any provider of IL, PCH, AL, MC or SNF care can elect to provide fully furnished accommodations to a person for a short period of time, if space is available. Rates usually quoted on a daily basis and are typically inclusive of all services and amenities.

RETIREMENT LIVING 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 may 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 typically based upon size/ location of apartment.

SECURED UNIT – A secured unit dedicated to Alzheimer’s/Dementia residents to prevent wandering outside the community without supervision. SKILLED CARE – 24 hour licensed nursing services. Patients may receive rehab services either inpatient or outpatient and may be fully dependent for ADL’s. Patients receive medications by an RN according to a licensed physician’s orders.

SKILLED NURSING FACILITY (SNF) – Provides 24/7 care for residents and offers full assistance with ADLs. Daily rates typically include a furnished bedroom, private or shared bath, meals, activities, transportation, phone service, cable TV and all personal/nursing care. Payor sources usually accepted: Medicare, Medicaid, VA, some insurance plans and private sources.

TRACH CARE – Refers to care administered to patients who have undergone a tracheotomy, a surgical procedure in which a cut or opening is made in the windpipe (trachea). The surgeon inserts a tube into the opening to bypass an obstruction, allow air to get to the lungs, or remove secretions.

VENTILATOR – Moves breathable air into and out of the lungs, to provide the mechanism of breathing for a patient who is physically unable.

WANDERGUARD – Offered at some facilities. A resident with memory loss or confusion wears a small discreet pendant. Each external door in the care home is fitted with a radio detector which detects when a pendant moves near an exit. The WanderGuard will sound an audible alarm, alerting the staff of a patient wandering.