SENIOR HOUSING DEFINITIONS Senior Housing Definitions

furnished accommodations to a person for a short period of time. Rates usually quoted on a daily basis and are typically inclusive of all services and amenities.

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.

SKILLED CARE – 24 hour licensed nursing services, eight hours of which are RN covered. Patient 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 physicians orders.

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SKILLED NURSING FACILITY –

Facilities provide 24/7 care for residents and offer full assistance with ADL’s. Daily rates typically include a furnished bedroom and a private or shared bath, meals, activities, transportation, phone service, cable television and all personal/ nursing care. Payor sources usually accepted are Medicare, Medicaid, VA, some insurance plans and private sources.

TRACH CARE – Refers to care administered to patients who have undergone a tracheotomy. A tracheotomy is 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 breatheable air into and out of the lungs, to provide the mechanism of breathing for a patient who is physically unable to breathe, or is breathing insufficiently.

WANDERGUARD - Offered at some facilities. A resident with memory loss or confusion wears a small discrete 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.~