Mainebiz Special Editions

V O L . X X I X N O. X X I § 2 SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 20 SeniorSmart Adult day care Adult day services include super- vised activities, meals, socialization, and limited health services. Adult day health services provide struc- tured therapeutic health services and supervised activities for persons with physical, mental, intellectual disabil- ities, or the aged who meet nursing facility level-of-care requirements. Aging in place Ability to live independently in the home and community as one ages, regardless of health conditions or disability. May require home modi- fications such as grab bars or widen- ing doorways and hallways for wheel- chairs. Home health care providers enable people with chronic medi- cal issues to remain at home longer. Assisted Living Focus on remaining independent within a supervised setting. Residents choose from options including house- keeping, prepared meals, and medi- cation management. Personal assis- tance with dressing, showering, and toileting is available. A wide range of activities, outings, and group din- ing is common. Continuing care or continuum of care A tiered approach to the needs of aging adults at a single location or campus, beginning with indepen- dent living in single-family apart- ments or condominiums for healthy adults. As daily needs change, resi- dents transition to on-site assisted living or skilled nursing facilities. Guardianship Legal authority to make decisions for another person. A guardian is the per- son appointed by the court to make decisions on behalf of someone else. e person over whom guardianship is granted is the protected person. Home Care or in-home care Medical care or non-medical social services provided at the recipient's home. In some cases, skilled medi- cal professionals provide nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Non-medical care includes companionship, houseclean- ing, meal preparation, assistance with personal hygiene, errands, and more. Hospice is team-oriented approach to end- of-life care includes medical, pain management, emotional and spiritual support. Services are provided to the patient's family and loved ones, typ- ically when the prognosis for living is six months or less. Independent living Also known as retirement living, cen- ters on active, self-sufficient lifestyle for seniors in residences from apart- ment complexes to gated commu- nities. Services include housekeep- ing and meal options, amenities, and recreation. Long-term care insurance Private insurance to cover the broad spectrum of medical and support ser- vices provided to persons who have lost some or all capacity to function on their own, and who are expected to need such services over a prolonged period. Memory care Care for those with varying degrees of dementia or Alzheimer's dis- ease. Involves creating a structured environment with set schedules and routines to create a stress-free lifestyle, safety features to ensure the health of a senior, and programs designed to cultivate cognitive skills. Nursing care Care provided and supervised by a registered qualified nurse that goes beyond the supportive home care pro- vided by most domiciliary and res- idential caregivers. It involves clini- cal care that can allow people with complex conditions and care needs to be safely supported in hospitals, hospices, homes, or nursing homes. Palliative care Focuses on relief from physical suffer- ing. e patient may be under treat- ment for a disease or living with chronic illness, which may or may not be terminal. Addresses physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. Rehabilitation Services that assist those recover- ing from illness, injury, or disease. Rehabilitative care treatments help patients regain abilities lost because of life-changing events such as strokes or accidents. Residential care Care and supervision for people unable to live by themselves but who do not need 24-hour nursing care. It includes room, board, housekeeping, supervision, and personal care assis- tance with hygiene, dressing, eating, and walking. Facilities usually cen- trally store and distribute medica- tions for residents to self-administer. Respite care Short-term relief offered by a variety of care facilities or home care provid- ers. A skilled care professional assumes caregiver responsibilities for a prede- termined amount of time, provid- ing a break for both caregivers and loved ones. G L O S S A RY O F T E R M S

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