Glossary
Senior care terms and definitions
The world of senior care comes with a lot of unfamiliar words. Here are the ones families ask us about most, in plain English.
Assisted living
A residential setting for older adults who need help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, meals, and medication, but not full-time medical care. Residents keep their independence while support and social life are close at hand.
Independent and senior living
Housing for older adults who are largely self-sufficient and want an easier, more social lifestyle, with maintenance, meals, and activities handled for them. There is little or no personal care included.
Memory care
A specialized type of assisted living for people living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. It offers a secure setting, specially trained staff, and structured routines to keep residents safe and engaged.
Skilled nursing facility (nursing home)
A setting that provides round-the-clock medical and nursing care for people with serious or complex health needs. This is a higher level of care than assisted living.
In-home care
Help provided in a person’s own home, from companionship and meals to bathing and medication reminders. It can range from a few hours a week to daily support, and lets people stay in the home they know.
Board and care home (adult care home)
A small, home-like residence, often a converted house, that cares for a handful of residents at a time. It can offer a quieter, more personal alternative to a larger assisted living community.
Respite care
Short-term care that gives a family caregiver a break, whether for a few days or a few weeks. It can be provided at home or as a short stay in a community.
Continuing care retirement community (CCRC)
A community offering several levels of care on one campus, from independent living through assisted living and skilled nursing, so a resident can move between them as their needs change without leaving.
ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System)
Arizona’s Medicaid program that helps cover long-term care costs, including some assisted living, for residents who meet financial and medical eligibility. We can point you in the right direction if it may apply to your family.
Senior placement service
A local advocate, like A Senior Journey, who helps families find and tour the right care, at no cost to the family. Placement services are paid by the homes and communities they partner with.