Glossary of Terms

Around-the-clock assistance, often split among multiple caregivers, to ensure constant safety and support.

The basic tasks we do every day—like eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and moving around.

A place where someone who needs help or supervision can hang out for the day—there might be social activities, meals, and health services.

Staying in your own home as you grow older, with support services that adapt to changing needs over time.

A brain condition that causes memory loss, confusion, and changes in how someone thinks and acts. It’s the most common type of dementia and mainly affects older adults.

Gadgets and tools—like walkers, grab bars, and wheelchairs—that help make daily activities safer and easier.

A community for people who can still manage parts of daily life but need help with things like medication management, bathing, or dressing. Residents live in private or shared apartments and get access to meal services, social activities, and round-the-clock support staff.

Short for “Residential Care Facility for the Elderly,” a smaller, more home-like setting that provides personal care, meals, and a sense of community. It’s ideal for those who don’t need skilled nursing but could use help with day-to-day tasks in a comfortable residential environment.

A game plan that spells out what kind of help, how often, and who’s providing it. It keeps everyone on the same page.

All the people involved in someone’s care—family, caregivers, nurses, therapists—working together to meet that person’s needs.

Anyone who provides assistance or support to a person in need, whether it’s hands-on help with daily tasks or emotional encouragement.

Keeping an eye on any shifts in a person’s health—like new symptoms, mood changes, or differences in appetite—so care can be adjusted right away.

A style of caregiving that focuses on the person’s wants, needs, and preferences—so the help is truly tailored to them.

When thinking, memory, or decision-making abilities are affected, often requiring extra assistance and structured support.

Sometimes called companionship or senior companion services, a vital non-medical support designed to boost emotional well-being and social engagement for older adults. It includes friendly conversation, fun activities like board games or walks, meal preparation, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, transportation to appointments, and reminders for grooming and hygiene. Companion care is key to maintaining independence, reducing loneliness, and enriching the overall quality of life for seniors.

A “campus” model that typically includes independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing all in one place. This lets residents stay in the same community and access different levels of care as their needs change over time.

A group of conditions causing memory loss, confusion, and changes in thinking and behavior. Alzheimer’s is the most common type.

Specialized support for individuals in their final stage of life, focusing on comfort, symptom relief, and emotional well-being rather than curing an illness.

A chance someone might stumble or lose their balance, often requiring extra precautions or support to prevent injuries.

An online hub that lets family members check schedules, communicate with caregivers, and stay updated on a loved one’s care plan.

Often called a caregiver, who is registered with the California Home Care Services Bureau and has passed a Live Scan background check. They help with day-to-day tasks—like bathing, dressing, and light housekeeping—so seniors can stay safe, comfortable, and independent at home.

A caregiver with specific training or certification who can provide both personal care and some basic medical tasks under a nurse’s supervision. Home health aides and caregivers often mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably. Typically, home health aides are certified CNAs who’ve taken extra courses to provide care in someone’s home, usually through a skilled medical care agency. A CareWorks home health aide, for example, can offer companionship, assist with personal care tasks (like bathing, dressing, and grooming), and handle other quality-of-life services.

A special program for people in the final stage of life that emphasizes comfort and quality of life instead of curing an illness. It’s usually paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. Services often include regular nurse visits, necessary medications, and medical equipment (like a hospital bed or oxygen). The goal is to keep you or your loved one as comfortable as possible at home.

The “running the household” tasks—like cooking, cleaning, managing money, and shopping.

Trouble controlling bladder or bowel movements, often needing special products and routines to maintain comfort and hygiene.

Non-medical help that makes life easier—things like meal prep, social activities, housekeeping, and transportation.

A caregiver who stays overnight and is basically there around the clock. It can be a big help for folks who need 24/7 support. Or, a setup where a caregiver stays in the home day and night, ready to help whenever needed.

(Note: Both definitions refer to continuous, on-site caregiving, though the exact services may vary by provider.)

Keeping track of what pills to take, when to take them, and how much—basically avoiding any mix-ups.

Special care focused on individuals with memory-related issues—such as dementia or Alzheimer’s—featuring activities and routines that support cognitive function.

Helps people relearn daily activities—like dressing or cooking—especially after an injury or illness.

Helps relieve the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, no matter what stage a person is in. It usually includes pain management, emotional support, and coordination with your healthcare team. The goal is to improve comfort and overall quality of life.

Hands-on help with daily routines like bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.

Exercises and treatments to build strength, improve balance, and get a person moving better after surgery or injury.

A short break for the main caregiver (family caretaker)—someone else steps in so they can rest, go on vacation, or just recharge.

Medical-level care—like wound care or IV therapy—usually provided by a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.

A care setting that offers 24-hour nursing services from registered or licensed nurses, often for individuals who need ongoing medical attention or rehabilitation. SNFs are typically for people who’ve had a hospital stay or require a higher level of care than what’s provided in other senior living options.

A common issue in dementia where confusion, agitation, or restlessness may worsen late in the day or evening.

Moving someone from one spot to another—like bed to chair or chair to car—safely and without injury.

Support that helps someone move smoothly from one care setting to another—like returning home from the hospital—so they don’t miss a beat in their recovery.

Key body stats—blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature—that hint at a person’s overall health.