Glossary


Active – independently participating, functioning and contributing in activities, games, fitness and countless other social and personal pursuits.

Admission Requirements – these are the conditions that need to be met in order for a prospective resident to move into a senior care Communities. These requirements vary by community as well as level of care required. To learn more about specific admission requirements please contact the community of interest.

ADLs – activities of daily living. These include bathing, grooming, eating, etc.

Adult Day Care – specialized day care for seniors who need companionship and/or are physically or emotionally disabled and, thus, need support in a safe and secure environment. The Adult Day Care is only provided during daytime hours with the recipient returning home in the evening.

Affordable Housing
– low-cost housing opportunities for those of modest income. Eligible individuals traditionally must have finances that fall between 30 percent and 60 percent of the median income of the county in which the affordable housing is located.

Aging in Place – residents are afforded the opportunity to remain in a certain living environment (See CCRC) through the aging process as they experience a decline mentally or physically.

Alzheimer’s Care – expert care for those who have been stricken with Alzheimer’s disease or other memory impairments.

Amenities – the diverse assortment of features that increase the attractiveness and value, as well as one’s physical and material comforts provided by senior living Communities.

Assisted Living – supportive living that benefits seniors who need some physical assistance with daily activities. Those in Assisted Living receive some meals, housekeeping, security, safety and numerous opportunities for social interaction. Additional assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management and other necessities are also available for Assisted Living residents.

CCRC – these communities offer a full-spectrum of care for seniors of differing care levels. The typical CCRC includes homes and apartments for Independent Living, apartments for Assisted Living, a Nursing Home for those requiring skilled care, Rehabilitation and Therapy services and often specialized memory support/Alzheimer’s care. The greatest benefit of a CCRC is that residents can move from one level of care to another based on their needs, but remain in the security of comfortable and known surroundings.

CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) – as a division of the federal government The Official U.S. Government Site for Medicare within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CMS oversees and manages the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

CNA – Certified Nursing Assistant. The CNA works under the direction of a licensed nurse to provide attentive care.

Community (Senior Living) – a special environment where a group of seniors, many who share common interests or are in comparable age, reside.

Concierge Service – a special service where you can have someone take care of tending to the details, such as booking your dining reservations, tennis courts and golf course tee-times as well help accommodate your transportation needs and much more.

Dementia Care – expert care for those who have been stricken with Alzheimer’s disease or other memory impairments.

Faith-based organization
– organizations founded by individuals or institutions that adhere to the values and tenets of a given religion.

Geriatrician – a medical doctor who specializes in the care of seniors and develops care plans that specifically address the health care needs of the elderly.

Gerontologist
– a professional whose education and experience allows for him or her to work primarily with older adults. They study aging from a broad perspective and generally know a great deal about the various needs of older adults.

Home Health Care – skilled medical and nursing services provided in the patient’s home by a licensed provided.

Hospice – compassionate care and comfort provided to those with a terminal illness, as well as support to their family members. The care can be provided in-home or within a senior community.

Independent Living – this may include different housing choices that active and independent seniors can select from to meet their personal desires. Transportation, housekeeping, numerous amenities and activities help define this lifestyle and are included in Independent Living monthly fees. Actual residences range from large, spacious homes and apartments to smaller options.

LTC – long-term care.

Maintenance-free – no maintenance responsibilities. This means no grass to mow, leaves to rake or snow to shovel. It also means no leaks to fix, rooms to be painted or driveways to be sealed. The result is no more time-consuming, monotonous and often expensive and strenuous chores…and more time to enjoy the finest things in life!

Medicaid – as the largest source of funding for medical and health-related services for people with excessively limited income, this government program is intended to provide health care and health-related services to those less fortunate. The program is federally funded and administered by the individual states. There are income eligibility criteria one must meet to receive funding. The Official U.S. Government Site for Medicare


Med Cal – this is the federal, nationwide health insurance program which is administered by the social security administration for those over the age of 65. This program reimburses doctors, hospitals and skilled care facilities for care provided for qualified patients. Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program

Not-for-profit Company – these are organizations driven by non-financial objectives.

Occupational Therapy
– specialized training provided by an occupational therapist that improves one’s ability to complete daily tasks, such as eating, bathing, dressing and homemaking.

Person-Centered Care – a personalized way of providing care. Resident choice is honored, as caregivers follow an individualized care plan based on the likes and dislikes of the resident.

Physical Therapy – under the direction of a therapist, one is instructed to use specific exercises and physical activities to condition muscles and restore strength and movement, helping to regain their functional abilities.

Rehabilitation Programs – the method of restoring individuals who have been incapacitated by injury or disease and returning them to their highest possible level of function, independence and quality of life.

R N – Registered Nurse.

Sheltered Care
– a level of personal care that provides a safe environment for seniors while allowing them to remain as self-sufficient and independent as possible. Assistance with daily activities, including but not limited to, meal preparation, bathing and dressing is provided.

Skilled Nursing
– the level of care that must be provided by or supervised by a registered nurse. Usually provided within a nursing home, it includes 24-hour nursing care, room and board and activities for the resident.

Speech Therapy
– the rehabilitation process for those who have difficulty communicating verbally due to physical or cognitive problems. It includes both speech and language rehabilitation.

Volunteers – the many special people who make a difference in the lives of residents. These are compassionate people who donate their time by voluntarily sharing their friendship and talents to residents and associates alike.

Wellness Programs
– the wide-array of activities and events that are offered at senior living communities for the overall well being and improved lifestyle of our residents. Such programs may include amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers and exercise classes, as well as educational endeavors, such as trips to the museum and aquarium, creative writing classes, book clubs and guest speakers. Our wellness programs are varied and fluctuate depending on the interests of the residents at each community.