Senior Living Definitions

A Guide to Important Senior Living and Care Definitions in 2024

Jeff Hoyt Jeff Hoyt Editor in Chief
Scott Witt Scott Witt Elder Home Care Expert

SeniorLiving.org is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews. Read our Editorial Guidelines here to learn more about our review process and to learn more about how we are compensated.

Find Senior Living Near You

Join 1,019,247 Seniors Who've Searched for Housing Communities on SeniorLiving.org.

Please enter a valid zip
Or Call: (855) 241-1699

Find Senior Living Near You

Please enter a valid zip
Find the Right Housing Options for You

Our free housing and care finder uses your unique needs to curate a list of the best options in your area.

If you’ve been researching senior living options for yourself or a loved one, you probably noticed there is a lot of industry-specific terminology that you might not be familiar with. These terms are important to understanding the types of care and living options that will be best suited for you.
The following table includes definitions of most of the common language used in senior living and senior care. Understanding the language used by care professionals and senior specialists will help seniors understand their options and make better decisions with planning their future.

Term Definition
24-hour Controlled Access Some senior facilities have security systems that only allow authorized personnel into the buildings.
Accreditation A designation or seal of approval given by an independent governing body that a community of service meets specific requirements as designated by the controlling body.
ACHCA The American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) is a non-profit professional membership association that provides educational programming, certification, and career development opportunities for care administrators.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) Activities of daily living are typically defined as bathing, dressing, assistance with using the toilet, eating, and moving around to perform daily life-supporting tasks.
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) The ADA was passed by Congress in 1980 to establish a comprehensive and clear prohibition of discrimination based on a disability.
Adaptive / Assistive Equipment An appliance, gadget, or piece of equipment designed to assist users in self-care, leisure activities, or work. This can include in-home elevators, special eating implements, and walking aids.
Administration on Aging (AOA) An agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that is an advocate agency for older persons (seniors) and their concerns at the federal level.
Administrator Typically a licensed professional who has the overall responsibility of the day-to-day operations of a care community like an independent living assisted living or nursing home.
Adult Day Care An organization that provides structured programs for seniors including stimulating social activities. Many also provide rehab services for seniors who are with disabilities.
Adult Day Health Care An organization that provides care and services in a residential health care facility or approved extension site, on an outpatient basis, under the medical direction of a physician. Services are in accord with a comprehensive assessment of care needs and individualized health care plan.
Adult Family Home A facility that provides a private, home-like setting and serves a limited number of residents who receive care from live-in caretakers.  These facilities are typically in a residential neighborhood and provide group meals, housekeeping, and laundry. Services vary widely in these facilities, so check each location for specifics. (Also called group home, board and care home, residential care facility, adult foster care, and personal care home.)
Advanced Directives A written statement (often part of a will) of a senior’s preferences and directions regarding health care. Advanced Directives are created to protect a person’s rights even if he or she becomes unable to choose or communicate his or her wishes.
Advantage List A list of healthcare service providers that agree to give particular insurance company policyholders a preset discount often included in long-term care insurance.
Aging in Place Aging in place is a concept where seniors continue to live at home or with a family regardless of their mental and physical decline. This concept requires resources like in-home caregivers.
Alzheimer’s Disease A progressive form of presenile dementia that is similar to senile dementia except that it usually starts in the 40s or 50s. The first symptoms are impaired memory which is followed by impaired thought and speech and finally complete helplessness. Alzheimer’s is caused by a build-up of plaque in the brain that limits its ability to function.
Alzheimer’s Care Center  A treatment center or facility that specializes in providing care for those with Alzheimer’s disease. These facilities are geared towards the supervision of the patient in a safe and controlled environment.
Ambulatory The ability to walk and move freely without another persons assistance, not bedridden or hospitalized.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) is an organization tries to help older persons and persons with disabilities live with dignity and choices in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
Assessment An evaluation or test, usually performed by a professional life physician to determine a person’s mental, emotional, and social capabilities.
Assisted Living A senior lifestyle that provides a combination of housing, personalized supportive services, and health care designed to meet the needs of seniors who need help with activities of daily living.
Caregiver Any individual who cares for another person.
CARF International CARF is an independent, nonprofit organization focused on advancing the quality of services you use to meet your needs for the best possible outcomes. CARF provides accreditation services worldwide at the request of health and human service providers.
Case management A term used to describe a plan of action and care by a professional for a senior or person in need of assistance.
Catheter A hollow flexible tube for insertion into a body cavity, duct, or vessel to allow the passage of fluids or distend a passageway. Catheters are typically used for drainage of urine from the bladder through the urethra or insertion through a blood vessel into the heart for diagnostic purposes.
Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) The CMS is the US federal agency that administers Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. They provide information for health professionals, regional governments, and consumers.
Certificate of Medical Necessity A document created and signed by an attending physician to certify a patient’s need for some type of durable medical equipment (i.e. wheelchairs, walkers, etc.).
Certified Home Health Care (CAN) A certified nursing assistant, who helps a nurse care for a patient including preventative, therapeutic, health guidance and/or supportive help to persons at home and/or at a senior housing facility
Charge Nurse An register nurse (RN) or Licensing Practical Nurse (LPN) who is responsible for the supervision of a hospital unit or nursing care unit. The charge nurse typically schedules and supervises the nursing staff and provides care to community residents.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) A group of chronic respiratory disorders. These disorders are characterized by the restricted flow of air into and out of the lungs like in the case of emphysema.
Cognitive Impairment A diminished mental capacity. Seniors with cognitive impairment may have difficulty with short-term memory and concentration.
Colostomy A disposable and replaceable bag is used for the collection and disposal of bodily wastes.
Concierge Service Often found at hotels and resorts, this service is becoming more common for senior care facilities. A Concierge will arrange for activities, acquire resources, and give advice to seniors to improve their quality of life.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) A common type of heart disease typically characterized by the inadequate pumping action of the heart.
Congregate Housing Similar to independent living, but congregate housing may provide additional conveniences or supportive services like meals, housekeeping and transportation in addition to rental housing. A lower level of care than assisted living.
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) A community that offers multiple levels of senior living, including independent living, assisted living, hospice, and skilled nursing care. A CCRC will create a long-term contract between the resident (frequently lasting the term of the resident’s lifetime) and the community which offers a continuum of housing, services, and health care system throughout the decline of the resident health. All the care options are commonly on one campus or site allowing the resident to maintain friends and consistent activities even as their care needs change.
Continuum of Care Care services to assist individuals throughout a wide range of health care requirements. This may include independent living, assisted living, nursing care, hospice, home care, and community-based services.
Convalescent Home A common name for a skilled nursing facility.
Custodial Care Room, board, and other personal assistance services including assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and taking medicine
Dementia Describes a group of symptoms that are caused by changes in brain function. For example, Frontal Lobe Dementia affects a person’s ability to see right from wrong. Most Alzheimer’s care facilities also serve dementia patients.
Depression (Depressive Disorder) Typical thought of as a mental condition, this illness involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, feels about oneself, and thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing bad mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness. People with a depressive illness cannot merely “pull themselves together” and get better. Treatment can include medications, dietary changes, and counseling.
Developmental Disability (DD)  DD refers to a serious and chronic disability, which is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or a combination of mental and physical impairments.
Diabetes A disease in which the body does not maintain the proper level of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes is thought to be based on both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity, lack of exercise, and poor eating habits.
Dialysis A treatment where blood is removed from the body and cleaned to remove waste and fluid from the body when kidneys no longer work well enough to keep the body healthy. When kidneys go below 15 percent of their normal function, dialysis or kidney transplant is necessary to remove waste and fluid from the body.
Director of Nursing (DON) Oversees all nursing staff in a nursing home. The DON is responsible for formulating nursing policies and monitoring the quality of care delivered, as well as the facility’s compliance with federal and state regulations pertaining to nursing care.
Dual Eligibles Someone who is qualified for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (DPAHC) A legal document in which a person gives a caregiver (called an attorney-in-fact) the power to make healthcare decisions for him or her if the person is unable to make those decisions. A DPA can include guidelines for the attorney-in-fact to follow in making decisions on behalf of the incompetent person.
Dysphagia A swallowing disorder often depicted by difficulty in oral preparation for swallowing. The person has difficulty moving food from the mouth to the stomach.
Emergency Call System Some senior care facilities provide a centralized emergency call system, such as call buttons, in important locations in the unit that allows seniors to get emergency help immediately.
Emphysema One of the two most common forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This disorder is based on the  obstruction of the bronchial airflow in and out of the lungs. Emphysema is marked by an abnormal accumulation of air in the lung’s many tiny air sacs (alveoli). As the air continues to collect in these sacs, they become enlarged and may break or be damaged and form scar tissue. The result is labored breathing and an increased susceptibility to infection. Another common COPD is bronchitis.
Speak With a Senior Living Consultant

Our team of senior living advisors provide free guidance to help you find the right housing option for your needs and budget.

Written By:
Jeff Hoyt
Editor in Chief
As Editor-in-Chief of the personal finance site MoneyTips.com, Jeff produced hundreds of articles on the subject of retirement, including preventing identity theft, minimizing taxes, investing successfully, preparing for retirement medical costs, protecting your credit score, and making your money last… Learn More About Jeff Hoyt
Reviewed By:
Scott Witt
Elder Home Care Expert
Scott founded Select Home Care Portland in 2009 and has been helping seniors live their best life at home or in their local senior community ever since. As an advocate for seniors, the primary philosophy has been to listen, educate… Learn More About Scott Witt
Need Help? Our Senior Living Consultants are Standing by...
Please enter a valid zip