Glossary of Home Care Services

Understanding Key Terms in Senior and In-Home Care

24-Hour Care – Continuous, around-the-clock assistance provided by caregivers to ensure safety, comfort, and support for individuals who need constant supervision due to medical conditions, mobility issues, or advanced age.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) – Basic self-care tasks essential for independent living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, toileting, and mobility. Assistance with ADLs helps individuals maintain their dignity and quality of life.

Aging in Place – The ability of seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes as they age, rather than moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility. This often involves home modifications and in-home care services.

Alzheimer’s Disease – A progressive brain disorder that gradually impairs memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia and requires specialized care to support cognitive function and emotional well-being.

Arthritis – A chronic condition that causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the joints, leading to reduced mobility and discomfort. Caregivers assist individuals with arthritis by helping with mobility, medication management, and daily activities.

Care Plan (or Plan of Care) – A personalized document outlining an individual’s medical needs, daily routines, and specific care requirements. It serves as a guide for caregivers and healthcare professionals to ensure consistent and effective care.

Companion Care – Non-medical support focused on providing emotional companionship and assistance with everyday tasks such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, and social engagement to reduce feelings of isolation.

Dementia – A general term for cognitive decline severe enough to interfere with daily life, including memory loss, confusion, and difficulty problem-solving. It includes conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

End-of-Life Care – Compassionate support provided to individuals in the final stages of life, ensuring comfort, pain management, and emotional support for both the individual and their family.

Fall Prevention – A series of strategies and home modifications designed to reduce the risk of falls, such as installing grab bars, improving lighting, and encouraging strength and balance exercises.

Family Caregiver – A relative or close friend who provides unpaid care to a loved one with chronic illness, disability, or aging-related needs, often requiring emotional and physical support.

Geriatric Care – Specialized healthcare and assistance designed for older adults, addressing age-related conditions, chronic diseases, and mobility challenges to promote overall well-being.

Home Health Aide (HHA) – A trained professional who provides personal care services, such as bathing, grooming, medication reminders, and mobility assistance, in a client’s home.

Hospice Care – Comfort-focused care provided to individuals with terminal illnesses, prioritizing pain relief, emotional support, and quality of life during the final stages of life.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) – More complex daily tasks that support independent living, such as managing finances, grocery shopping, cooking, and handling medications.

Live-In Care – A type of caregiving where a professional caregiver resides in the home, offering full-time support with daily tasks, companionship, and safety monitoring.

Long-Term Care – Ongoing assistance for individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or age-related conditions, which may include in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home services.

Medication Management – Ensuring that an individual takes prescribed medications correctly, including proper dosage, timing, and monitoring for side effects, often managed by caregivers or nurses.

Memory Care – Specialized support for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, offering structured routines, cognitive therapies, and a secure environment to reduce confusion and anxiety.

Mobility Assistance – Support provided to individuals with movement difficulties, including help with walking, transferring from bed to chair, and using mobility aids like walkers and wheelchairs.

Occupational Therapy (OT) – Therapy designed to help individuals regain or improve their ability to perform daily tasks after an injury, illness, or due to aging-related decline.

Palliative Care – Holistic medical care focused on relieving symptoms, managing pain, and improving the quality of life for individuals with serious or chronic illnesses.

Personal Care – Hands-on assistance with personal hygiene and grooming tasks such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and oral care to maintain cleanliness and dignity.

Physical Therapy (PT) – Rehabilitation therapy aimed at improving strength, balance, and mobility through targeted exercises, often recommended for individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries.

Respite Care – Temporary relief for family caregivers, providing professional in-home or facility-based care to allow caregivers to rest and recharge.

Senior Nutrition – A dietary plan designed for older adults to ensure they receive proper nutrition, vitamins, and hydration to support overall health and prevent malnutrition.

Skilled Nursing Care – Medical care provided by licensed nurses, including wound care, injections, and monitoring of chronic conditions, often delivered in-home or in a facility.

Socialization Support – Encouraging seniors to engage in social activities, hobbies, and community programs to prevent loneliness and depression.

Transportation Assistance – Helping individuals get to medical appointments, grocery stores, or social activities, ensuring they remain independent and engaged with their community.

Wound Care – Professional treatment of wounds, pressure sores, or surgical incisions to promote healing and prevent infection, often required for individuals with diabetes or limited mobility.

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