Find definitions to common terms you’ll come across as you learn more about senior living for yourself or a loved one. 

What Are Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)?

Activities of daily living (ADLs) are fundamental tasks that all people perform throughout the day, such as bathing, dressing, eating and toileting. One’s ability to perform ADLs independently is commonly used to determine their need for personal care services. 

What Are ALF(s)?

ALF is short for assisted living facility. These are long-term residential senior care communities primarily focused on providing residents assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs), 24-hour emergency support, and a social environment. 

What Are Assisted Living Assessments?

Assisted living assessments are evaluations completed by an assisted living community of prospective residents’ ability to perform ADLs, mobility, dietary requirements and more to develop a personalized care plan for the resident. 

What Is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are a senior living community that offers the full spectrum of care from independent living to memory care and nursing care so residents can continue living in the same community as their care needs evolve. This differs from assisted living, which focuses on serving residents who need personal care assistance and help with ADLs, but does not cater to those who are fully independent or have ongoing medical needs. 

What Are Homemaker Services?

Homemaker services involve assistance with one’s home, such as cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, pet care, and transportation. They are a main component of in-home care but can also be available in ALFs. 

What Is Independent Living?

Independent living is a type of senior living for active, independent adults. Independent living does not provide personal care assistance like ALFs, but does offer housekeeping, meals, and a social environment. 

What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a joint federal and state government program that provides health insurance for Americans with limited income. Coverage varies by state; in many states, assisted living is not covered under standard Medicaid but is covered under a waiver program. 

What Are Medicaid Waivers?

Medicaid waivers are optional extension programs that states can enact to include additional benefits for the state’s Medicaid program. Each state has different waiver programs, some of which provide assistance paying for assisted living. 

What Is Medicare?

Medicare is federal health insurance program for Americans aged 65 and older. Medicare does not cover assisted living. 

What Are Memory Care Communities?

Memory care communities are senior living communities specifically for those living with dementia. Staff is specially trained to work with those with memory loss and communities have extra security measures in place to keep residents safe. There are some combined assisted living and memory care communities where memory care residents live in a separate, secure wing of the community and still receive specialized care. 

What Are Nursing Homes?

Nursing homes are a type of residential senior care facility for those needing ongoing medical care, monitoring, and/or therapy services but who do not require hospitalization. Nursing home residents have more intensive medical needs than those in assisted living, and there is typically less emphasis on socializing and entertainment for residents.  

What Are Personal Care Services?

Personal care services are a type of services that help people accomplish daily tasks, like ADLs, that they cannot do on their own. Personal care services are a core part of the care provided in assisted living communities. 

What Is VA Aid and Attendance?

VA Aid and Attendance is a monthly payment to veterans who need personal care assistance or meet other medical eligibility standards. The payment can be used towards personal care assistance like assisted living.  

What Is Skilled Nursing Care?

Skilled nursing care is ongoing medical care that can only be delivered by a nurse, physician or other licensed professional. Most assisted living communities can offer skilled nursing care for short-term or acute needs, but not on an ongoing basis. 

Need More Assistance?

For personalized assistance finding senior living, you can speak to a Family Advisor by calling (800) 558-0653 for no-cost assistance. Or, learn more about the options in your area using the tool below. 

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