Deciding how to best care for your aging loved one can be hard, but navigating the senior living lingo shouldn’t be. Here’s your guide to common terms your family may encounter along the journey.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)| Tasks related to personal care, such as using the toilet, taking a shower or bath, getting dressed, eating, and getting in and out of bed. See also Instrumental Activities of Daily Living.

Adult Care Homes | Facilities that offer assisted living in a home typically shared with about five to 10 other people, or up to as many as 20. Across various states there are more than 30 names for this style of senior living, including Adult Family Homes, Group Homes, Residential Care and Board and Care Homes.

Adult Day Care | A facility that provides assistance and supervision to seniors during the day, giving caregivers a break.

Adult Family Homes | Facilities that offer assisted living in a home typically shared with about five to 10 other people, or up to as many as 20. Across various states there are more than 30 names for this style of senior living, including Adult Care Homes, Group Homes, Residential Care and Board and Care Homes.

Aging in Place | Staying in your own home as you age, which often requires measures be taken to ensure the home is functional and safe for a senior’s changing needs.

Aging Life Care Professional | A certified caseworker who can assess an older person’s health and surroundings and assist in arranging the appropriate medical, housing and other needs. Also called a Geriatric Care Manager.

Assisted Living Facility (ALF) | Facilities that provide help as needed with activities of daily living, including meals, medications, personal care, housekeeping, and 24-hour onsite supervision and security. Residents typically live in their own rooms or apartments and have access to social and recreational activities in common areas.

Board and Care Home | Facilities that offer assisted living in a home typically shared with about five to 10 other people, or up to as many as 20. Across various states there are more than 30 names for this style of senior living, including Adult Care Homes, Adult Family Homes, Group Homes and Residential Care.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities | A residential facility that offers a full spectrum of care on a single campus, from independent housing to assisted living to skilled nursing and memory care. Residents may move through the various levels of care as needed. Also called Life Care Communities.

Friendly Visitor Services | Short visits to someone who is living alone, either by volunteers or paid for through a home health agency. Also called Senior Companion Services.

Geriatric Care Manager | A certified caseworker who can assess an older person’s health and surroundings and assist in arranging the appropriate medical, housing and other needs. Also called an Aging Life Care Professional.

Group Homes | Facilities that offer assisted living in a home typically shared with about five to 10 other people, or up to as many as 20. Across various states there are more than 30 names for this style of senior living, including Adult Care Homes, Adult Family Homes, Residential Care and Board and Care Homes.

Home Health Care | Part-time, Medicare-approved nursing care or therapy ordered by a doctor to assist in recovery from a specific illness, accident or surgery at home.

Homemaker Services | In-home help with household chores and meal preparation, usually sold through home health agencies. 

Independent Living | A facility where residents have access to social activities and some household help, with limited assistance with activities of daily living.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living | Tasks necessary for independent living, such as housekeeping, meal preparation, managing finances, shopping for essentials and using the telephone. See also Activities of Daily Living.

Life Care Communities | A residential facility that offers a full spectrum of care on a single campus, from independent housing to assisted living to skilled nursing and memory care. Residents may move through the various levels of care as needed. Also called Continuing Care Retirement Communities.

Long-Term Care | Services provided either at home or in a facility that enable people to live as safely and independently as possible when they are no longer able to complete everyday activities on their own.

Memory Care | A specialized residential facility, or section within a broader community, that provides intensive care for patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Nursing Home | A facility intended for residents who require constant supervision and medical care, in addition to assistance with activities of daily living. Physical therapy, speech therapy and other rehabilitation services are also typically offered onsite. Also called a Skilled Nursing Facility.

Personal Care Services | In-home help with personal care tasks such as bathing and dressing, usually available through home health agencies.

Residential Care | Facilities that offer assisted living in a home typically shared with about five to 10 other people, or up to as many as 20. Across various states there are more than 30 names for this style of senior living, including Adult Care Homes, Adult Family Homes, Board and Care Homes and Group Homes.

Senior Companion Services | Short visits to someone who is living alone, either by volunteers or paid for through a home health agency. Also called Friendly Visitor Services.

Skilled Nursing Facility | A facility intended for residents who require constant supervision and medical care, in addition to assistance with activities of daily living. Physical therapy, speech therapy and other rehabilitation services are also typically offered onsite. Also called a Nursing Home.

Contemplating the next chapter in your loved one’s story? Click here to learn more about Bickford Senior Living and to find a branch near you.

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