Glossary

What Is Senior Care?
Senior care, which is also sometimes referred to as elder care, is a broad term that includes a myriad of services that can be provided to seniors. It encompasses all of the services that can be provided to seniors in a nursing...

What Is a Home Health Clinic?
If you or a loved one requires a little extra support as they age, or if medical care is required for an injury, diagnosis, or a medical condition, living in an assisted living facility is likely the first thing to...

What Does All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly Mean?
All-inclusive care is a term that is often used when referring to PACE, which is Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. However, all-encompassing care can be provided to seniors regardless of whether or not they take advantage...

What is Respite Care?
Respite care is designed to provide relief to those who are caring for a loved who requires intensive care. It can be planned for a few hours a week, a few days a week, or weeks at a time. Its primary purpose...

What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection that can take place in one or both lungs. More specifically, it inflames airspace in the lungs that can make it difficult to breathe. It is most commonly caused by bacteria, as is the case with Streptococcus pneumoniae, but...

Dementia (vs Alzheimer’s)
Dementia is an umbrella term that encompasses changes in communication and performance of daily activities. Dementia is a set of symptoms that can have a wide variety of causes. Alzheimer's Disease results in a form of dementia that can affect communication and daily...

What is Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)?
When the heart doesn’t pump blood as efficiently as it should in order to maintain normal functioning of the human body, it is called congestive heart failure (CHF). Those with CHF will experience a range of symptoms that can include...

What is an Advance Directive?
An advance directive is a legal document that outlines a patient's wishes for medical treatment should they be unable to make decisions regarding their health in the future. It is also referred to as a living will. Having one can ensure...

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a condition that can arise due to another medical condition, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. However, it can be caused by any long-term exposure to small particulates or irritating gases, including cigarette smoke....

What is a Swing-Bed?
A swing-bed is a service that rural hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) with a Medicare provider agreement provide that allows a patient to transition from acute care to Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) care without leaving the hospital. This allows a patient...