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Senior living covers a wide range of services and can mean different things to different people. It’s a diverse and dynamic industry with its own unique language, which can sometimes make communication tricky for those who are new or still getting used to the environment. To help give clarity, we created this guide to common senior living terminology to help you communicate effectively as you navigate senior care.

General Terminology

ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)

In most care settings, you’ll often hear the term ADLs, which stands for Activities of Daily Living. These refer to the daily tasks residents may need help with, such as:

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Toileting
• Transferring
• Eating
• And additional support

Understanding ADLs is extremely important when it comes to navigating care and can even affect knowing what benefits you or a loved one can qualify for in your care setting.

IADLS (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living)

In addition to ADLs, you’ll also come across IADLs, which stands for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. These are tasks that go beyond the basic necessities of daily life and might include:

• Shopping
• Money Management
• Transportation
• Meal Preparation
• Cleaning

IADLs are certainly beneficial to a resident. However, these activities are not deemed essential to living; therefore, the distinction is made.

Caregiver

The term caregiver is much broader than many people realize. A caregiver is anyone providing care to a resident, whether in a community setting or at home. This role isn’t limited to those with specific certifications—caregivers can be family members, third-party contractors, licensed professionals, or anyone offering a helping hand.

POA (Power of Attorney)

Depending on a resident’s needs, a caregiver may be granted Power of Attorney (POA) for the person they are caring for. This gives the caregiver the authority to act as the resident’s agent, making decisions on their behalf that would normally require the resident’s consent.

Care Plan

A care plan is a detailed, personalized document that outlines an individual’s healthcare needs, the services required to meet those needs, and the goals for maintaining or improving the person’s health and well-being. Care plans are often used in long-term care and senior living settings to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care for residents.

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Community Terminology

Respite Care

Respite care is temporary care provided for individuals who need assistance with daily living, whether due to age, illness, or disability. It’s designed to give family caregivers a much-needed break—whether to rest, take a vacation, or handle personal matters—while ensuring their loved ones receive the care and support they need.

Active Adult

Active adult refers to communities, villas, or living arrangements created for adults aged 55 and older who are independent and in good health. These communities offer a low-maintenance lifestyle, plenty of social opportunities, and recreational activities. They’re perfect for those who don’t need help with daily activities or medical care but want to enjoy an active, socially vibrant, and fulfilling retirement.

Independent Living

Independent living is similar to active adult communities, offering housing and community arrangements for older adults who can manage their daily lives independently without requiring assistance or healthcare services. However, independent living communities often provide support with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) to make life easier for their residents.

Assisted Living

Assisted living provides a level of senior care for residents who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) but don’t require the intensive medical care offered in a nursing home. It serves as a middle ground between independent living and more comprehensive care, offering a supportive environment where residents can maintain their independence while receiving assistance with essential daily tasks.

Memory Care

Memory care is a specialized form of long-term care designed to meet the needs of individuals with memory-related conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. It is often an additional wing or secured area within assisted living communities, though there are also communities dedicated solely to caring for residents experiencing cognitive decline.

Skilled Nursing

Skilled nursing refers to a high level of medical care provided by licensed health professionals. These facilities are typically funded through Medicare or Medicaid, rather than private pay. Known commonly as nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) offer both short-term and long-term care for individuals who need medical services, rehabilitation, or assistance with daily activities.

CNA

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic care and assistance to patients and residents in various long-term care settings. CNAs are essential in the elder care industry, ensuring that residents receive the support they need for daily activities while helping maintain their comfort and dignity.

RN

Registered Nurses (RNs) play a vital role in providing comprehensive care and support to older adults. They are highly trained professionals responsible for assessing residents’ health, coordinating care, and ensuring that residents receive the medical attention and assistance they need in a senior living community.

Executive Director

An Executive Director (ED) at a senior living community is responsible for the overall management and operation of the community. This leadership role involves overseeing all aspects of the community, including resident care, staff management, financial performance, and regulatory compliance. The Executive Director plays a key role in shaping the culture and environment of the community, ensuring it meets the needs of residents and their families.

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Understanding the terminology used in senior living can make a significant difference in how you navigate the world of senior living. At Westminster Village in Terre Haute, Indiana, we are committed to offering a range of services and care options that cater to each individual’s unique needs. To learn more about our community, contact us today for more information.

Making the decision to transition into senior living can have a lot of unknowns, but planning ahead brings invaluable advantages that enhance quality of life, financial preparedness, and overall safety. By exploring options early, aging adults and their families can thoughtfully select a community that aligns with their needs and values, providing a supportive environment where they can truly thrive. At Westminster Village, we’re committed to helping residents embrace this chapter with confidence. To demonstrate this we’ve listed 3 ways preparing for senior living is wise and ultimately benefits residents.

Enhanced Quality of Life

Planning for senior living in advance gives older adults the time to explore various options and choose a community that aligns with their lifestyle and personal preferences. This intentional approach supports not only physical health but also emotional and social well-being. There are a variety of options out there that fit all levels of needed care. The right community can offer stimulating social activities, tailored health services, and opportunities that enrich daily life. Moving to a supportive environment before a crisis arises also helps ensure a smoother, less stressful transition for both residents and their loved ones, allowing residents to settle into their new home with confidence and familiarity. At Westminster Village, we provide the opportunity for residents to stay with us – even if their needs change. You can enter our community as an independent living resident with the peace of mind that, if your needs change, we offer higher levels of care.

Financial Preparedness

Senior living often represents a significant financial investment. By planning early, aging adults and their families can thoroughly evaluate costs, explore financing options, and create a feasible long-term budget. For many aging adults who are considering care, there is a lack of confidence in their ability to afford senior living care. Thankfully, there are financial steps potential residents can take to help secure their ability to afford care with peace of mind. This proactive approach can reduce the risk of financial strain, allowing individuals to choose communities that meet their needs without compromising quality of care. Planning ahead also allows time to consult with financial advisors to explore options like long-term care insurance, government benefits, or selling/redistribution of assets to further alleviate financial burdens down the line. As a community, we understand the financial burdens many potential residents could be facing; therefore, we’re offering 20% off all entrance fees for independent living apartments! (savings range from $18,000 to $55,000).

Click here to learn more about how you can save!

Safety and Support

As mobility, vision, and cognitive function can change over time, planning for senior living ensures access to a safe, secure environment equipped to meet evolving needs. Unfortunately, only 1 in 10 houses are aging-ready, which creates serious concerns regarding the safety of aging adults. At Westminster Village, we offer round-the-clock support and safety features to ensure our residents are safe and secure within our community. These features not only reduce the risk of accidents but also provide peace of mind for both residents and their families. Additionally, moving to a community with these resources available in advance of need prevents the emotional distress of a hasty relocation due to a sudden health change. By establishing a care plan today, you are providing yourself peace of mind later on.

Is now the right time for senior living?

Planning for senior living well in advance is a wise choice that brings clarity, peace of mind, and lasting benefits for both residents and their families. By securing a community like Westminster Village, where residents’ evolving needs are fully supported, aging adults can confidently look forward to an enriched lifestyle that supports their health, finances, and safety. Whether you’re exploring options for yourself or helping a loved one, taking the step to plan ahead provides the reassurance of knowing that the right community is ready to meet changing needs. Come let us show you why Westminster Village is the best senior living community in Terre Haute! Contact us today to learn more!