Home Care Glossary: Caregiving Terminology To Know
When it’s time to consider home care services for yourself or a loved one, there are many questions to answer and details to consider. Speaking to people in the caregiving industry can be confusing when you don’t understand some of the common industry jargon, though.
Having a better understanding of the terms and abbreviations used by caregivers can make it easier for you to make the best possible decision about your home care options.
The “ABCs” of Home Care
Wondering what an advance directive is or what a home aide does? Here is a closer look at some of the most common terminology used in home care.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Activities of daily living (ADLs) are the routine personal care tasks every person engages in every day. Examples include bathing, dressing, using the toilet, cooking, eating, and moving freely within the home.
Advance Directive
Advance directives are instructions prepared by an individual that define their preferences for care if they should become too ill to communicate. These legal documents are typically included with other important paperwork, such as a durable power of attorney.
Assisted Living Facility (ALF)
An assisted living facility (ALF) is a residential housing option that provides residents with as much or as little help as they need to complete activities of daily living. An ALF does not necessarily provide skilled nursing, but some facilities provide options for receiving more advanced care if it becomes necessary.
Assistive Care
Home care professionals provide non-medical assistance, or assistive care, to clients in their homes. Assistive care typically refers to help with activities of daily living.
Caregiver
This term seems straightforward; a caregiver is a person who provides care for someone else. However, there are many different types of caregivers, from in-home caregivers to personal caregivers. Some common types include:
- Family Caregiver: A family member who provides assistance inside the individual’s home
- In-Home Caregiver/Personal Caregiver/Personal Care Aide/Companion Care Aide: These are all terms for professionals who provide non-medical care
- Live-In Care: Live-in caregivers are individual members of a team who take shifts to provide care over a 24-hour period
Overall, when the term “caregiver” is used, it refers to someone who assists with ADLs but does not provide medical care.
Care Plan
When you hire a professional caregiver, a case manager may assess the individual and write a care plan. The care plan details the services the client will receive, as well as the frequency and duration of the services.
Home Health
Home health care is provided for people who need short-term nursing, such as someone who is recovering from surgery or illness. Depending on the individual’s needs, Medicare’s home health benefits may cover a limited number of visits from physical therapists, occupational therapists, registered nurses, and home health aides.
Home Health Aide (HHA)
Home health aides are professionals who have the training needed to provide basic nursing care. Typically, a home health aide is a licensed practical nurse (LPN), a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), or a registered nurse (RN).
Home health aides may also assist with ADLs and perform light housekeeping tasks, such as laundry or grocery shopping. The term “home health care” may be used to describe these services as well.
Hospice
Hospice care is reserved for those who need end-of-life care. It may include social, emotional, medical, and spiritual support to patients with a life expectancy of fewer than six months.
Needs Assessment
This is a professional evaluation of the individual’s medical, social, emotional, and practical needs. A needs assessment is generally performed by a case manager to determine the types of care a client will most benefit from.
Respite Care
Respite care provides family caregivers with a break from their responsibilities. It may be scheduled regularly, such as one day every week, or intermittently as needed.
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
When a person’s medical needs can’t be met at home, a skilled nursing facility provides a place to live where medical staff, services, and equipment are available 24 hours a day.
Does Someone in Your Life Need Caregiving Services?
If you’re in the position of finding care for a loved one, don’t hesitate to ask questions as they arise. Taking the time to familiarize yourself with home care terms is wise. With the right knowledge at your disposal, you can be better equipped to help your loved one make the best possible decisions about their future.
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California.
