Essential Glossary for Adult Children with Aging Parents
Caring for aging parents means navigating complex healthcare, insurance, legal, and care systems, each with their own confusing terminology. This glossary translates the essential terms you'll encounter into clear, practical language, helping you make informed decisions and communicate confidently with professionals throughout your caregiving journey.
Daily Care & Support Services
Care Management/Case Management - Professional service that assesses needs, develops care plans, coordinates services, and monitors care quality. Care Managers may be called Case Managers, Care Coordinators, or Geriatric Care Managers depending on the setting. Funding and availability vary by state.
Companion Services - Non-medical support providing social interaction, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and assistance with errands. Can be provided by agencies or private caregivers.
Emergency Response Systems - Personal emergency devices (like medical alert pendants) that allow people to call for help. Also called Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS), Medical Alert Systems, or Life Alert-type devices. May be funded through Medicaid waivers or require private payment.
Adult Protective Services (APS) - State and local agencies that investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. Services, reporting procedures, and legal authority vary significantly by state. Important resource when you suspect your parent is being mistreated or taken advantage of.
Home Safety Assessment - Professional evaluation of a home environment to identify safety hazards and recommend modifications to prevent falls and accidents. May be provided by occupational therapists, aging agencies, or healthcare systems. Often covered by Medicare when medically necessary.
Home Modification Services - Services that adapt homes for safety and accessibility, such as installing ramps, grab bars, or stair lifts. Funding varies by state and program.
Homemaker Services - Light housekeeping, laundry, shopping, and meal preparation services to help people maintain their homes. Often available through Medicaid waiver programs.
Meal Delivery/Meals on Wheels - Programs that deliver nutritious meals to homebound seniors. Eligibility, cost, and availability vary by location and funding source.
Personal Care Services - Direct assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and eating. Care is provided by different levels of trained caregivers, each with increasing skills, training, and cost:
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Personal Care Assistant (PCA)/Companion Caregiver - Provides basic assistance with ADLs, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and companionship. Cannot provide medical care or handle medications. Least expensive option.
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Home Health Aide (HHA) - Trained to provide personal care plus basic health monitoring (like taking vital signs), assist with prescribed exercises, and help with medication reminders (but cannot administer medications). Requires state certification in most areas.
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Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - Licensed to provide all personal care services plus basic medical tasks like wound care, catheter care, and medication administration under nursing supervision. Can work in homes or facilities.
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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Licensed nurse who can provide all of the above plus medication administration, wound care, medical equipment monitoring, and coordination with doctors. Highest level of in-home care. Most expensive option.
The level of care needed depends on your parents’ medical complexity, and costs typically increase significantly with each level of training and medical capability.
Fall Prevention Services - Programs that assess fall risk and provide interventions such as home safety evaluations, balance training, and medication reviews.
Geriatric Care Manager - A professional who specializes in helping older adults and their families assess needs, develop care plans, coordinate services, and navigate the aging services system. Also called Aging Life Care Managers, Care Managers, or Elder Care Managers. Usually, nurses or social workers with specialized training.
Physical Therapy - Therapy focused on improving mobility, strength, balance, and reducing pain. Often provided after illness or injury to help regain function. Can be delivered as inpatient rehabilitation (while staying at a facility) or outpatient rehabilitation (while living at home and traveling to appointments).
Speech Therapy - Therapy to help with communication difficulties, swallowing problems (dysphagia), and cognitive issues, often important after stroke or for progressive conditions. Can be provided in inpatient or outpatient settings. Critical for safety when swallowing problems are present.
Transportation Services - Services providing rides to medical appointments, shopping, and social activities. May be public transit, specialized senior transportation, or volunteer programs.
Housing & Care Options
Aging in Place - The ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level. May involve home modifications and support services.
Assisted Living - Housing option that provides personal care services, meals, and social activities while allowing residents to maintain some independence. Also called Residential Care, Personal Care Homes, Board and Care, or Adult Residential Facilities in different states. All provide similar services, but licensing standards vary significantly by state.
Adult Day Services - Supervised programs providing social activities, meals, and basic health monitoring for adults who need assistance during the day. Also called Adult Day Care, Adult Day Health Services, or Day Programs. Services and Medicaid coverage vary by state.
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) - Campus-style communities offering multiple levels of care (independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing) usually in the same location.
Custodial Care - Non-medical assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. Different from skilled nursing care, which requires licensed medical professionals.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) - Services that allow people to live in their homes or communities rather than in institutions. Often funded through Medicaid waiver programs that vary dramatically by state.
Independent Living - Housing designed for older adults who can live independently but want the convenience of maintenance-free living and social opportunities. Typically, doesn't include personal care services.
Long-Term Care Facility - General term for facilities providing extended care services. May refer to nursing homes, assisted living, or other residential care facilities. Sometimes called Extended Care Facilities, Convalescent Centers, or Care Centers. The specific services and licensing vary significantly by state and facility type.
Memory Care - Specialized care and housing designed for people with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other memory-related conditions. Features secure environments and specialized programming. Also called Dementia Care, Alzheimer's Care, or Cognitive Care in some facilities.
Nursing Home - Facilities providing 24-hour nursing care and medical services for people who cannot live independently. Also called Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF), Convalescent Centers, Extended Care Facilities, or Long-Term Care Facilities depending on the state. Important distinction: Not all nursing homes provide the same level of care:
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Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) - Provide intensive 24/7 licensed nursing care for complex medical conditions, post-hospital rehabilitation, IV medications, wound care, and ventilator support. Required for Medicare coverage. Higher nurse-to-patient ratios and more expensive ($200-400+ per day).
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Intermediate/Custodial Care Nursing Homes - Provide 24/7 supervision and assistance with daily activities, medication management, and basic health monitoring, but less intensive medical care. Suitable for people who need supervision but not complex medical intervention. Less expensive ($150-250+ per day) but Medicare does not cover custodial care.
Many facilities are licensed for both levels and can adjust care as residents' needs change. Understanding this distinction is crucial for insurance coverage, costs, and ensuring appropriate level of care. Licensing requirements vary by state.
Respite Care - Temporary care services that give family caregivers a break from their caregiving responsibilities, ranging from a few hours to several days.
Transitional Care - Short-term services that help people move safely between different care settings, such as from hospital to home or from home to assisted living.
Healthcare & Medical Terms
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) - Basic self-care tasks used to determine someone's level of independence: bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring (moving from bed to chair), and continence. Insurance and care facilities use ADL assessments to determine eligibility for services.
Acute Care - Short-term medical treatment for severe illness, injury, or urgent medical conditions, typically provided in hospitals. Different from chronic care, which manages long-term conditions. Acute care hospitals may also provide acute rehabilitation services.
Acute Rehabilitation - Intensive, hospital-based therapy and medical care following illness, injury, or surgery. Requires at least 3 hours of therapy per day and is designed for patients who can tolerate intensive therapy. Typically covered by Medicare for qualifying conditions. More expensive but faster recovery than subacute rehabilitation.
Care Coordinator - A healthcare professional (often a nurse or social worker) who helps organize and manage all aspects of a patient's care across different providers and services.
Chronic Condition - A long-lasting health condition that requires ongoing medical attention, such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis. Most adults over 65 have at least one chronic condition.
Cognitive Assessment - Tests that evaluate memory, thinking skills, and mental functioning. Examples include the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
Dementia - An umbrella term for conditions that cause memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with daily tasks. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type, but there are many forms.
Discharge Planning - The process of preparing a patient to leave the hospital safely, including arranging follow-up care, medications, equipment, and home services.
Geriatrician - A doctor who specializes in the health and medical care of older adults, typically those 65 and older.
Home Health Care - Medical services and support provided in a person's home by licensed healthcare professionals, including nursing care, physical therapy, and medical social services.
Hospital Readmission - Being admitted to a hospital again within a short period (typically 30 days) after discharge. Medicare tracks readmission rates and may not cover costs for some preventable readmissions, making discharge planning crucial.
Incapacity - Legal determination that a person cannot make informed decisions about personal care, financial matters, or both. This triggers the need for guardianship, conservatorship, or activation of power of attorney documents. Standards vary by state.
Inpatient Rehabilitation - Rehabilitation services provided while staying overnight at a hospital or rehabilitation facility. Includes acute rehabilitation (intensive, hospital-based) and subacute rehabilitation (less intensive, often in skilled nursing facilities). Covered by Medicare when medically necessary.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) - More complex daily tasks that indicate higher-level functioning, such as managing finances, taking medications, shopping, cooking, using the telephone, housekeeping, and transportation.
Medical Necessity - Insurance term describing care that is appropriate and required to diagnose or treat a condition. Insurance companies use this standard to determine coverage decisions.
Medication Reconciliation - The process of comparing a patient's current medications with newly prescribed medications to avoid dangerous interactions or duplications. Critical during hospital stays and care transitions.
Occupational Therapy - Therapy focused on helping people perform daily living activities safely and independently. May include teaching adaptive techniques, recommending equipment, and home safety assessments. Coverage varies by insurance.
Outpatient Rehabilitation - Rehabilitation services provided while living at home or in a facility, with patients traveling to appointments for therapy sessions. Less intensive than inpatient rehabilitation but allows people to remain in familiar surroundings. Often follows inpatient rehabilitation.
Primary Care Provider (PCP) - The main doctor who coordinates overall healthcare, often an internist, family practitioner, or geriatrician.
Rehabilitation - Treatment aimed at restoring function and independence after illness, injury, or surgery. Can be provided in different settings (inpatient vs. outpatient) and intensities (acute vs. subacute). May include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
Skilled Nursing - Medical care provided by licensed nurses, often required after hospitalization or for complex medical conditions. Available in facilities (called Skilled Nursing Facilities, Nursing Homes, Convalescent Centers, or Extended Care Facilities depending on the state) or at home through Home Health agencies.
Social Worker (Medical/Clinical) - A professional who helps patients and families navigate healthcare systems, access resources, plan for care transitions, and connect with community services. Often the key person families work with during hospital stays and care planning.
Speech Therapy - Therapy to help with communication difficulties, swallowing problems (dysphagia), and cognitive issues, often important after stroke or for progressive conditions. Can be provided in inpatient or outpatient settings. Coverage varies by insurance and state Medicaid programs.
Subacute Rehabilitation - Less intensive rehabilitation than acute rehabilitation, typically provided in skilled nursing facilities. Usually involves 1-2 hours of therapy per day and is designed for patients who need slower-paced recovery or cannot tolerate intensive therapy. Often more affordable than acute rehabilitation.
Insurance & Benefits
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) - The time each year (October 15 - December 7) when people with Medicare can change their Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans. Changes take effect January 1st.
Coinsurance – Your parent’s share of the cost for a covered healthcare service, calculated as a percentage. For example, if Medicare pays 80%, coinsurance is 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
Deductible - The amount that must be paid for healthcare services before insurance begins to pay. Medicare Part A, Part B, and many Medicare Advantage plans have annual deductibles.
Dual Eligible - People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicaid eligibility requirements and benefits vary by state.
Explanation of Benefits (EOB) - A statement from the insurance company explaining what was covered, what is owed, and what was paid to healthcare providers. Not a bill, but helps you understand coverage.
Late Enrollment Penalty - A permanent increase in Medicare premium if your parents don't sign up when they are first eligible (age 65) and don't have other coverage. Applies to Medicare Part B and Part D.
Medicaid - A joint federal-state program that provides healthcare coverage for people with limited income and resources. Important: Medicaid is different from Medicare - Medicaid is income-based and helps pay for long-term care that Medicare doesn't cover. Eligibility requirements and covered services vary dramatically by state.
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) - A Medicaid program that pays Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance for people with limited income and resources. Income limits and application processes vary by state, but this program can save thousands in Medicare costs.
Spend-Down - A Medicaid process where people with income above the eligibility limit can qualify by "spending down" their excess income on medical expenses. Rules and processes vary significantly by state, making this important for long-term care planning.
Medicare - Federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, and some younger people with disabilities. Consists of Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (prescription drugs). Important: Medicare is different from Medicaid - Medicare is federal insurance for seniors regardless of income, while Medicaid is state-run insurance for people with limited income and resources.
Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) - A statement sent every three months showing Medicare services received, what Medicare paid, and what may be owed. Helps track healthcare costs and identify potential billing errors. Important document for understanding your parent's Medicare benefits and expenses.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) - An alternative to Original Medicare offered by private companies. Includes all Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, often with additional benefits like prescription drugs, dental, or vision.
Medicare Part A - Hospital insurance that covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Most people don't pay a premium for Part A.
Medicare Part B - Medical insurance that covers doctor visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B.
Medicare Part D - Prescription drug coverage offered through private insurance companies. Available as stand-alone plans or included in Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) - Private insurance that helps pay costs not covered by Original Medicare, like copayments and deductibles. Also called Medigap Insurance or Medicare Supplemental Insurance. These policies are standardized and labeled with letters (Plan A, Plan B, etc.). Available plans vary by state.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum - The most your parents will pay for covered healthcare services in a year. Once the amount is reached, their insurance pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the year.
SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) - Free counseling program that helps people with Medicare understand their options and navigate insurance decisions. Also called SHIBA, HICAP, HIPP, or other names depending on the state, but provides the same type of free Medicare counseling nationwide.
Legal & Financial
Advanced Directive - A legal document that outlines a person's healthcare preferences if they become unable to communicate their wishes. This is an umbrella term that typically includes both a Living Will (treatment preferences) and Healthcare Power of Attorney/Healthcare Proxy (naming someone to make decisions). Some states use different names or combine these into one document. Forms and requirements vary significantly by state.
Capacity - Legal ability to understand and make decisions. Different standards apply for different purposes (making a will, managing finances, medical decisions).
Conservatorship - Legal arrangement where a court appoints someone to manage another person's financial affairs when they cannot do so themselves. Also called Financial Guardianship in some states. Some states use "guardianship" for both personal and financial decisions, while others separate the two. Procedures and terminology vary dramatically by state.
Durable Power of Attorney - A legal document that allows someone to make financial and legal decisions for another person, even after they become incapacitated. "Durable" means it remains valid if the person becomes unable to make decisions. Also called Financial Power of Attorney. Different from Healthcare Power of Attorney, which covers medical decisions. Requirements vary by state.
Elder Abuse - Physical, emotional, sexual, or financial harm or neglect of an older adult. Can include abandonment, isolation, or violation of rights. All states require reporting of suspected elder abuse.
Estate Planning - The process of arranging for the management and transfer of assets during life and after death. Includes wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations.
Executor/Personal Representative - Person appointed in a will to manage the estate after death, including paying debts and distributing assets. Called "Executor" in most states, but some states use "Personal Representative," "Administrator," or "Estate Representative." Same role, different terminology by state.
Financial Power of Attorney - A legal document that gives someone authority to handle financial matters, such as banking, investments, and bill paying. Also called Durable Power of Attorney for Finances or Financial POA. Can be immediate or "springing" (activated upon incapacity). Different from Healthcare Power of Attorney.
Guardianship - Legal arrangement where a court appoints someone to make personal decisions (healthcare, living arrangements) for another person who cannot make these decisions themselves. Also called Personal Guardianship or simply Guardianship of the Person in some states. In some states, guardianship covers both personal and financial decisions. Terminology and procedures vary dramatically by state.
Healthcare Proxy - A person legally designated to make medical decisions for someone who cannot make them themselves. Also called Healthcare Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, or Healthcare Agent in different states. This person is named in your parent's advance directive documents.
Living Will - A legal document that specifies what medical treatments a person wants or doesn't want if they become unable to communicate their wishes (such as ventilators, feeding tubes, or resuscitation). Often part of an advance directive package. Some states combine this with healthcare proxy forms into one document. Requirements vary by state.
Look-Back Period - For Medicaid eligibility, the period (typically 5 years) during which asset transfers are reviewed to determine if they affect eligibility. Some states have different rules.
Fiduciary - A person legally obligated to act in another person's best interest and manage their affairs responsibly. This includes trustees, agents under power of attorney, guardians, and conservators. If you're named as your parent's power of attorney, you have fiduciary duties and legal responsibilities.
HIPAA Authorization - Permission allowing specific people to access protected health information. Important for family members who need to communicate with healthcare providers about a loved one's care. Without this, doctors and hospitals cannot share medical information with adult children.
Medicaid Planning - Legal strategies to protect assets while qualifying for Medicaid long-term care benefits. May include asset transfers, trusts, or spend-down strategies.
Probate - Court process of validating a will and distributing assets after death. Includes paying debts and transferring property to beneficiaries. Procedures vary dramatically by state.
Revocable Trust - A trust that can be changed, modified, or canceled during the grantor's lifetime. Also called a Living Trust. Key characteristics: The grantor maintains full control and ownership of assets. Why this matters for aging parents: Provides probate avoidance and privacy but offers NO asset protection for Medicaid planning - assets are still counted as belonging to the grantor. Good for avoiding probate and managing assets if your parents become incapacitated, but doesn't help with long-term care costs.
Trust - A legal arrangement where one person (grantor/settlor) transfers assets to be managed by another person or institution (trustee) for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. Two main types:
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Revocable Trust - Can be changed; no asset protection but avoids probate
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Irrevocable Trust - Cannot be changed; provides asset protection for Medicaid planning but permanent loss of control
Key decision factors: Revocable trusts help with estate planning and incapacity management. Irrevocable trusts help protect assets from long-term care costs but require giving up control permanently.
Trustee - Person or institution responsible for managing trust assets according to the trust document's terms and in the beneficiaries' best interests. Has fiduciary duties and legal responsibilities. Can be family members, friends, or professional trustees like banks or trust companies.
Will - Legal document that directs how assets should be distributed after death and names an executor to manage the estate. Requirements for valid wills vary by state.
End of Life Planning
Comfort Care - Medical care focused on relieving pain and symptoms rather than curing disease. Emphasizes quality of life and dignity. Can be provided alongside curative treatments.
DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) - Medical order instructing healthcare providers not to perform CPR (chest compressions, electric shocks, breathing tubes) if breathing or heartbeat stops. Important: DNR only applies to resuscitation - it does NOT mean "do not treat" other medical conditions. Related orders include:
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DNI (Do Not Intubate) - Do not place breathing tube/ventilator
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DNH (Do Not Hospitalize) - Do not transfer to hospital for aggressive treatment
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Out-of-Hospital DNR - DNR order that applies outside healthcare facilities (at home, assisted living, etc.)
Some states use POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) or MOLST (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) forms that include all these options in one comprehensive document instead of separate orders. Forms and legal requirements vary by state. Key point: These orders can be revoked at any time if your parent changes their mind.
Funeral Director/Mortician - Licensed professional who helps families plan funeral services and handle legal requirements for disposition of remains. Also called Funeral Home Director or Undertaker in some regions. May work for funeral homes, mortuaries, or funeral establishments. Licensing requirements vary by state.
Grief Counseling - Professional support to help people cope with loss and bereavement. May be provided by licensed counselors, social workers, or trained volunteers.
Hospice Care - Specialized medical care focused on comfort and quality of life for people with terminal illnesses, typically when life expectancy is six months or less.
Organ Donation - The gift of organs and tissues for transplantation after death. Registration procedures and consent requirements vary by state.
Palliative Care - Medical specialty focused on providing relief from symptoms and improving quality of life for people with serious illnesses. Can be provided alongside curative treatments.
Grief Counseling - Professional support to help people cope with loss and bereavement. May be provided by licensed counselors, social workers, or trained volunteers.
Hospice Care - Specialized medical care focused on comfort and quality of life for people with terminal illnesses, typically when life expectancy is six months or less. Often confused with palliative care, but hospice focuses specifically on end-of-life comfort when curative treatment is no longer the goal.
Organ Donation - The gift of organs and tissues for transplantation after death. Registration procedures and consent requirements vary by state.
POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) - Medical orders that specify treatment preferences for seriously ill patients, including resuscitation, medical interventions, and comfort measures. Also called MOLST (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) or POST (Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment) in some states. Available in many but not all states, with varying forms and names.
Pre-Need Planning - Making and often pre-paying for funeral and burial arrangements before death. Regulations protecting pre-paid funds vary by state.
Terminal Diagnosis - Medical determination that a disease is expected to result in death, typically within a specific timeframe (often six months for hospice eligibility).
Terminology Refrence Table
Use this table to understand the many different terms used for the same concepts across states and healthcare settings
Glossary Term | Alternative Names Used |
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Trustee | Trust Administrator, Trust Manager |
Trust | Living Trust (when revocable), Family Trust, Personal Trust |
Speech Therapy | Speech-Language Pathology, Communication Therapy, Swallowing Therapy |
Skilled Nursing | Professional Nursing Care, Licensed Nursing Care |
SHIP | SHIBA, HICAP, HIPP (varies by state - all provide same Medicare counseling) |
Revocable Trust | Living Trust, Revocable Living Trust |
POLST | MOLST (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment), POST (Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment) |
Personal Care Assistant (PCA) | Companion Caregiver, Personal Attendant, Home Care Aide |
Personal Care Services | Personal Care Assistance, Home Care Services, Custodial Care |
Palliative Care | Comfort Care (when provided alongside curative treatment) |
Nursing Home | Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), Convalescent Center, Extended Care Facility, Long-Term Care Facility |
Memory Care | Dementia Care, Alzheimer's Care, Cognitive Care |
Medicaid | Medical Assistance (in some states), State Medicaid Program |
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) | Medigap Insurance, Medicare Supplemental Insurance |
Medicaid Asset Protection Trust | Irrevocable Trust (when used for Medicaid planning), Medicaid Trust |
Long-Term Care Facility | Extended Care Facility, Convalescent Center, Care Center |
Living Will | Healthcare Declaration, Directive to Physicians, Healthcare Directive, Medical Directive, Declaration of Desires, Physician Directive |
Irrevocable Trust | Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (when used for Medicaid planning), Special Needs Trust, Supplemental Needs Trust |
Hospice Care | End-of-life Care, Comfort Care (when terminal) |
Guardianship | Personal Guardianship, Guardianship of the Person |
Healthcare Proxy | Healthcare Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, Healthcare Agent, Healthcare Representative |
Geriatric Care Manager | Aging Life Care Manager, Care Manager, Elder Care Manager |
Funeral Director/Mortician | Funeral Home Director, Undertaker, Mortician |
Financial Power of Attorney (Durable) | Durable Power of Attorney for Finances, Financial POA, Durable Financial Power of Attorney, Durable Power of Attorney |
Executor/Personal Representative | Executor, Personal Representative, Administrator, Estate Representative |
Emergency Response Systems | Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS), Medical Alert Systems, Life Alert-type devices |
Elder Law | Elder Law Practice, Geriatric Law, Senior Law |
Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare | Healthcare Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, Healthcare Proxy |
DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) | DNI (Do Not Intubate), DNH (Do Not Hospitalize), Out-of-Hospital DNR, POLST, MOLST (when included in these broader forms) |
Conservatorship | Financial Guardianship, Guardianship of the Estate |
Comfort Care | Palliative Care (when used as primary focus) |
Care Management/Case Management | Case Management, Care Coordination, Geriatric Care Management |
Beneficiary | Named Beneficiary, Designated Beneficiary, Heir (in some contexts) |
Asset Protection | Medicaid Planning, Long-Term Care Planning, Wealth Preservation |
Assisted Living | Residential Care, Personal Care Homes, Board and Care, Adult Residential Facilities |
Adult Day Services | Adult Day Care, Adult Day Health Services, Day Programs |
Advanced Directive | Advance Directive, Healthcare Directive, Advance Health Care Directive |
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Important Notes:
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State Variations: Many terms vary significantly by state. Always check what terminology your state uses.
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Setting Differences: Hospitals, insurance companies, and care facilities may use different terms for the same concept.
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Legal vs. Common Usage: Legal documents may use formal terminology while healthcare providers use more common terms.
Most Commonly Confused Terms:
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Medicare vs. Medicaid - Completely different programs despite similar names
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Advanced Directive vs. Living Will - Advanced Directive is the umbrella term; Living Will is one component
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Guardianship vs. Conservatorship - Some states separate these; others combine them
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Hospice vs. Palliative Care - Hospice is for end-of-life; Palliative Care can be provided earlier
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Skilled Nursing vs. Custodial Care - Different levels of medical care in nursing homes