Glossary of Terms

401(k): a retirement savings plan offered by employers. Contributions to a 401(k) plan are deducted automatically from a person’s paycheck, making it easy to invest in retirement savings. Many employers also match a certain portion of the contributions.

5150: a clause in the California Welfare and Institutions Code that allows for an involuntary psychiatric hospitalization of up to 72 hours for a person who is determined to be a danger to themselves or others, or gravely disabled by a mental health condition. The term “5150” is used colloquially to refer to a 72-hour psychiatric hold.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): these are the basic behaviors that people normally do to take care of themselves. They include essential tasks like eating, managing personal hygiene, getting dressed, moving around, and using the restroom. The ability or inability to perform ADLs is often a component of wellness assessments, as it can point to a person’s level of independence and quality of life.

Acute Care: time-sensitive medical care that addresses a specific condition or ailment over a brief period of time. Acute care can involve things like treatment for an infection, bone fracture repair, and post-operative care. This contrasts with chronic care, which refers to care for a long-term illness or pre-existing condition.

Adult Protective Services (APS): social services provided to older adults and adults with significant disabilities who are victims of abuse, exploitation, or neglect. APS can investigate claims of mistreatment and provide health and legal services to vulnerable adults. These services are usually administered by state or local agencies.

Advance Health Care Directive: a written statement of a person’s preferences regarding medical treatment. An advance directive ensures that a person’s wishes are carried out if they are unable to speak for themselves or make their own healthcare decisions.

Affordable Care Act (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, ACA): a 2010 law that called for comprehensive health care reform in the United States. The ACA aimed to make health insurance more accessible by lowering costs for households earning up to four times the federal poverty level and expanding the Medicaid program. It also stipulated the creation of a Health Insurance Marketplace in which consumers could compare and purchase health insurance plans. Some states have created their own exchanges, while other states use the federal government’s exchange at HealthCare.gov.

Aging in Place: the choice of an older adult to continue to live in the home and community of their choice, as opposed to moving into an assisted living or nursing home.

Alzheimer’s Disease: a progressive neurological disorder that impairs memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common form of dementia

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): a civil rights law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination and mandates equal opportunities and access to employment, government services and programs, commercial services and activities, public transportation, and telecommunications. The ADA defines a disability as “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.”

Anesthesiology: a branch of medicine concerned with keeping patients stable, safe, and managing their pain levels before, during, and after surgery.

Area Agency on Aging (AAA): A program managed by the California Department of Aging (CDA) dedicated to addressing the needs of older persons, adults with disabilities, and caregivers. There are numerous Area Agencies on Aging throughout the state of California, each serving their local area.

Asset Manager: a professional who manages investments and assets on behalf of another person.

Assisted Living: housing and services provided to older persons who need assistance with activities of daily living. Assisted living facilities typically provide personal care, supportive services, social activities, meals, housekeeping, and staff available around the clock.

Audiologist: a health care professional who assesses, diagnoses, and treats hearing loss and balance disorders.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): a neurodevelopmental condition that manifests in early childhood and is characterized by social, communication, and behavioral challenges. There is a wide variety in the symptoms and severity experienced by individuals with ASD, which is why it is referred to as a “spectrum.”

Bill Paying Service: a service or software provided by a company or individual that can be utilized to automatically pay bills on time. Bill paying services are particularly useful for older persons with dementia, who may struggle to pay bills on time and who are at a heightened risk of falling victim to financial fraud or scams.

Biopsy: a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the body to be more closely examined and used for diagnostic purposes.

Board and Care Home (B&C): a facility providing housing and services to older persons who need assistance with activities of daily living. Board and Care homes provide personal care, meals, housekeeping, and staff available around the clock. They are also called residential care facilities or group homes. In California, Board and Care Homes and Assisted Living facilities follow the same regulations set forth in the California Code of Regulations, and the primary difference is that Board and Care homes tend to be smaller in size.

Cardiology: a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating conditions of the heart and cardiovascular system.

Cardiovascular: relating to cardiovascular system, which is the organ system that distributes blood throughout the body. This system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

Care Plan: a document detailing the action steps and timeline for an individual’s care. Care plans are designed based on diagnosis, assessment, and patient goals, and they stipulate what and when different activities or treatments should take place.

Caregiver: someone who provides care to another person who needs help taking care of themselves. Caregivers may look after children, older persons, or someone struggling with an illness. A caregiver is commonly a family member or friend but can also be a paid professional.

Case Manager: a professional who plans and coordinates health care services for an individual, with the goal of maintaining continuity and quality of care while lowering costs

Celebration of Life: A type of end-of-life service that typically occurs after the burial or cremation of a loved one. Celebration of life events can allow family and friends to reminisce, pay tribute, and say goodbye in a more personal and less structured way than a traditional funeral.

Center for Disease Control (CDC): The national public health agency of the US. The mission of the CDC is to protect the health, safety, and security of America.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS): an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services that administers several programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program; oversees the federal government’s health insurance exchange on HealthCare.gov; and inspects and certifies long-term care facilities.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA): an accounting professional that has fulfilled certain testing and licensing requirements to demonstrate their proficiency in taxation, auditing, financial analysis, and regulatory compliance.

Child Protective Services (CPS): state agencies that investigate reports of child abuse or neglect and provide social services to children and families.

Chiropractic: a form of alternative medicine focused on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal issues through manual adjustment and manipulation of the spine.

Chronic Care: medical care that addresses a long-term illness or pre-existing condition. Chronic care can involve things like taking insulin to manage diabetes or undergoing dialysis for chronic kidney disease. This contrasts with acute care, which refers to care for a specific condition or ailment over a brief period of time.

Chronic Condition: a health condition, disease, or disorder that persists or recurs over an extended period of time. Some common chronic conditions include heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

COBRA: an acronym for the “Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act,” which provides for a continuation of health insurance via an employment-based health plan for eligible employees after leaving employment.

Cognitive Disorder (or Neurocognitive Disorder): a type of mental health disorder that impairs cognitive functioning. Normal cognitive functions are what allow people to learn, focus, remember, socialize, problem-solve, make decisions, and perceive the world around them. Examples of cognitive disorders include amnesia, encephalopathy, and dementia.

Comfort Care: end-of-life care that prioritizes patient comfort. Both hospice and palliative care fall under the umbrella of comfort care. It often involves emotional, social, and spiritual support in addition to medical care.

Comorbidity: the presence of more than one specific disease or condition at a given time. Comorbidities may also be referred to as coexisting or co-occurring conditions.

Conservatorship: A legal arrangement in which a guardian (“conservator”) is appointed by a judge to care for another person (“conservatee”). The conservator may manage the financial affairs of the conservatee, help them meet their personal needs and ensure their wellbeing, or both. Conservatorships are implemented in situations where a person cannot care for themselves or their finances due to some functional limitation.

Cremation: an alternative to burial that involves burning the remains of a deceased loved one.

Declutter: to reduce and remove items a person no longer needs in order to simplify and organize their space.

Dementia: a collection of symptoms that impair memory, thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to the extent that they interfere with daily life. There are several causes of dementia, as it is not a specific disease, but rather a group of conditions.

Denturist: an oral health care professional who makes and fits dentures and other oral prosthetics for patients

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): a federal executive department of the U.S. government that administers a multitude of programs that aim to improve citizens’ health and wellbeing. This includes social services, public health programs, education, mental health services, and more.

Dermatology: a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the integumentary system, which consists of the skin, hair, nails, and associated glands.

Diagnosis: refers to the process of identifying a disease or condition a person is suffering from. Medical professionals often use information from a variety of sources in the diagnostic process, including symptomology, medical history, physical examination, imaging, laboratory testing, or other medical procedures. “Diagnosis” can also refer to the conclusion reached as a result of this process, e.g., a diagnosis of heart disease.

Dialysis: a procedure used to carry out the function of the kidneys. In the absence of disease, healthy kidneys filter out waste products and excess fluids from a person’s blood, excreting them as urine. When a person has acute or chronic kidney failure, this function is impaired. In the most common form of dialysis, a person’s blood is circulated through a machine called a dialyzer, which acts as an artificial kidney, filtering out wastes and returning healthy blood to the body.

Disability: a condition affecting a person’s body or mind that limits or impairs their abilities. The World Health Organization identifies three dimensions of disability: impairment of a person’s body or its functions (including mental function), limitations in the types of actions a person can perform, and limitations in the types of activities they can participate in.

Domiciliary Care: health care and other services provided to an individual in their own home. It is also referred to as in-home care or home health care. These services allow a person who needs assistance with some of their daily activities to remain living in their home of choice rather than an assisted living facility. Services might include help with daily chores and household tasks, transportation to and from medical appointments, medication management, or help with personal care and hygiene.

Downsize: to reduce in size or number. Many retirement-age people downsize to a smaller home to save money and live in an environment more suitable to them.

Durable Financial Power of Attorney: a legal arrangement in which a person (“grantor”) gives another specified person (“agent”) the authority to manage their finances and assets in case they become unable to make or communicate those decisions for themselves. The agent must act in the grantor’s best interests when making financial decisions.

Durable Medical Equipment (DME): long-lasting medical equipment or instruments ordered by a physician that allow a person to continue to carry out their daily activities. Examples include walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar monitors, oxygen equipment, and more. Durable medical equipment is typically covered under Medicare.

Durable Medical Power of Attorney: a legal arrangement (usually as a part of an Advanced Health Care Directive) in which a person (“grantor”) gives another specified person (“agent”) the authority to make decisions about the grantor’s medical care in the event that they become unable to make or communicate those decisions for themselves. The agent must follow the grantor’s wishes and instructions about the type of health care they do or do not want. This agent can also be referred to as a healthcare proxy.

Elder Law: the area of law focused on issues that affect older persons. This can include estate planning, establishing power of attorney, long-term care planning, and more.

Emergency Medicine: a branch of medicine concerned with treating illnesses or injuries that require immediate medical attention. Emergency medicine focuses on quickly stabilizing patients, who then can be further assessed or treated by other departments as needed.

Endocrinology: a branch of medicine concerned with diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the endocrine system, which produces and regulates the body’s hormones. The endocrine system consists of the hypothalamus; pancreas; ovaries; testes; and several glands: the pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands.

End-of-Life Care: an umbrella term for health care and support provided to a person near the end of their life.

Escrow: a financial agreement in which property, money, or another asset is temporarily held by a third party on behalf of two transacting parties. When the stipulated conditions of the contract or agreement are met, the third party disburses the asset.

Estate Planning: the process of planning how an individual’s assets and estate will be managed during their life and after their passing. It also includes establishing a person’s medical preferences and designating someone to make healthcare decisions for them if they become unable to make or communicate those decisions for themselves. Some of the key parts of the estate planning process include writing a will, establishing power of attorney, preparing an advance health care directive, and designating beneficiaries.

Family Medicine: a branch of medicine that encompasses health care for the whole person, as opposed to a specific organ or system. Family medicine physicians serve as primary care providers for patients of all ages, genders, and other demographics.

Fee-For-Service (FFS): a health insurance model in which providers are paid a set fee for every service performed. Current trends in U.S. healthcare show a move away from this approach and towards value-based care, which takes patient outcomes into consideration when determining compensation.

Fiduciary: an individual or organization who manages money or other assets for another party and is legally and ethically obligated to act in that party’s best interests.

Gastroenterology: a branch of medicine concerned with diagnosing and treating disorders that affect the gastrointestinal, or digestive, tract. The digestive system is composed of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and anus.

Geriatric Care Manager: a professional who provides various services to help older persons navigate health-related and other challenges. Some of these services may involve care coordination, connecting people to appropriate resources, and otherwise guiding older adults, caregivers, and families.

Geriatrics: a branch of medicine concerned with the health and care of older adults

Guardianship: a legal arrangement in which a person is assigned the legal responsibility of taking care of the personal and financial affairs of a minor. Different states define guardianship differently.

Gynecology: a branch of medicine focused on female reproductive health.

Health Advocate/Healthcare Advocate: an individual who provides supportive services to patients and their loved ones to help them access timely, affordable, and appropriate healthcare. Health advocates can coordinate care, help their clients navigate the healthcare system, provide education and support, and connect people to available resources.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): a managed-care health insurance plan that involves a limited network of contracted medical providers. People covered under an HMO plan are typically required to have a referral from their primary care physician before seeing any specialists, and they do not receive any coverage for out-of-network providers. Compared to PPOs, HMOs offer lower premiums and low or no deductible but have more limited coverage for doctors and services.

Hospice Care: a caregiving approach that aims to relieve symptoms and improve a patient’s comfort. Hospice care is provided to individuals whose doctors give them a prognosis of six months or fewer to live. Hospice care does not involve treatments that aim to cure or slow the progression of a person’s illness or condition.

Independent Living: a living arrangement for older adults or adults living with disabilities who can independently carry out activities of daily living. In addition to housing, independent living communities often provide additional activities, programs, and opportunities for socializing. Some offer services like housekeeping and laundry to make life more hassle-free for their residents.

Internal Medicine: a branch of medicine concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and conditions that affect adults. Internal medicine provides a broad spectrum of care and is not limited to a specific organ system or disease. Internal medicine physicians (also called internists) can choose to further specialize in different subspecialties, like neurology, cardiology, or oncology.

Lymphatic: relating to the organ system consisting of the lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, lymphoid organs, and lymphoid tissues. The lymphatic system is a key part of the body’s immune system. Some of its main functions include maintaining fluid levels, transporting and filtering out waste products from lymphatic fluid, and protecting the body against foreign materials.

Managed Care: the primary method of healthcare delivery in the US, driven by the goal of reducing the cost of healthcare and health insurance while also improving the quality of care. Managed care techniques involve practices like cost-sharing, incentives for delivering or receiving less costly forms of care, and careful management of high-cost cases.

Meals on Wheels: a program that provides home-delivered meals to older adults who are homebound due to health issues, disability, or other causes. The service reduces food insecurity, provides opportunities for socializing, and helps connect people in need to other community resources.

Medicaid: a joint federal and state assistance program that helps cover healthcare costs for eligible low-income individuals and families. Recipients of Medicaid pay no or low costs for their medical expenses.

Medi-Cal: California’s Medicaid program, also called the California Medical Assistance Program.

Medicare: a federal health insurance program that provides coverage to people sixty-five and older, as well as adults with disabilities.

Medication Management: an approach that aims to improve an individual’s adherence to their medication treatment plan and reduce instances of medication errors, drug interactions, or other complications. Strategies include making a comprehensive and accurate list of medications and supplements; providing education about different drugs’ effects, potential interactions, and side effects; using weekly or daily pill organizers; and keeping track of refills and appointments so that medications do not run out.

Memory Care: a form of assisted living specifically designed to meet the personal, health, and safety needs of people living with dementia and other conditions that impair memory. Memory care facilities provide additional structure, support, and supervision to promote residents’ wellbeing and ease the symptoms of anxiety and distress that often coincide with dementia.

Mental Health Care: medical care and other supportive services that aim to prevent, identify, intervene, and treat mental health issues.

Metastasis: the growth of cancerous cells or tumors in an area of the body different from where the cancer originated.

Mobility: the ability to physically move one’s body freely.

Money Manager: a financial professional or firm that manages investment portfolios for another person or organization. Money managers are also called portfolio managers or investment managers.

Nephrology: a branch of medicine concerned with diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the kidneys

Neurology: a branch of medicine focused on disorders of the nervous system. Neurologists diagnose and treat conditions and diseases affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nerves throughout the body.

Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT): a benefit under Medicaid that provides transportation services to and from non-emergency medical appointments for beneficiaries who need specialized transport.

Nursing Home: housing and services provided to older persons who require specialized medical care and careful monitoring. In addition to nursing care and supervision, nursing homes offer assistance with activities of daily living, social activities, meals, and housekeeping. Nursing homes are suitable for people who need a higher degree of care than what an assisted living or residential care facility provides.

Obstetrics: a branch of medicine concerned with pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.

Occupational Therapy (OT): a field of rehabilitative care that focuses on helping individuals perform their activities of daily living. Occupational therapists often help their patients further develop their fine motor skills, balance, and coordination.

Oncology: a branch of medicine concerned with preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer.

Ophthalmology: a branch of medicine concerned with diagnosing and treating disorders of the eyes. Ophthalmologists can perform the same functions as an optometrist and can additionally perform surgery.

Optician: an eye care professional who can provide fittings for eyeglass lenses and frames and contact lenses. Opticians cannot diagnose or treat conditions affecting the eyes.

Optometry: a health care profession focused on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the eyes and vision. Optometrists can perform eye and vision exams and write prescriptions for corrective lenses and medications.

Orthopedics: a branch of medicine concerned with diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system.

Otolaryngology: a branch of medicine concerned with diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the ear, nose, sinuses, head, throat, and neck. Doctors who practice otolaryngology are often called ENT (ear, nose, and throat) physicians.

Palliative Care: a caregiving approach for people with a serious illness or health condition that focuses on relieving pain and symptoms. Palliative care can also include treatments that aim to cure or slow the progression of a person’s illness or condition.

Pathology: a branch of science and medicine concerned with diagnosing diseases, as well as studying their causes and effects. Pathology uses microscopic examination and a wide array of laboratory testing to identify the markers and precursors of disease, determine the progression of disease, and inform treatment plans.

Pediatrics: a branch of medicine focused on the health and development of infants, children, and adolescents.

Physical Therapy (PT): a field of rehabilitative care that aims to ease pain and help individuals improve flexibility and functionality after an injury, illness, or other health condition. Physical therapists use techniques like targeted exercises and stretches, manual therapy, and heat and cold therapy.

Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): a medical order completed and signed by a medical professional that establishes the care preferences of a seriously ill patient. The POLST is used in conjunction with an advance health care directive to provide additional direction and detail about the patient’s wishes for medical care during a serious illness or near the end of their life.

Placement: a service helping older adults and/or their loved ones find an appropriate residence that meets their needs and preferences.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): a managed-care health insurance plan that involves a network of contracted medical providers. Doctors and facilities that are a part of the network (preferred providers) offer services at a lower cost to those with a PPO plan. PPOs offer some coverage for providers that are not in the network, but the benefit amount may be lower. Compared to HMOs, PPOs offer better accessibility and coverage of doctors and services but charge higher premiums.

Psychiatry: a branch of medicine concerned with diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

Public Health: a professional field concerned with preventing disease and other health issues, promoting healthy lifestyles, and improving the health and wellbeing of the population.

Pulmonary: relating to the lungs.

Pulmonology: a branch of medicine focused on the respiratory system. The respiratory system consists of the parts of the body involved in breathing: the airway, lungs, associated muscles, and blood vessels.

Radiology: a branch of medicine that relies on imaging technology to diagnose diseases and guide procedures and treatments. Techniques used by radiologists include X-ray, CT, MRI, PET, fluoroscopy, mammography, and ultrasound.

Reflexology: a form of alternative medicine that utilizes precise application of pressure to the feet, hands, and/or ears, with the intent of reducing pain and promoting healing in the body. Similar to other forms of massage, its potential benefits include relaxation and reduced stress or anxiety.

Rehabilitation: an area of healthcare that focuses on helping people regain or improve their ability to perform tasks and participate in daily activities. A person may need rehabilitation after experiencing a loss or impairment of function due to an injury, illness, or other health condition. Rehabilitation may also refer to therapy any other treatments to help people with substance use disorders.

Respite Care: short-term care for children, older persons, or people with disabilities that provides their caregivers with a temporary break. This type of care can be provided in the home, in a healthcare facility, or at a day care center. Medicare and Medicaid typically offer some coverage for respite care.

Reverse Mortgage: a loan that allows homeowners to borrow money using the value of their property as security. Reverse mortgages usually do not require monthly payments, and because monthly fees and interest are added, the loan balance rises over time. The loan is typically repaid by selling the home.

Rheumatology: a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating conditions that cause inflammation in the bones, joints, and muscles. These “rheumatic diseases” include musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis as well as autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Senior Center: a community center for older adults. Senior centers usually offer a variety of resources and programs, like recreational activities, social events, computer help, and personal services.

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF): a facility that provides the highest degree of care and supervision outside of a hospital. People often stay at skilled nursing facilities while recovering from surgery, a serious injury, or an acute illness.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): benefits that are paid to eligible individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. These benefits are funded by Social Security taxes, and individuals are only eligible if they have paid into Social Security taxes and earned enough work credits.

Sundowning: a term referring to a state of confusion and other symptoms that often affect people with dementia in the late afternoon or evening, and occasionally into the night. Sundowning symptoms can include confusion, agitation, anxiety, behavioral changes, and trouble sleeping.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): benefits that are paid to eligible individuals with disabilities who have limited income and resources. This program provides supplemental income to help people meet their basic needs.

Transfer: to move another person from one place or position to another. Caregivers and health care professionals use specific techniques and sometimes assistive devices to safely transfer older adults or other people with low mobility.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): a condition caused by a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain. A TIA produces similar symptoms to a stroke, such as vision problems, difficulties with speech, and weakness on one side of the body, which results in one side of the face drooping. Unlike a stroke, these symptoms resolve themselves quickly and do not cause permanent damage. However, if a person presents with stroke-like symptoms, it should always be treated as a medical emergency, and they should be taken to a hospital for evaluation.

Transitional Care: health care and other services provided to ensure continuity of care when an individual moves between different healthcare settings, from their home to a healthcare setting, or vice versa.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): an injury that occurs when a sudden trauma (like a car accident or sports injury) damages the brain and causes impaired brain functions. TBIs can result in a wide range of physical, cognitive, behavioral, and mental symptoms.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): an infection in the urinary tract, which consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. UTIs are one of the most common causes of infection in older adults and are a particular concern because they can quickly develop into more serious infections if not treated promptly.

Urology: a branch of medicine concerned with diagnosing and treating diseases that affect the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, and the male reproductive system.

Value-Based Care: a health insurance model in which providers are compensated based on the quality of the treatments provided, as opposed to the quantity. Value-based care is data-driven, evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of treatments by considering patient outcomes and experiences.