Caregiver Help

Caregiving Terms

ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING- personal care necessary for daily living, such as oral hygiene, dressing, toileting, transferring between bed and chair, eating and bathing.

ADVANCE DIRECTIVE- a written document, explaining to doctors and health care providers how to carry out medical decisions you have made.

CAREGIVER- persons, often relatives who provide assistance (in activities and interaction within the environment) to those who are dependent on others for assistance.

CARE RECEIVER- a person who may be dependent on others for care in activities and interaction within the environment.

DEMENTIA- a significant loss of cognitive functions such as thinking and memory, which interferes with an individual’s daily function and everyday life. It may be caused by many different disorders.

ESTATE PLANNING- thoughtful consideration and planning for an individual’s future in the area of finances and property. In some cases planning for health care decisions may begin at this time.

GUARDIAN- a legal term for a person who is lawfully vested with the care of the property and/or person who has diminished capacity.

LONG TERM CARE- the extended care (usually outside the home) of an individual who is dependent on others for his/her needs. This usually implies nursing home care, but may include home health or other interventions administered over a prolonged period of time.

MEDICAID- a federal program administered by states to provide health care and services for low-income individuals.

MEDICARE- a federal health insurance program for persons over 65 years, disabled persons under 65 years and those of any age who have permanent kidney failure. Coverage is limited and does not cover long-term care.

PERSONAL CARE- assistance with intimate activities (such as grooming, bathing, eating, dressing, etc.) of daily living.

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