OT, which stands for Occupational Therapy, helps individuals develop, recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for daily living. OT teaches adaptation in your environment to be able to perform daily tasks. Occupational therapists work with older adults on physical and rehabilitation techniques that make completing daily tasks, such as dressing, eating, and bathing, much easier. OT is focused on improving fine and basic motor skills, strength, dexterity, and range of motion.

Physical Therapy (PT) is a specialized program designed to help restore mobility, increase fitness levels and reduce overall pain. PT interventions can help restore functions such as flexibility, strength, balance and coordination for individuals in recovery from an incident and for those experiencing chronic pain. 

Level of Care refers to the type and amount of assistance or care an individual needs on a daily basis. Levels of care include: In-home, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, and short-term care.

SNF, which stands for Skilled Nursing Facility, is a level of care in a residential community that provides short- or long-term rehabilitation assistance for older adults. Skilled nursing care is provided by trained registered nurses in a medical setting under a doctor's supervision.

Speech therapy supports speech and development in comprehension, clarity, voice, fluency and sound production. The goal of speech therapy for older adults is to increase functional communication, cognitive skills and teach safe swallowing. Speech therapy has a number of benefits such as: strengthening vocal cords, improving ability to swallow, treating stroke-related disorders, and supporting memory loss and dementia.

Aging in Place is a term used to describe staying in your own home as you get older. It implies the ability to live safely, independently, and comfortably in your home with or without additional services or care at home. 

Medication Management is a vital part of providing care to older adults. A system should be in place for individuals to properly use their medications and track any side effects or changes. Managing medications correctly helps to avoid common mistakes like taking the wrong drug, missing doses, or taking more than prescribed.

Independent Living communities are housing units designed for individuals that don't need assistance or care. Although IL residents live independently, they are able to participate in a community lifestyle that includes social activities, fitness amenities and classes, dining services, transportation, and concierge services. IL residents have basic utilities, maintenance and landscaping included.

Lifestyle Directors, also known as activities directors, focus on engaging residents with full a calendar of daily programming.

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are healthcare professionals that support individuals with daily functions, such as eating, dressing and bathing. CNAs work under a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). LPNs, on the other hand, provide more medical care than CNAs by administering medications and collecting vital signs. RNs have the full responsibility, as Directors of Nursing, of managing the total care of residents including care plans, medication interactions, injections, and IVs - their duties include supervision of all CNA and LPN staff. 

Another role you may come across is a medical assistant technician (also known a med tech or medical assistant), is a support professional in a healthcare facility. Medical assistants perform tasks like scheduling appointments, dispensing medication, and handling insurance forms.

LNAs, which stands for Licensed Nursing Assistants, are almost exactly the same as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) - they take the same courses and state board exams - however, LNAs are licensed by taking the extra step of a fingerprint background check and are monitored by a State Nursing Board if an incident occurs. LNAs are supervised by Registered Nurses or Directors of Nursing to provide patients with basic care and support throughout the day. LNAs perform duties such as bathing, feeding and cleaning.

Memory Care (MC) is a kind of specialized care within a senior living community for individuals living with all types of dementia. MC units are usually designed to provide a safe, structured environment with set routines. Staff can closely monitor the health of the residents. Often there are specialized programs, activities and events to help memory care residents improve cognitive abilities and thrive emotionally, physically and mentally.

The fee-for-service senior living contract model typically requires the lowest monthly fees and entry fees compared to the other types of contract options. Some amenities, residential services and care may be an additional cost at current market rate with a fee-for-service contract.

Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C or an MA Plan, is a type of health insurance plan in the United States that provides Medicare benefits through a private health insurer.

A Regional Director, also known as Regional Director of Operations (RDO), is a role within Senior Housing that is responsible for overseeing business operations in a specific geographical area. RDO's oversee daily operations, budgets, employee management and regularly appraise their buildings.

Managed care plans are a type of health insurance focused on helping to reduce costs, while keeping quality of care high. Common characteristics of managed care plans are contracted provider networks, preventative care incentives, requirements to have a primary care physician, prior authorizations, and prescription drug tiers.

Respite Care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers. Respite care can range from hours to weeks long. Respite Care may include in-home care, adult daycare, or nursing home care.

CCRC's, which stands for Continuing Care Retirement Communities, are a senior living community that offers multiple lifestyle and healthcare options all on one campus. CCRCs are a place where individuals have access to the continuum of care needs from independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care. Many include home care, home health, hospice, and palliative care as well. Life Plan Community is a new term developed to replace Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) that was established in 2015 by LeadingAge to better reflect what is being offered. LeadingAge is an association of 5,000 not-for-profit aging services providers. 

see also "Continuing Care Retirement Community"

Continuum of Care is a system that offers a comprehensive range of services that cover different levels and intensity of care, giving individuals the support needed at each stage of life, from support with daily tasks while living independently to more specialized, long-term care and memory support.

An LPC, which stands for Life Plan Community, is a senior living community that offers multiple lifestyles and healthcare options all on one campus. LPCs are a place where individuals have access to the continuum of care needs from independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care. Many include home care, home health, hospice, and palliative care as well. Life Plan Community is a new term developed to replace Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) that was established in 2015 by LeadingAge to better reflect what is being offered. LeadingAge is an association of 5,000 not-for-profit aging services providers. 

MC, which stands for Memory Care, is a kind of specialized care within a senior living community for individuals living with all types of dementia. MC units are usually designed to provide a safe, structured environment with set routines. Staff can closely monitor the health of the residents. Often there are specialized programs, activities and events to help memory care residents improve cognitive abilities and thrive emotionally, physically and mentally.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) was founded in 1950 as the first charitable organization in the U.S. that would provide a national voice for older Americans and act as their advocates in dealing with service providers and policymakers.

Medication Administration is an important procedure and refers to the method by which medications can be given to or taken by an individual. Medication administration may include taking medication orally, by injection, topically, or by inhalation. Each state dictates who may administer medications to individuals within senior living communities - generally, physicians, nurses, certified medical technicians, and residents themselves may administer medications.

PT, which stands for Physical Therapy, is a specialized program designed to help restore mobility, increase fitness levels and reduce overall pain. PT interventions can help restore functions such as flexibility, strength, balance and coordination for individuals in recovery from an incident and for those experiencing chronic pain. 

Senior Housing is a term used to encompass all types of housing opportunities for adults 55+. This includes Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, and CCRCs, LPCs and all organizations providing any level of housing for older adults. Senior Housing is often interchanged with Senior Living.

Long Term Care Insurance, also known as LTCI, is a form of health insurance that provides benefits over an extended period of time and covers long-term care costs that are generally not covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.

An Executive Director, also known as an ED, is in charge of the daily operations at a senior care community. Responsibilities include overseeing staff who perform services for residents, performing administrative duties, employee and resident relations, and regulatory compliance. License and certification requirements vary by state,

Retirement Homes usually refer to Independent Living (see definition in Independent Living). The term Retirement Home has been used by consumers but is generally referred to as Independent Living by industry professionals.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) are a senior living community that offers multiple lifestyle and healthcare options all on one campus. CCRC's are a place where individuals have access to the continuum of care needs from independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care. Many include home care, home health, hospice, and palliative care as well. Life Plan Community is a new term developed to replace Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) that was established in 2015 by LeadingAge to better reflect what is being offered. LeadingAge is an association of 5,000 not-for-profit aging services providers. 

A Life Plan Community (LPC) is a senior living community that offers multiple lifestyles and healthcare options all on one campus. LPCs are a place where individuals have access to the continuum of care needs from independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care. Many include home care, home health, hospice, and palliative care as well. Life Plan Community is a new term developed to replace Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) that was established in 2015 by LeadingAge to better reflect what is being offered. LeadingAge is an association of 5,000 not-for-profit aging services providers. 

CNAs, which stands for Certified Nursing Assistants, are healthcare professionals that support individuals with daily functions, such as eating, dressing and bathing. CNAs work under a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). LPNs, on the other hand, provide more medical care than CNAs by administering medications and collecting vital signs. RNs have the full responsibility, as Directors of Nursing, of managing the total care of residents including care plans, medication interactions, injections, and IVs - their duties include supervision of all CNA and LPN staff. 

Another role you may come across is a medical assistant technician (also known a med tech or medical assistant), is a support professional in a healthcare facility. Medical assistants perform tasks like scheduling appointments, dispensing medication, and handling insurance forms.

Residential Care Homes (RCH) are small, residential communities for older adults who require support with their day-to-day tasks. RCH's typically provide a similar care level to assisted living facilities, but the communities are significantly smaller. In the U.S., they are called by various names, including residential care homes, residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFE), adult family homes, board-and-care homes, and personal care homes. The term care home is commonly used in the U.K to refer to Senior Living.

Occupational Therapy (OT) helps individuals develop, recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for daily living. OT teaches adaptation in your environment to be able to perform daily tasks. Occupational therapists work with older adults on physical and rehabilitation techniques that make completing daily tasks, such as dressing, eating, and bathing, much easier. OT is focused on improving fine and basic motor skills, strength, dexterity, and range of motion.

Not-for-profit organizations provides mission-based care, and are usually affiliated with a religion or professional group. Non-profit organizations are eligible to raise money from donors, and to apply for grants. For-profit organizations provide services with the end-goal of generating a profit and are responsible for their shareholders. Over 80% of senior communities are for-profit organizations. The largest not-for-profit senior living providers are Trinity Health Senior Communities, Human Good, Covenant Living, LifeSpace communities and Benedictine Health System.

LPN's, which stands for Licensed Practical Nurses, are medical professionals who specialize in providing basic essential care to individuals. LPNs works under the supervision of Registered Nurses and Physicians. Their tasks include taking vital signs, collecting samples, administering medication, ensuring patient comfort, and reporting the status of their patients.

For-profit organizations provide services with the end-goal of generating a profit and are responsible for their shareholders. Not-for-profit organizations provide mission-based care, and are usually affiliated with a religion or professional group. Non-profit organizations are eligible to raise money from donors, and to apply for grants. Over 80% of senior communities are for-profit organizations. The largest for-profit senior living providers are Brookdale Senior Living, Life Care Services, Holiday Retirement, Atria Senior Living and Five Star Senior Living. 

The National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to support access and choice for America’s seniors by providing data, analytics, and connections that bring together investors and providers. 

Created in 1991, the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), represents the interests of more than 500 companies involved in the finance, development and operation of the full spectrum of housing and services for seniors – including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and continuing care (or life plan) communities. ASHA primarily focuses on legislative and regulatory advocacy, research, and educational opportunities and networking for senior living executives.

Licensed Practical Nurses are medical professionals who specialize in providing basic essential care to individuals. LPNs works under the supervision of Registered Nurses and Physicians. Their tasks include taking vital signs, collecting samples, administering medication, ensuring patient comfort, and reporting the status of their patients.

A Skilled Nursing Facility is a level of care in a residential community that provides short- or long-term rehabilitation assistance for older adults. Skilled nursing care is provided by trained registered nurses in a medical setting under a doctor's supervision.

Senior Cohousing Communities are a type of communal residential community that combines private homes clustered around shared spaces that residents manage and enjoy together. 

IADLs, which stands for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, are complex thinking skills that allow an individual to live independently. IADLs include shopping and meal preparation, cleaning and maintenance, managing communication, transportation, laundry, medication management and finances.

see also "Instrumental Activities of Daily Living"

Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs) are almost exactly the same as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) - they take the same courses and state board exams - however, LNAs are licensed by taking the extra step of a fingerprint background check and are monitored by a State Nursing Board if an incident occurs. LNAs are supervised by Registered Nurses or Directors of Nursing to provide patients with basic care and support throughout the day. LNAs perform duties such as bathing, feeding and cleaning.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living are complex thinking skills that allow an individual to live independently. IADLs include shopping and meal preparation, cleaning and maintenance, managing communication, transportation, laundry, medication management and finances.

The American Health Care Association and the ​National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) is the largest association in the United States representing long term and post-acute care providers, with more than 14,000 member facilities. AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of individuals who receive long term or post-acute care in their member facilities each day by delivering solutions for quality care.

IL, which stands for Independent Living, communities are housing units designed for individuals that don't need assistance or care. Although IL residents live independently, they are able to participate in a community lifestyle that includes social activities, fitness amenities and classes, dining services, transportation, and concierge services. IL residents have basic utilities, maintenance and landscaping included.

Senior Apartments are age-restricted housing units typically restricted to 55 years old and older (sometimes 62+). Senior apartments are attractive housing options for individuals keeping their independence but wanting to be part of a like-minded community.

An Administrator within senior care manages and oversees all day-to-day operations including admissions, coordinating patient care, supervising employees, managing financial matters with clients and all tasks required to run the community. Some states require Administrators to be licensed.

Active Adult communities are a 55+ community for independent residents that provides a lifestyle that includes social opportunities, maintenance support and convenient amenities.

ADL's, which stands for Activities of Daily Living, are basic activities related to personal care. They include self-care tasks such as walking, feeding, dressing and grooming, bathing or showering, toileting, and transferring in and out of bed or a chair.

Activities of Daily Living are basic activities related to personal care. They include self-care tasks such as walking, feeding, dressing and grooming, bathing or showering, toileting, and transferring in and out of bed or a chair.

In-Home Senior Care is a service where individuals supports older adults in their personal homes typically with activities of daily living. Programs are adjusted and customized to the type of support an older adults needs.

Also referred to as Home Care and In-Home Care

A buy-in is considered an entry fee for a CCRC or LPC. Residents pay this buy-in fee one time plus a monthly rent. The buy-in cost can be considered a down payment towards future levels of care that an individual will have priority access to. The amount of the payment is based on location, floor plan and number of residents. 

Hospice care is for people who are nearing the end of life. Hospice care focuses on pain relief and symptom management rather than curing a person or illness. Hospice services are provided by a team of health care professionals and typically address physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. 

A 55+ community is an established Active Adult residential community with an age restriction requiring at least one person in the household to be over 55. Homes can be owned or leased and are desirable due to convenient amenities and like-minded independent individuals. 

An Adult Day Care is a facility that provides social activities, meals, recreation, and supports the health and daily living needs of adults in a professionally staffed, group setting. Adult day care is generally used to relieve a caregiver of their duties for the day while ensuring that the care recipient will still receive the proper care in a safe, friendly environment.

Congregate Housing for older adults refers to a community where older adults live in private apartments but share common spaces such as a dining room, kitchen, and various amenities with other residents.

AL, which stands for Assisted Living, is a type of housing designed for older adults who require some medical and personal care support. Residents in AL receive assistance with lifestyle and activities of daily living (ADLs), for example, housekeeping and preparing meals. AL units can be individual rooms, apartments, or shared quarters. AL provides a home-like setting and is meant to promote the resident's independence.  

A nursing home is a general term for a facility for the residential care of older adults. Nursing homes may also be referred to as skilled nursing facility, long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, convalescent homes or convalescent care.

Dementia Care is a kind of specialized care within a senior living community for individuals living with all types of dementia. MC units are usually designed to provide a safe, structured environment with set routines. Staff can closely monitor the health of the residents. Often there are specialized programs, activities and events to help memory care residents improve cognitive abilities and thrive emotionally, physically and mentally. 

Assisted Living is a type of housing designed for older adults who require some medical and personal care support. Residents in AL receive assistance with lifestyle and activities of daily living (ADLs), for example, housekeeping and preparing meals. AL units can be individual rooms, apartments, or shared quarters. AL provides a home-like setting and is meant to promote the resident's independence.  

A Senior Living Cooperative, or co-op, is a residential community option that offers adults 55+ the benefits of living independently in a social community without the maintenance, chores, and expenses of single-home ownership. Residents purchase a share of the community and also have influence in how the community operates. 