A
Abusive Relationship
Guidance and resources for caregivers navigating long-term care decisions when dealing with a care recipient who
exhibits physical or emotional abuse.
Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
Fundamental daily tasks, including dressing, bathing, eating, moving, and using the restroom, often used to assess
an individual’s level of independence.
Addiction
Guidance and resources for caregivers supporting someone struggling with a dependency on substances, behaviors, or
activities.
Adult Day Care
Programs providing care, support, or companionship for older adults who require assistance or supervision during
daytime hours.
Adult Diapers
Disposable undergarments designed for men and women managing urinary or bowel
incontinence.
Advance Directive
Also called a Living Will; a legal document that outlines a person’s preferences for medical
treatments, particularly when they can no longer communicate their wishes.
Age-Related Decline
Gradual reduction in physical and cognitive abilities associated with aging, not linked to any
specific medical condition. Healthy lifestyle choices can help slow or lessen this decline.
Aging in Place
The ability to live safely and independently in one’s own home, regardless of age or physical abilities.
Aid and Attendance (A&A)
An enhanced VA pension available to qualifying veterans and their surviving spouses who require regular help or
supervision from a caregiver.
Alcohol Abuse
Resources and guidance for caregivers supporting older adults whose care is affected by alcohol use or
dependency.
Allergens
Information on how allergens can trigger immune responses in older adults, causing inflammation in the skin,
sinuses, airways, or digestive system.
Alzheimer’s & Dementia
A collection of cognitive and behavioral changes that impact memory, thinking, and social skills. Alzheimer’s
disease is the most common form of progressive dementia.
Anemia
Resources and guidance for older adults experiencing anemia, a condition characterized by a
lower-than-normal red blood cell count.
Anger
Tips and strategies for caregivers managing feelings of anger, frustration, or irritability
during caregiving.
Anosognosia
Support and advice for caregiving when the care recipient is unaware of their deficits or
impairments.
Antibiotics
Medications used to treat bacterial infections.
Anxiety
Persistent and overwhelming worry or fear that exceeds the actual situation and affects daily
life.
Area Agency on Aging
State agencies that offer information, resources, and referrals to community services for
seniors, people with disabilities, and family caregivers.
Arthritis
Resources for older adults managing joint inflammation that can cause pain, stiffness, or
reduced mobility.
Asset Limits
Guidelines for qualifying for long-term care Medicaid. Single applicants generally must have
$2,000 or less in countable assets; limits for married couples vary by state and program.
Asset Protection
Financial planning strategies designed to safeguard assets from creditors. Tools like asset
protection trusts can help with Medicaid planning, but transfers are subject to a five-year look-back period.
Assisted Living (ALF)
Residential communities offer varying levels of support, including help with daily
activities.
Assisted Suicide
The act of providing someone with the knowledge or means to end their own life.
Physician-assisted suicide is currently legal in Oregon, Vermont, Washington, California, and Montana.
B
Bathing
Guidance and tips for assisting seniors with bathing, showering, and personal hygiene.
Bed Sores (Pressure Ulcers)
Skin and tissue injuries caused by prolonged pressure on specific areas of the body.
Behavior Changes
Noticeable shifts in an older adult’s mood, personality, or overall behavior could signal underlying health
concerns or cognitive decline.
Bladder Cancer
Information and guidance for caregivers helping someone diagnosed with cancer that develops in the bladder’s
cells.
Bladder Control
Urinary incontinence involves losing control of the bladder, which can lead to occasional leaks when coughing or
sneezing, or sudden, strong urges that make it difficult to reach the bathroom in time.
Blood Clots
Guidance and resources for older adults managing or at risk of blood clots.
Blood Sugar
The level of glucose in the bloodstream, controlled by the pancreas through insulin production.
Breast Cancer
Support and information for caregivers assisting someone diagnosed with cancer that develops in breast
tissue.
Broken Hip
A fracture in the upper part of the femur where it connects to the pelvic bone.
Bronchitis
Inflammation of the bronchial tube lining, which can be either acute or chronic.
Burnout
Guidance, tips, and support for caregivers experiencing physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion.
C
C. Difficile
Clostridium difficile is a type of bacteria that can cause diarrhea, fever, and colon inflammation. Infection
spreads via spores in feces, and older adults in healthcare settings are at higher risk, especially after using
antibiotics.
Cancer
Information, advice, and support for caregivers helping someone meet daily needs following a cancer
diagnosis.
Care Decisions
Decisions regarding a patient’s care plan based on their living environment, health condition, and current or
future needs.
Care Plan
A structured plan used by professional caregivers to ensure a patient’s needs are met effectively and on time. It
is tailored to the patient’s diagnosis and preferences, with responsibilities assigned to each care team member and
adjusted as needs change.
Care Team
The family members and professionals involved in providing and coordinating a patient’s care.
Caregiver Support
Emotional guidance and assistance offered to families, partners, and other caregivers providing care for an
adult.
Caregiving
Providing companionship, support, or help with daily living activities for an adult with physical, cognitive, or
psychological needs.
Cataracts
Information and resources for seniors managing cataracts, a condition that clouds the eye’s natural lens and
impairs vision.
Celiac Disease
An autoimmune reaction to gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye—that damages the small
intestine.
Chemotherapy
Treatment using medications or drugs, typically aimed at destroying cancer cells.
Claiming Elderly Dependent
An IRS exemption for qualifying individuals who are not eligible dependents of another taxpayer, have minimal
income, and receive at least half of their financial support from the claimant.
Cognitive Decline
A measurable decrease in cognitive abilities, such as memory and thinking skills, often associated with
Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
Colon Cancer
Guidance and resources for caregivers supporting someone diagnosed with cancer in the large intestine.
Communication & Language
Advice and resources for addressing changes or difficulties in communication due to illness or injury, including
conditions like aphasia, word recall loss, or repetitive speech.
Congestive Heart Failure
A chronic heart condition that reduces the heart muscle’s ability to pump blood, leading to shortness of breath,
weakness, and swelling.
Constipation
Information and tips for caregivers helping seniors with infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stool
over an extended period.
Continuing Care Community
A CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community) offering multiple living options on the same campus, ranging from
independent living to skilled nursing care.
COPD
Resources and information for seniors managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Symptoms like shortness of
breath, wheezing, and chronic cough can be treated, though COPD cannot be cured.
Coronary Artery Disease
The most common heart condition, where the major blood vessels supplying the heart with blood, oxygen, and
nutrients become damaged or diseased.
Coronavirus
Guidance, resources, and advice for seniors and caregivers navigating the effects of COVID-19 on senior health and
long-term care decisions.
Cremation
Information and support regarding cremation, the process of reducing remains to ashes.
D
Dad
Guidance, information, and support for family caregivers providing long-term care for their father.
Debt
Resources and advice for families managing a senior’s debt or handling financial planning for aging parents with
outstanding obligations.
Delusions
Guidance and information for managing seniors experiencing delusions—false beliefs maintained despite evidence to
the contrary. In older adults, delusions often result from cognitive impairment and may lead to suspicion or
paranoid behavior.
Dementia Behaviors
As dementia progresses, behaviors can change due to increased confusion, paranoia, anger, and agitation. This may
include sleeplessness, wandering, repetitive actions, or verbal and physical aggression.
Dementia Wandering
Wandering in people with dementia can often result in getting lost. Patients may have a clear intent but become
confused about their surroundings.
Dental Care
Advice and resources on oral hygiene for older adults, including tips for caregivers assisting someone with
dementia.
Depression
Resources and information on depression in seniors, a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness,
hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities lasting at least two weeks.
Diabetes
A condition where blood glucose levels are elevated. Type 1, often diagnosed in children and young adults, is also
called juvenile diabetes. Type 2, or adult-onset diabetes, is more common in adults.
Diagnostic Criteria
Standardized guidelines used to evaluate and diagnose medical conditions and mental health disorders.
Diet & Nutrition
Nutrition guidance for older adults, along with caregiver tips for maintaining a healthy diet, especially when
chronic illnesses affect appetite or eating habits.
Difficulty Walking
Practical advice and support for caregivers assisting elderly individuals experiencing walking difficulties due to
age-related decline, medications, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, or reduced overall mobility.
Disabled
Guidance and support for caregivers assisting an elderly loved one whose mental or physical condition limits
movement, senses, cognition, or daily activities.
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)
A physician’s order documenting a patient’s wishes regarding end-of-life or emergency medical treatment.
Driving
Information, advice, and practical tips for handling situations where an elderly parent or spouse continues to
drive despite potential safety risks.
Drug Abuse
Resources and guidance for caregivers supporting an elderly loved one struggling with substance abuse, including
misuse of prescription or non-prescription drugs that may cause physical or psychological harm.
Durable POA
A legal document granting an agent the authority to act on your behalf in specified matters, with language
extending that authority even if you become mentally incapacitated.
E
Early Onset Alzheimer’s
A type of dementia with symptoms appearing before age 65. Some cases are linked to genetic mutations, known as
Familial Alzheimer’s disease, which directly contribute to its development.
Edema
Articles, practical advice, and information for seniors and caregivers managing edema, which is swelling caused by
excess fluid trapped in body tissues.
Elder Abuse
Guidance, tips, and support for caregivers who suspect an elderly loved one is being abused, neglected, or
mistreated, resulting in physical harm or financial loss.
Elder Law
Legal advocacy and resources for seniors, covering matters such as estate planning, Social Security,
Medicare/Medicaid, guardianship, and preparation of advance directives and powers of attorney.
Emergency Care
Resources for seniors and caregivers seeking immediate medical attention for an elderly parent or spouse
experiencing an acute illness or injury.
End of Life
Articles, practical advice, and resources for caregivers managing death and dying, including guidance from the
experiences of others supporting a loved one nearing the end of life.
End of Life Signs
Information and advice for caregivers and family members supporting a senior showing physical signs that the body
is transitioning toward death.
Estate Planning
Practical guidance for creating and updating estate plans, including information on legal documents that manage
the distribution of assets after death.
Exercise
Information and advice on maintaining physical activity with age to promote overall health and fitness in older
adults.
Fall Prevention
Advice and practical tips for reducing risk factors that can lead to trips and falls in seniors and individuals
with limited mobility.
Falls
Practical guidance and recommendations for seniors experiencing frequent falls, including insights from caregivers
managing decreased mobility and balance issues.
F
Fall Prevention
Advice and practical tips for reducing risk factors that can lead to trips and falls in seniors and individuals
with limited mobility.
Falls
Practical guidance and recommendations for seniors experiencing frequent falls, including insights from caregivers
managing decreased mobility and balance issues.
Family Caregiver
Information, guidance, and support from experts and other caregivers assisting a family member due to illness or
age-related decline.
Fear of Death
Resources and support for seniors and caregivers managing anxiety or apprehension about the process of
dying.
Feeding Tube
A medical device inserted into the stomach through the abdomen to provide nutrition for individuals who cannot eat
by mouth.
Fibromyalgia
A chronic condition causing widespread muscle pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tender points throughout the
body.
Financial Planning
A comprehensive strategy using current assets to plan income for future events such as retirement.
Financial POA
A legal document granting an agent authority to act on your behalf in specified financial matters.
Flu
Advice and support for caregivers caring for seniors diagnosed with influenza, a contagious viral illness.
Forms & Documents
A guide to essential legal documents for seniors, including POA, advance directives, wills, HIPAA forms, and other
estate planning documents.
Frauds & Scams
Expert advice and warnings for caregivers regarding fraudulent or criminal schemes targeting elderly
individuals.
Frontotemporal
Guidance for caregivers assisting seniors with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive brain disease causing
personality and behavioral changes often misdiagnosed as mental illness.
Funeral Planning
Resources and practical advice for end-of-life preferences, including funeral planning, post-death instructions,
and prepayment or pre-arranged funeral options.
G
Geriatric Doctors
A geriatrician is a physician specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and
disabilities in older adults.
Glaucoma
A collection of eye conditions that gradually damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss.
Government Benefits
Federal programs offering support to eligible adults, including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, welfare,
unemployment benefits, and food assistance.
Grandparent
Guidance, information, and support for family caregivers providing long-term care for their grandparents.
Grief
Advice, tips, and support for caregivers coping with the loss of a loved one, including guidance from experienced
family caregivers.
Guardianship
A court-appointed individual responsible for managing the affairs of someone legally deemed incompetent.
Guilt
Support and advice for caregivers experiencing guilt or regret over decisions made while caring for an aging
spouse or parent.
H
Hallucinations
Information and resources for understanding and managing hallucinations in older adults, including visual,
auditory, olfactory, or tactile experiences that seem real but are created by the mind.
Health Care Directives
A legal document, such as an Advance Directive or Living Will, that communicates a person’s wishes regarding
life-saving medical treatments, often used when the individual cannot express their decisions.
Health Insurance
Coverage that helps pay for medical and surgical expenses incurred by the insured individual.
Healthy Aging
The natural aging process is supported by healthy lifestyle choices that promote physical, cognitive, and mental
well-being in older adults.
Hearing
Guidance and strategies for caregivers assisting seniors with hearing loss, including daily care tips.
Heart Disease
Resources and support for seniors and caregivers managing heart disease.
Hematuria
The presence of blood in the urine.
Hepatitis C
A blood-borne viral infection that causes liver inflammation and may result in liver damage.
High Blood Pressure
Information and advice for caregivers supporting seniors with hypertension, the force of circulating blood against
artery walls during and between heartbeats.
High Cholesterol
Resources for seniors and caregivers managing elevated blood lipid levels, which can increase the risk of artery
hardening, stroke, and other health problems.
Hip Replacement
A surgical procedure replacing either the upper thigh bone (partial) or both the hip socket and upper thigh bone
(total) to restore hip function.
HIPAA
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, a federal law restricting access to a person’s health
information; signed HIPAA documents are important in senior care planning.
Hoarding
Guidance and tips for caregivers dealing with seniors exhibiting compulsive hoarding behaviors, including
difficulty discarding possessions.
Home Care
Support that allows an individual to remain at home, including home health care (medical) and non-medical in-home
care.
Home Health Care
Skilled medical services provided at home by nurses, occupational, speech, or physical therapists.
Home Modification
Improvements or repairs to make a home safe and accessible for older adults.
Home Safety
Tips and resources to maintain safety within a senior’s home environment.
Hormone Replacement
Medications containing hormones to replace those no longer produced by the body, commonly prescribed after
menopause.
Hospice
A team-based form of palliative care for terminally ill patients, providing medical care, pain management, and
emotional support for patients and families.
Hospital
Resources for caregivers supporting a senior during hospitalization, including inpatient, outpatient, or emergency
care guidance.
Hospital Discharge
Support for caregivers managing the transition of a senior from hospital to another care setting or home,
including discharge planning to prevent rehospitalization.
Humor
Caregiving tips and advice with a focus on amusement and comic relief, encouraging sharing humor among
caregivers.
Hydration
Information for seniors and caregivers on preventing dehydration, supporting proper organ function, muscle and
skin health, and body temperature regulation.
Hygiene
Guidance for caregivers assisting seniors with personal hygiene to maintain cleanliness, health, and prevent
infections.
I
Incontinence
Information and resources for caregivers assisting seniors with incontinence, including articles, tips, and
support.
Independent Living Community
Housing communities designed for seniors to live independently within a planned development, often called
retirement communities.
Inflammation
The body’s natural response to harmful stimuli, such as bacteria, viruses, allergens, or irritants.
Instrumental ADLs
Complex tasks essential for independent living, including cooking, managing medications, shopping, communication,
finances, transportation, and household chores, with skill levels ranging from independent to needing
assistance.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
A chronic disorder of the large intestine causing gas, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and
cramping.
J
Joint Pain
Guidance, tips, and resources for seniors and caregivers managing joint pain, often resulting from
inflammation.
K
Kidney Disease
Advice, tips, and information for caregivers supporting a senior with kidney failure, the gradual loss of the
kidneys’ ability to filter waste and toxins from the blood.
Knee Replacement
Guidance for caregivers assisting a senior considering knee replacement, a surgical procedure where the damaged
portion of the knee is removed and replaced with a metal or plastic artificial joint.
L
Lewy Body Dementia
Resources and support for seniors and caregivers managing Lewy Body Dementia, a progressive and irreversible form
of dementia caused by abnormal protein clumps in the brain.
Life Insurance
A contract between an individual and a private insurance company that provides a lump-sum death benefit to a
beneficiary in exchange for premium payments over the policyholder’s lifetime.
Liver Disease
Advice, tips, and support for caregivers assisting a senior with liver disease, which can result from genetics,
viral infections, or substance abuse, potentially leading to cirrhosis and liver failure.
Living Independently
Articles and caregiver guidance for seniors who have the financial and functional ability to continue living
independently.
Living Trusts
A revocable trust that identifies assets placed into a trust, remains under your control while living, and passes
to beneficiaries upon death without going through probate.
Living Will
A legal document that communicates a person’s wishes regarding life-saving medical treatments, often used when the
individual can no longer express their decisions.
Loneliness
Advice, tips, and support for seniors and caregivers coping with loneliness caused by isolation or lack of
companionship, including insights from other caregivers.
Long Term Care
A range of services supporting both medical and non-medical needs for individuals unable to care for themselves
over an extended period.
Long Term Care Insurance
A private insurance policy covering long-term care costs not included under traditional health insurance,
Medicare, or Medicaid.
Long-distance Caregiving
Coordinating care for a person needing support with daily activities while living far from the care
recipient.
Loss of Appetite
Guidance for caregivers managing seniors experiencing reduced appetite and lack of hunger, often resulting in
unintentional weight loss.
Loss of Coordination
Information and tips for seniors and caregivers dealing with uncoordinated movements caused by ataxia, muscle
weakness, or balance issues.
Loss of Taste
Support and advice for seniors and caregivers experiencing a reduced or absent sense of taste, often alongside a
loss of smell.
Low Vision
Information and guidance for caregivers assisting seniors with vision loss, including tips for handling
difficulties in everyday tasks.
Lung Cancer
Resources for caregivers supporting someone with cancer in one or both lungs, including non-small cell, small
cell, and lung carcinoid tumors, which affect treatment and prognosis.
Lung Disease
Advice and support for caregivers assisting seniors diagnosed with lung disease, including Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
M
Macular Degeneration
Deterioration of the central portion of the retina (macula), which can lead to blurred vision and eventual vision
loss.
Marriage
Articles, guidance, and support for caregivers whose marital relationship is affected by caring for an elderly
parent, spouse, or loved one.
Medicaid
A jointly funded federal and state program providing health insurance for eligible individuals with medical needs,
low income, and minimal assets. Eligibility and benefits vary by state.
Medicaid Lookback
A period during which the federal government reviews financial transactions to determine Medicaid eligibility. Any
transfers perceived as attempts to qualify for Medicaid may result in penalties. Standard look-back is 5 years,
except in California, where it is 2.5 years.
Medicaid Spend Down
The process of reducing assets to meet Medicaid eligibility requirements, with allowable amounts and timelines
determined by the state.
Medical Care
Information and guidance from caregivers on evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a senior’s physical
health.
Medical Equipment and Supplies
Devices and consumables used for patient care at home, including durable equipment like wheelchairs, hospital
beds, walkers, and canes.
Medical POA
A legal document granting an agent authority to make specific medical decisions on your behalf.
Medicare
The federal health insurance program for people 65 or older, certain younger individuals with disabilities, and
those with end-stage renal disease.
Medicare Advantage Plans
Also known as Medicare Part C, these private plans provide Part A and Part B benefits through a contract with
Medicare.
Medicare Open Enrollment
The annual period, October 15–December 7, for individuals to make changes to Medicare and prescription drug
coverage for the upcoming year.
Medicare Part A
Hospital insurance covering inpatient stays, skilled nursing, hospice care, and some health services, part of
Original Medicare.
Medicare Part B
Covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services; also part of
Original Medicare.
Medicare Part D
Prescription drug coverage added to Original Medicare.
Medicare Supplemental Insurance
Medigap policies offered by private insurers to cover costs not included under Original Medicare.
Medication Management
Guidance for helping seniors safely manage multiple medications.
Medications
Resources for understanding and assisting with prescription and over-the-counter drugs for seniors.
Memory Care
Residential care for seniors with cognitive impairment needing assistance with daily activities, often within
specialized units of senior communities.
Memory Loss
Support for seniors and caregivers coping with short- or long-term memory difficulties, often linked to underlying
medical conditions.
Menopause
Expert tips and guidance for managing menopause while providing caregiving responsibilities.
Mental Health
Support and advice for caregivers making decisions or providing care for seniors’ mental health needs.
Migraine
A primary headache disorder causing moderate to severe pain, sensitivity to light and smell, and sometimes nausea
or vomiting.
Mild Dementia
Support for seniors and caregivers dealing with early-stage dementia and minor but measurable declines in memory
and cognitive function.
Mobility
Advice and resources for caregivers assisting seniors experiencing age-related or illness-related physical
limitations.
Moderate Dementia
The middle stage of dementia is marked by increased difficulty with daily tasks, word recall, and unexpected
behaviors, often the longest stage.
Mom
Advice, support, and information for caregivers providing long-term care for their mother.
Moving
Resources, tips, and guidance for caregivers helping seniors transition to a new residence.
Multi Infarct Dementia
Information on vascular dementia caused by cumulative brain damage from small strokes, leading to memory
loss.
Multi-generational Living
Advice and support for caregivers providing care while sharing a household with elderly parents, including coping
strategies for multiple generations living together.
N
Narcissism
An excessive focus on oneself, often including grandiose self-perception, lack of empathy, and a strong need for
admiration. Persistent pathological traits may be diagnosed as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
Neuropathy
Information and resources for seniors and caregivers managing conditions that impair nerve function.
New to Caregiving
Advice, guidance, and support for individuals new to caring for an elderly loved one, including practical tips
from elder care experts and experienced family caregivers.
Nurse
Information and resources for seniors and caregivers collaborating with a nurse as part of a geriatric care
team.
O
OCD
Resources for caregivers assisting older adults exhibiting obsessive behaviors or persistent thoughts and urges
that cause distress and anxiety.
Olfactory Loss
Guidance, tips, and articles for managing a reduced or lost sense of smell.
Osteoporosis
Resources and guidance for seniors and caregivers managing osteoporosis, a condition where bones become brittle
and fragile due to loss of bone tissue.
P
Pain
Information and guidance for seniors and caregivers managing physical discomfort, including tips for recognizing,
understanding, and alleviating pain.
Palliative Care
Care aimed at providing comfort and relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness, which can be offered
at any stage of the illness alongside curative treatment.
Paranoia
Resources and guidance for caregivers managing suspicions, accusations, and delusional behaviors in elderly
individuals, often associated with dementia.
Parents
Articles, tips, and support for family caregivers providing care or making long-term care decisions for aging
parents.
Parkinson’s Disease
A progressive neurological disorder that reduces dopamine production, affecting movement and causing tremors,
muscle stiffness, and impaired motor control.
Paying for Care
Guidance, resources, and tips from caregivers on financing long-term care for seniors.
Personal Alert Devices
Wearable medical alert systems that notify caregivers or off-site responders when emergency assistance is
needed.
Pets
Information and advice on the benefits and challenges of having pets in the lives of older adults.
Physical Therapy
Treatment using physical methods such as exercise, massage, and electrotherapy to restore or improve
movement.
Pneumonia
Lung inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infections, resulting in fever, cough, and difficulty
breathing.
Poor Hygiene
Guidance for caregivers managing seniors who are unable to maintain personal hygiene or self-care, a form of
self-neglect.
Power of Attorney (POA)
A legal document granting an agent authority to act on your behalf in specific matters as defined within the
document.
Product
Information about items designed to provide comfort, safety, or assistance in senior care.
Prostate
A gland located between the bladder and penis that produces fluid to nourish and protect sperm.
Prostate Cancer
Cancer developing in the cells of the prostate gland.
R
Recipes
Content providing step-by-step instructions for preparing various dishes.
Recreation & Fitness
Information and guidance on physical activities aimed at enjoyment and promoting overall health.
Refusing Care
Guidance on situations where a senior objects to or declines necessary medical, social, or other care
services.
Rehabilitation Center
An inpatient facility providing therapy and treatment to help restore function after illness or injury, often
serving as a transition between hospital and home or long-term care.
Relationships
Tips and support for caregivers on managing the effects of caregiving on family and interpersonal
relationships.
Representative Payee
An individual or organization appointed to receive and manage SSI benefits for someone unable to manage their own,
with required regular reporting to the SSA.
Respite
Short-term care provided by family, friends, or professional caregivers to help prevent caregiver burnout.
Retirement Communities
Residential communities for older adults, usually for independent living, often with age requirements and
amenities designed to enhance resident life.
Reverse Mortgage
A loan allowing homeowners aged 62 or older to borrow against home equity, repayable when the primary residence
changes or upon the homeowner’s death.
S
Sacrifice
The act of giving up something valuable to support or benefit another person.
Sandwich Generation
Individuals who are simultaneously caring for their children and aging parents.
Senior Activities
Activities designed to meet physical, social, and/or intellectual needs of older adults.
Senior Apartments
Apartment-style housing specifically designated for seniors.
Senior Health
Medical conditions and health considerations commonly associated with older adults.
Senior Housing
Various types of housing for older adults offering a range of care services, from independent living to skilled
nursing.
Sepsis
A severe response to infection where the body overreacts, potentially damaging its own tissues and organs.
Severe Dementia
An advanced stage of dementia marked by loss of communication, responsiveness, and control over movement.
Sex
Information and advice for caregivers regarding sexuality in elderly adults.
Shingles
Painful skin eruptions along nerves caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus.
Siblings
Issues and support for caregivers navigating challenges with siblings while caring for an elderly parent or
relative.
Signs of Dementia
Indicators in thinking and memory that may signal the onset of dementia.
Skilled Nursing Facility
Licensed healthcare residences provide a high level of medical care beyond assisted living capabilities.
Skin Care
Tips and advice for maintaining and caring for aging skin.
Sleep Apnea
A disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep.
Sleep Issues
Support and advice for caregivers managing changes in sleep patterns in older adults.
Spouse
Guidance for caregivers providing long-term care for a spouse.
Stress
The body’s physical and emotional response to pressure, threats, or challenges.
Stroke
A condition caused by interrupted blood flow to the brain, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients.
Substance Abuse
Chronic misuse of substances that leads to physical or psychological harm.
Sundowner’s Syndrome
Mood and behavior changes in dementia patients occurring around late afternoon or evening.
Support Group
Resources for connecting with other caregivers for advice, sharing tips, and emotional support.
Swallowing
The process of moving food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach; difficulty swallowing is known as
dysphagia.
T
Taxes
Resources and information on tax issues affecting older adults, including senior tax credits, medical expense
deductions, and claiming dependents.
Terminal Illness
A disease that is irreversible, incurable, and expected to result in death.
Therapy
Treatment of a medical or psychological condition aimed at rehabilitation or improving social functioning.
Thyroid
A butterfly-shaped endocrine gland in the neck that produces hormones regulating metabolism.
Toileting
Assistance or supervision provided to help someone use the toilet.
Travel
Advice and support for seniors and caregivers regarding travel, including tips for safe and comfortable
trips.
Treatment
Medical care or interventions provided to a patient to address an illness or injury.
U
Urinary Incontinence
Loss of bladder control, which can range from occasional leaking during coughing or sneezing to sudden urges that
prevent reaching a bathroom in time.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
An infection that occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra. Diagnosis is typically
confirmed with a urine culture to determine the cause and guide appropriate treatment.
V
VA Fiduciary
An individual appointed to manage veteran’s benefits for someone deemed incapable of handling their own benefits.
The VA conducts a field examination before approving the fiduciary to assist the beneficiary in managing their
benefits.
Vaccines
Biological preparations that stimulate the body’s immune system to produce antibodies, providing immunity against
specific diseases.
Vascular Dementia
A progressive and irreversible form of dementia caused by damage to the blood vessels supplying the brain.
Varicose Veins
Enlarged, twisted veins close to the skin’s surface, often blue or purple with a rope-like appearance.
Veterans Benefits
Financial and other forms of assistance provided to eligible veterans and their spouses.
Veterans Pension
A tax-free monetary benefit for eligible wartime veterans
W
Weight Loss
Advice, tips, and support for caregivers helping seniors experiencing sudden or unintentional weight loss.
Will
A legal document (testament) specifying a person’s wishes for managing and distributing their assets after
death.
Working Caregiver
Resources, advice, and support for individuals who are balancing professional employment with providing care for a
loved one.