Senior Care, Simplified: A Glossary of Terms You Should Know
Understanding care options can feel overwhelming, especially when unfamiliar terms start popping up in conversations with doctors, caregivers, or community teams. That’s why we created this quick glossary. Whether you’re exploring support for yourself or a loved one, these definitions will help you feel more informed, confident, and in control of your care journey.
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24-Hour Care
Around-the-clock support that’s available day and night. Caregivers are onsite to help with personal needs, monitor well-being, and respond quickly, any time of day.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, and moving around. Many seniors need help with one or more of these as they age.
Aging in Place
The ability to stay in one’s home as they grow older, rather than moving into a senior living community. This often includes receiving care and support right at home.
Alzheimer’s Disease
A progressive brain disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It’s the most common form of dementia and gets worse over time.
Care Plan
A personalized outline of the care and support someone needs. It includes services, goals, and tasks created by the care team to guide daily support.
Care Team
A group of professionals and caregivers who work together to support someone’s health and well-being. This might include nurses, aides, therapists, and more.
Caregiver
A person who helps with daily tasks, companionship, and overall well-being. Caregivers may be professionals or family members.
Companion Care
Non-medical support that focuses on social connection and assistance with light household tasks. Caregivers might chat, play games, help with errands, or provide company throughout the day.
CorsoCare Navigator
A service exclusive to CorsoCare that helps families understand care options, make informed decisions, and find the right support, every step of the way.
Diabetes
A condition that affects how the body manages blood sugar. It requires careful monitoring of diet, medication, and overall health.
End-of-Life Care
Support for individuals in the final stages of life, focused on comfort, dignity, and quality time with loved ones. Often includes physical, emotional, and spiritual care.
Heart Disease
A range of conditions that affect the heart, such as heart attacks or heart failure. It often requires ongoing care and lifestyle adjustments.
Hoarding
The ongoing difficulty of discarding items, even when they’re no longer useful. It can lead to cluttered, unsafe living spaces and may require gentle support to manage.
Home Health Aide
A trained professional who provides non-medical and personal care in the home, such as checking vital signs or helping with bathing.
Homebound Status
A term used in healthcare to describe someone who has difficulty leaving home due to illness or injury. This often qualifies them for in-home care services.
Hospice
Specialized care for those with a terminal illness, focused on comfort and quality of life rather than a cure. Hospice helps manage pain, supports families, and provides emotional and spiritual care.
Medicaid
A state and federal program that helps with medical costs for people with limited income and resources. Depending on eligibility, Medicaid can assist with long-term care, including personal care services or skilled nursing.
Medicare
A federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and some younger individuals with disabilities. Medicare may cover home health, hospice, and specific medical equipment.
Memory Care
Specialized support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. It includes routines, safety measures, and activities that support memory and well-being.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Helps people stay independent by improving how they perform everyday tasks — from getting dressed to cooking to household tasks. OT may also include home adjustments or tools that make life easier.
Palliative Care
Comfort-focused care for those living with a serious illness. It can be provided alongside other treatments and focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Parkinson’s Disease
A progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and balance. Symptoms can include tremors, stiffness, and difficulty walking.
Personal Care
Non-medical support that helps with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. It promotes independence and comfort at home or in a senior living community.
Personal Care in Communities
24/7 support provided in senior living communities. Services include hourly check-ins, escorts to meals, help with morning or evening routines, and more.
Personal Care in Homes
Caregivers visit a person’s private or personal residence to provide help. Services may include transportation, errands, light cleaning, and companionship.
Physical Therapy (PT)
Focused on movement, strength, and balance. PT helps people recover after injury or surgery, manage pain, and regain mobility to stay active and confident.
Respite Care
Short-term care that gives family caregivers a break. It allows their loved one to continue receiving support while the caregiver rests or takes time away.
Skilled Care (Home Health)
Health services provided by licensed professionals, such as nurses and therapists. A doctor typically orders skilled care, and common types include Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), Speech-Language Pathology (SLP), and Skilled Nursing.
Skilled Nursing
Care provided by licensed nurses, such as wound care, medication management, and monitoring of ongoing health needs. Often part of a care plan after surgery, illness, or hospitalization.
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)
Support for communication, speech, and swallowing challenges. SLP helps people speak more clearly, understand others, and safely eat or drink, especially after a stroke or as part of a medical condition.
Stroke
A serious medical event that happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. It can cause lasting physical and cognitive changes, often requiring rehabilitation and support.
Telehealth
Healthcare visits done over video or phone instead of in-person. Telehealth can help individuals get support more easily, especially for follow-up visits or quick check-ins.
Transitional Care
Short-term support that helps someone recover after a hospital stay or illness. It bridges the gap between hospital and home, focusing on recovery and stability.
UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)
A common infection in the bladder or urinary system. In seniors, symptoms can include confusion, fatigue, or changes in behavior, not just pain or discomfort.
Need Help Navigating Next Steps?
CorsoCare is here for you. Whether you need extra support at home or have questions, we’re happy to help you find what feels right.
