Choosing the right senior living option is a big decision, and it can feel even more overwhelming when you’re faced with terms that are new and unfamiliar.

At Meth-Wick, we want residents and their families to feel confident and informed. That’s why we’ve created this glossary of common terms you might encounter, especially when exploring memory care, assisted living, or skilled nursing.

Whether you’re just starting to research or supporting a loved one through a transition, this guide can help you understand the language used in senior living settings.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, using the toilet, and moving around. The level of assistance a person needs with ADLs helps determine the right type of care.

Advance Directives

Legal documents that specify a person’s healthcare wishes in situations where they are unable to make decisions independently. This term encompasses documents such as living wills and Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders. Advance directives help ensure that medical decisions reflect the individual’s values and preferences, providing direction to both families and care teams.

Assisted Living

Residential living that includes help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, or taking medications. It balances support with independence. 

Care Conference

A meeting involving the resident (when possible), family members, and the care team to discuss the individual’s health status, goals, and any updates to their care plan. These are often scheduled regularly to ensure clear communication and personalized support.

Care Plan

A personalized roadmap developed by staff to outline a resident’s medical needs, daily care routines, and preferences. Care plans are reviewed regularly and adjusted as needed.

Continuum of Care

A range of care options that support a resident’s changing needs over time, from independent living through end-of-life care, all within one community.

Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) for Healthcare

A legal document that designates a trusted individual, often a family member or close friend, to make medical decisions on behalf of someone who is incapacitated. Unlike a general power of attorney, a durable designation remains in effect during periods of incapacity and may cover a range of decisions from routine care to major medical interventions.

Entrance Fee

An entrance fee is a one-time, upfront payment required to move into certain types of senior living communities, particularly life plan communities (also known as continuing care retirement communities or CCRCs). This fee secures a residence and access to future care services, which may include assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing. Entrance fees vary based on the size of the residence, contract type, and refund options. Some contracts apply a portion of the entrance fee toward future care costs.

Fee-for-Service

A senior living payment model in which residents pay only for the specific services and levels of care they use, as they need them. This approach allows for more flexibility and can be a cost-effective option for individuals who remain independent for longer periods. It contrasts with all-inclusive or life care models, which bundle future care costs into one upfront or ongoing fee.

Hospice Care

A type of care focused on comfort and quality of life for individuals with a terminal illness, typically when curative treatment is no longer being pursued. Hospice care can be provided at home, in a senior living community, or in a dedicated hospice facility.

Household Model

A senior living design approach that groups residents into smaller, home-like environments. Each household typically includes a kitchen, dining, and living area, fostering familiarity, autonomy, and stronger personal connections between residents and staff.

Independent Living

Housing designed for older adults who are active and able to live without assistance. Services like maintenance, housekeeping, and meals are often included, but medical care is not.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

Unlike basic self-care tasks (ADLs), IADLs refer to the more complex activities needed to live independently. These include things like managing money, using transportation, shopping, preparing meals, taking medications as prescribed, and keeping up with household chores. IADLs are often evaluated along with ADLs to help determine what level of support a person might require.

Licensed Nurse

A Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) who provides medical care and oversees health-related services in assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing.

Life Plan Community

Also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), a Life Plan Community offers multiple levels of care on one campus. Residents can transition smoothly from independent living to assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing as their needs change.

Living Will

A legal document that outlines an individual’s preferences for medical treatment in the event they are unable to communicate their wishes. It typically addresses life-sustaining measures and end-of-life care, offering clear guidance to healthcare providers and family members about which treatments should or should not be administered.

Long-Term Care Insurance

A type of insurance that helps cover the cost of care services like assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing services that are not typically covered by Medicare.

Medicare

A federal health insurance program for adults age 65 and older, as well as some younger individuals with certain disabilities. It typically covers short-term medical needs such as hospital stays, physician visits, and rehabilitation after illness or surgery. However, Medicare does not cover long-term care in assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, or skilled nursing facilities.

Medicaid

A state-administered health insurance program that provides coverage for individuals with limited income and assets. Unlike Medicare, Medicaid may help cover the costs of long-term care services, including assisted living or skilled nursing, for those who qualify. Eligibility is based on both financial need and medical criteria, which vary by state. To receive care through Medicaid, the facility must be Medicaid-certified or approved to accept Medicaid payments.

Memory Care

Specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. These settings offer structured routines, trained staff, and secure environments to support safety and quality of life.

Occupational Therapy

A type of rehabilitation service that helps individuals regain or maintain the ability to perform daily tasks and activities, such as dressing, cooking, or bathing—especially after injury, illness, or surgery.

Palliative Care

Specialized medical care for individuals with serious illnesses, focused on relief from symptoms, pain, and stress—regardless of the stage of the illness. Unlike hospice, palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments.

Person-Centered Care

An approach to care that respects the resident’s individual preferences, values, and routines. It’s at the heart of the household model used at Meth-Wick.

Physical Therapy

A rehabilitative service aimed at improving mobility, strength, and physical function. Often used after surgery, injury, or hospitalization to support recovery and reduce fall risk.

Post-Acute Care

Short-term medical or rehabilitative services provided after a hospital stay, often following surgery, illness, or injury. The goal is to support recovery and help individuals regain strength, mobility, or function before returning home or transitioning to another level of care. Post-acute care may include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, and is typically delivered in a skilled nursing facility, rehabilitation center, or sometimes within a senior living community.

Rehabilitation Services

Short-term therapy (physical, occupational, or speech) often provided in a skilled nursing setting to help individuals recover from illness, surgery, or injury.

Respite Stay

A short-term stay in assisted living, skilled nursing, or memory care that can range from hours to weeks.  This may be used when a caregiver needs a break or when someone is recovering from a hospital stay.

Skilled Nursing Care

Also called long-term care or a nursing home, this level of care provides 24/7 medical supervision by licensed nurses. It includes rehabilitation services and support for chronic or complex health conditions.

Sundowning

A common behavior in dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, where confusion, restlessness, or agitation increase during the late afternoon or evening hours.

Wander Management System

Also known as a wandering prevention or exit-seeking alert system, this safety technology is used in senior living and memory care settings to help protect residents who are at risk of wandering off in an unsafe manner. These systems typically involve discreet wearable devices that alert staff when a resident attempts to leave a secured area, helping to prevent dangerous situations while supporting individual independence and dignity.

Here When You’re Ready for the Next Step

Understanding these terms is an important step in navigating the complex world of senior living. Whether you are just beginning to explore options or actively supporting a loved one through a transition, having the right language can make conversations and decisions easier and more informed.

At Meth-Wick, we believe in empowering families with knowledge, compassion, and guidance. As a Life Plan Community, we offer a full continuum of care on one campus, so residents can receive the support they need at every stage of aging, all in a familiar and supportive environment.

Have questions or want to learn more about care options at Meth-Wick? We’re here to help. Contact us using our online form, or give us a call at 319-365-9171 and one of our team members will be happy to assist you.