A Guide to Terms You Might Hear in Senior Living Communities

Moving to a senior living community can be exciting and rejuvenating. You get to enjoy a robust social life with plenty of healthy and interesting activities each day. 

If you are moving to a senior living community, there are some acronyms and phrases that you will often hear while you’re there. Take a look at these common senior living terms, along with some tips on how to use them correctly. 

Medical Terms

Many residents of senior living communities have specific health issues that require frequent medical care. Here are some of the medical terms you should know: 

HIPAA

HIPAA refers to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This term usually comes up in matters of patient privacy and protected healthcare information (PHI). 

Essentially, HIPAA protects any sensitive health information from being revealed to third parties without your permission. Your privacy matters in senior living. 

Hospice

Hospice care is designed to make the end of someone’s life as comfortable and dignified as possible. When someone’s health is on an irreversible decline, hospice staff ensure that they get the comfort care they deserve. 

LTC

LTC stands for long-term care. In senior living, this refers to residents who need round-the-clock assistance and medical care. 

Long-term care is usually permanent due to an injury or progressive illness that will not improve over time. Memory care is a form of long-term care. 

Palliative Care

Palliative care is comfort-centered care. Unlike hospice care, palliative care does not always signify the end of a patient’s life. Many patients with chronic but non-fatal conditions benefit from palliative care. 

General Terms

As an applicant or current resident of a senior living community, knowing certain important terms can help you better navigate your living situation. 

PASARR

PASARR stands for Pre-Admission Screening and Annual Resident Review. In short, PASARR checks for symptoms of mental illness and developmental disabilities. 

This is to ensure that residents get the proper level of care that they need. Sometimes residents need to be transferred to a more appropriate medical setting rather than remaining in senior living. 

Resident AssessmentAs an applicant or resident, you will likely undergo periodic resident assessments. These are observations of your cognitive, physical, and functional capabilities. 

If needed, your medical team and approved loved ones will help you figure out the best treatment plan to help you regain mobility and maintain stable health. 

Resident Care Plan

Resident care plans are just as they sound — comprehensive plans to enhance your physical, mental, and social health. 

Insurance companies require residents of senior living communities to have a resident care plan at all times. This is to ensure that you receive care that will help your health improve. 

Learning Important Senior Living Terms Will Set You Up for Success

If you want to join a senior living community, one of the best steps you can take is to learn the appropriate terminology. This will help you navigate the medical, residential, and financial transitions involved in moving to senior living. 
And of course, if you encounter a term you aren’t familiar with, you are always welcome to reach out to staff for clarification.