Senior Living Terminology

Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

Activities of Daily Living is a term used to collectively describe fundamental skills required to independently care for oneself, such as eating, bathing, and mobility. ADLs are essential and routine tasks that fall within the following categories: ambulating, feeding, dressing, personal hygiene, continence, and toileting.

Assisted Living provides some degree of supportive care with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) based on personal need.  The assistance provided can include help with bathing, dressing, and medication management.

A Continuing Care Retirement Community, also known as a Life Plan Community, provides independent living options and an amenity-rich lifestyle with access to on-site, high-level care should the need arise. You enter while independent and pay an entrance fee. Access to assisted living and skilled nursing is guaranteed IF space is available. All Life Care Communities, like Mt. San Antonio Gardens, are CCRCs but not all CCRCs are Life Care Communities.

An Entrance or Founders Fee is an up-front fee paid on behalf of a person entering a CCRC or LPC for the purpose of ensuring care or other related services. Entrance Fees may vary depending on many factors including age at the time of move-in and home style of your choice.

High Acuity Assisted Living Care offers an enhanced level of individualized care, support with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), and programming for individuals with distinct healthcare needs beyond the level of care regularly provided in Assisted Living.

Independent Living residents move into our community when they are in relatively good health. Residents are able to pursue their activities of choice without significant physical or mental impairment and are able to independently care for oneself.

A Life Care Community provides independent living options and an amenity-rich lifestyle with access to on-site, high-level care should the need arise. To qualify for a Life Care contract, you enter while independent and in relatively good health. An entrance fee and monthly fee are required. The community guarantees your future care is provided at the same monthly fee regardless of the level of care needed. A Life Care Community acts like long-term care insurance and covers the costs of care, both assisted living and skilled nursing care.

Long-Term Care is defined as the medical and non-medical care provided on a regular basis for three months or more for age-related or other chronic conditions; whether the care is provided in your home or in a care center.

Long-Term Care Insurance helps pay for the costs associated with long-term care. Good health is required to qualify for enrollment. Policy benefits are usually paid when there is a loss of two or more activities of daily living. Premiums can be high and reimbursements usually include a daily maximum for a specific number of days. Policies vary greatly and it is important to study what exactly is covered and if inflation protection is provided.

Medicaid is a nationwide public health insurance program that provides health coverage for those with limited income and financial assets. Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid health care program. People must have minimal assets to qualify for Medi-Cal coverage. Not all long-term care facilities choose to become Medi-Cal certified.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who fall within key criteria including people who are 65 years or older. Different parts of Medicare cover specific services. Medicare does not pay for assisted living, very little skilled nursing care, and very limited home care on a short-term, part-time basis.

Medicare Supplement & Medigap Policies are a type of health insurance policy sold by private insurance companies to complement Medicare policies. They generally do not cover extended care. They pay only when Medicare pays and are designed to supplement Medicare deductibles, co-insurances, and excess physician costs.

Memory Care provides safe, secure surroundings where residents with memory impairment can receive intensive care on a personal basis and in a structured environment.

At a Multi-Level Care Facility, you pay a monthly rental fee. Availability to higher levels of care like assisted living and skilled nursing is not guaranteed. Monthly fees increase significantly as the level of care you require increases. You also pay for any extras such as assistance with medication and other incidentals.

Skilled Nursing provides around-the-clock, 24-hour nursing care.