DEFINITIONS

Below is a list of common words, terms, and acronyms commonly used in long term care. Click on the word or phrase for a definition.

ACTIVITY OF DAILY LIVING (ADL)

Example: Bathing, grooming and hygiene, dressing, eating, toileting, mobility
Some degree of “ADL assist” is provided by each of the types of facilities listed below.
top

ADULT FOSTER HOME (AFH, AFCH)

Homes licensed by the state to provide care in a family setting for up to 5 adults who are unable to live alone due to physical, emotional or cognitive limitations or developmental delay. Usually no regular nursing or “awake night” care. No certification is required for direct caregivers.
Payment source: private, Medicaid
top

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY (ALF)

These facilities provide private apartments ranging from studio to 1-2 bedroom units with private bathrooms, wheelchair accessible showers and kitchenettes. Best suited for residents who need some oversight but wish to remain as independent as possible and are able to direct their own care. Licensed nurses are not required 24 hours a day. Caregivers must have some training but do not need to be certified by the board of nursing.
Payment source: private, Medicaid; rate varies depending on the amount of ADL assistance needed.
top

CERTIFIED MEDICATION AIDE (CMA)

Experienced CNA with additional training and board of nursing certification regarding the administration of non injectable medication.
top

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (CNA)

Graduate of an approved training program who has passed standardized written and skill examinations and been approved for certification by the state Board of Nursing.
top

DIRECTOR OF NURSING (DNS)

Oversees all nursing staff in a nursing home, and is responsible for formulating nursing policies and monitoring the quality of care delivered, as well as the facility’s compliance with federal and state regulations pertaining to nursing care.
top

HOSPICE

Hospice in the United States has grown from a volunteer-led movement to improve care for people dying alone, isolated, or in hospitals, to a significant part of the health care system. Hospice is the only Medicare benefit that includes pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, twenty-four hour/seven day a week access to care and support for loved ones following a death. Hospice care is also covered by Medicaid and most private insurance plans. While most hospice care is delivered at home, it is also available to people in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, veterans’ facilities, hospitals, and prisons.
top

INTERMEDIATE CARE FACILITY (ICF) AKA “NURSING FACILITY”, “NURSING HOME”

Provides care and services to residents on a short- or long-term basis. Able to care for residents with more significant medical problems, physical dependence and cognitive loss than non-nursing facilities. Services may include wound care, tube feeding, indwelling urinary catheters, restorative services and end-of-life care. State mandated staffing ratios include licensed nurses 24 hours, RN 8 hours a day, only board certified nursing assistants.
Payment source: Medicaid, private, some long-term care insurance
top

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN)

Graduate of an approved practical nurse certificate program licensed by the state Board of Nursing
top

MEDICAID

A program funded by federal and individual state governments that pays for medical care for those who can’t afford it. Clients must apply for services and prove they are eligible. Medicaid DOES cover the cost of staying in ICF, etc. Not all facilities accept Medicaid. For more information visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
top

MEDICARE

Federal system of health insurance for persons over 65 and people with certain disabilities. Clients enroll through the Social Security Administration. For more information visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Coverage definitions:

      • Part A provides coverage for hospital and skilled nursing care and hospice.
      • Part B covers doctors, home health and durable medical equipment. Those who enroll are charged a premium for coverage.
      • Part C refers to optional health care plans, Medicare Advantage Plans through a PPO or HMO (example: Kaiser Senior Advantage)
      • Part D is prescription drug coverage; premiums are paid to a private insurance company.

Note: Medicare does NOT cover the cost of a stay in a ICF, RCF, ALF or adult foster home.
top

REGISTERED NURSE (RN)

Graduate of an approved diploma, associate, baccalaureate, or master’s degree program licensed by the state Board of Nursing
top

RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY (RCF)

Housing and support for residents who need ADL assist but not 24 hour licensed nursing care. Licensed nurse typically does not provide hands on care. Not required to provide private bathrooms or kitchenettes. Staffing ratio is lower than nursing homes. Care givers must have some training but certification is not required.
Payment source: private, Medicaid. Rate varies depending on the amount of assistance needed
top

RESIDENT CARE MANAGER (RCM)

Registered Nurse responsible for assessing each resident, developing a plan of care, overseeing and evaluating the care each resident receives on an ongoing basis.
top

RESTORATIVE AIDE (RA)

CNA with additional training in the provision of services to promote improvement or delay decline in functional ability (mobility, range of motion, self-feeding, etc.)
top

SKILLED NURSING FACILITY (SNF)

Patients must meet certain conditions in order to qualify for SNF or rehab care.
In-patient care is covered by Medicare for a limited time rather than a long term basis, for example, for recuperation after hospitalization. Includes services such as 24 hour nursing care, IVs, and on-site professional physical, occupational and/or speech therapy. Mandatory staffing levels. Direct care staff must be certified.
Payment source: Medicare, Medicare supplement/HMO contract. Private or Medicaid co-pay.
top

Please note: Definitions of facility types differ somewhat from state to state.

Our Location

16123 Chatsworth Street
Granada Hills, CA 91344
T: 818.891.1745
F: 818.891.1747
© Copyright Granada Hills Care Center - Designed by Pexeto