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Abuse
Abuse is any situation that creates potential harm to an individual
- emotional or physical. Also, see Adult Protective Services in
this Glossary.
Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
An individual's daily routine, including bathing, dressing, grooming,
eating, walking, using the telephone, taking medications, getting
in and out of a bed or a chair, and other personal care activities.
Acute Illness
A serious illness such as a heart attack or stroke that develops
rapidly with pronounced symptoms. The illness can be of short
duration such as influenza.
Adaptive Devices
A variety of devices that are used to increase, maintain, or improve
the functional capabilities of individuals, providing the assistance
needed to stay at home. These devices may help with vision, hearing,
mobility, communication or other needs, and include wheelchairs,
walkers, touch-sensitive light switches, phone amplifiers, stair
lifts, chairs with lifts and computers. May also be known as
Assistive Technology.
Adult Day Health Services
A program that provides medically necessary services in an ambulatory
care setting to persons who are nonresidents of the facility,
and who, due to their physical and/or cognitive impairment, require
such services supportive to their community living that cannot
be provided elsewhere. The facility must be licensed by the Department
of Health and Senior Services and clients must meet eligibility
criteria established by the Department.
Adult Protective Services (APS)
Adult Protective Services includes the 24-hour, 365 days a year
access to assistance and/or referral with reports of physical, sexual
or emotional abuse, neglect by caretaker, self-neglect, exploitation
and abandonment.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease
characterized by death of nerve cells in several areas of the
brain, leading to loss of mental functions and physical function.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.
Area Agency on Aging (AAA or Triple A)
New Jersey's 21 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) are the local representatives
throughout the state for the New Jersey Department of Health
and Senior Services. They plan and coordinate services for people
over age 60 in a designated geographical area. They are also
known as the County Office on Aging.
Assessment
A process used by care managers to gather information about an
individual to determine his or her functional needs and/or eligibility
for services. Information collected may include health status,
financial status, ability to perform activities of daily living,
mental status, etc.
Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted Living Facilities provide assistance with activities of
daily living, 24-hour supervision, and medication management.
The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services licenses
Assisted Living Facilities.
Attorney-in-fact
In legal terms, the person who is granted power-of-attorney. See-Power-of
Attorney for more detail.
Audiologist
A licensed health care practitioner who specializes in the evaluation
and rehabilitation of communication disorders associated with
hearing loss.
Auditory Training
A program designed to improve listening skills.
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Beneficiary
The recipient of benefits, as funds or property, from an insurance
policy/program or will.
Care/Case Management
Care management is the process through which needs are identified
and managed to allow the consumer to receive service in the most
appropriate, least restrictive setting. This process focuses
on consumer need and includes: development of a care plan addressing
consumer need; explaining options for service delivery; ongoing
monitoring of service delivery; periodically reassessing the
consumer condition; making the necessary adjustments to the care
plan; and notification to providers of changes in service provision.
Caregiver Support Group
The group led by a professional and/or volunteer that allows caregivers
to meet in a supportive atmosphere to express their feelings,
share coping skills, and learn about aging issues and resources
for help.
Care Plan
The detailed formulation of a program of action that addresses a
consumer's needs.
Children of Aging Parents (CAPS)
Children of Aging Parents is a nonprofit, charitable organization
whose mission is to assist the nation's caregivers of the elderly
or chronically ill with reliable information, referrals and support.
CAPS strives to heighten public awareness that the health of
the family caregivers is essential to ensure quality care of
the nation's growing elderly population.
Chore Service
Chore services are semi-skilled home repairs and maintenance tasks
performed to enhance the health and safety of the individual in
the home. These services are provided through the local Area Agency
on Aging, volunteer programs, or youth groups to help older people
live safely and comfortably in their own homes.
Chronic Illness
A physical or mental disability that continues or recurs frequently
over a long period of time.
Concerns/Complaints
Concerns/complaints related to issues surrounding the care of an
elderly individual's home and/or institutional care.
Congregate Meals
Nutritious meals provided at least five days a week in local Senior
Citizen Centers throughout the State. Meals are usually served around
noon, and in some areas meals may be available at other times of
the day. Besides providing nutrition, congregate meals provide needed
socialization for older adults.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)
Retirement communities that provide a wide spectrum of care from
independent living arrangements to skilled nursing facilities.
Residents move between levels of care as their needs change.
Services are provided through a lifetime contractual arrangement.
Residents usually pay an entrance fee plus a monthly maintenance
charge.
Counseling
This is a service that helps consumers adjust to personal crises,
change in personal roles, and to learn effective ways to control
personal and family stress.
County Welfare Office (CWO) or County Board of Social
Services (BSS)
These are offices in each county that provide information on food
stamps, medical assistance and general assistance. These offices
are under the jurisdiction of the NJ Department of Human Services.
Custodial Care
Custodial means help and supervision with daily living activities
- dressing, eating, personal hygiene, and similar functions.
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Dementia
A clinical term used to describe a group of brain disorders that
disrupt and impair cognitive functions -- thinking, memory, judgment
-- personality, mood, and social interaction. Also, see Senility
in this Glossary.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD has a wide array of programs to: help people buy homes; create
affordable rental housing; spur community and economic development;
enforce fair housing laws.
Dependent Care Tax Credit
Federal income tax credits for certain home care services and adult
day care services. Check with your local IRS office or a tax
advisor for details.
Diabetes
A disease that impairs the ability of the body to use sugar resulting
in the loss of sugar through urine, and an increase in the level
of sugar levels in the blood.
Durable Medical Power of Attorney
A legal document which names a person who will make health care
decisions for the principal if that individual becomes incompetent
or unable to express his/her wishes.
Durable Power of Attorney
A power of attorney that is enforceable even if the principal becomes
disabled or incapacitated.
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ECO Waiver Programs
The Waiver provides options to consumers in need of Long Term Care
services. This multifaceted program provides in-home care through
several programs - Jersey Assistance For Community Caregivers
(JACC), Caregiver Assistance Program (CAP), Community Care for
the Elderly and Disabled (CCPED)-- and community-based care --Assisted
Living (AL) and Adult Family Care (AFC). Information is available
through AAA.
Elder Abuse
Elder abuse refers to any situation in which an elderly individual
may suffer emotional or physical abuse from another individual.
Elder Law Attorney
An attorney who specializes in the laws that deal with the rights
and issues of the health, finances, and well-being of the elderly
and the power of other individuals and the government to control
them.
Estate
The term used to represent all of an individual or couple's personal
assets.
Estate Planning
A plan for what will happen to an individual or couple's assets
and liabilities after death.
Executor
The person named in a will to carry out the distribution of an
estate.
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Geriatric Assessment
An evaluation of an older person's physical, psychological, and
social condition by a professional team of specialists. This
team makes recommendations to the older person, family, and primary
care doctor. Geriatric assessments are offered in geriatric evaluation
centers and are generally associated with hospitals.
Geriatrician
A medical doctor with special education and training in the diagnosis,
treatment, and prevention of disabilities in older people.
Geriatric Social Worker
A licensed professional whose expertise enables him/her to assist
the elderly and their families to understand and cope with the social,
emotional, and psychological aspects of aging. The social worker
may assist the individual/family to access services, and then assist
them to use the resources effectively.
Gerontologist
A professional who specializes in the mental and behavioral characteristics
of aging.
Guardian
An individual appointed by a court of law to manage a person's
financial and/or personal affairs because the court has found
that the person is not competent to manage his or her own affairs.
A conservator is similarly appointed, but only for financial
affairs.
Guardianship
The process in which an individual is appointed by a court of law
to manage a person's financial and/or personal affairs because
the person is not able to or is not competent to manage his/her
own affairs.
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Handicap Parking
Special parking for handicapped individuals. If you are interested
in handicapped parking placards, contact Motor Vehicle services
at 1-888-486-3339 or 609-292-6500.
Home Delivered Meals
Hot and nutritious meals delivered to homebound persons who are
unable to prepare their own meals and have no outside assistance.
Also, see Meals on Wheels in this glossary.
Home Health Care
Nursing and other health care services that are physician ordered
and performed in the home by someone with special training including
registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, therapists and
home health aides. Home Health Agencies licensed by the NJ Department
of Health and Senior Services provide and coordinate these services.
Homemaker/Home Health Aid Service
A trained person, working under supervision, providing personal
care, household cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, laundry,
transportation, for an elderly or disabled person.
Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA)
The HMFA was created to improve the supply of available housing
in NJ for low and moderate-income families, the elderly and the
disabled. HMFA operates programs in rental housing, construction,
home ownership, foreclosure assistance and rehabilitation.
Hospice
Usually a combination of at-home and hospital care of the terminally
ill that combines medical and social services. It is designed
to help both the patient and the family. Hospice care emphasizes
pain control, symptom management, and emotional support rather
than the use of life-sustaining equipment.
Hospitals
Community-based acute care hospitals provide short-term inpatient
health care to residents of New Jersey.
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Incontinence
The loss of voluntary control over bladder or bowel functions.
Independent Senior Housing
Self-contained apartments designed to promote independence, provide
common space and activities, available in communities throughout
the state.
Informal Support
An individual willing to provide a service to a dependent person
without reimbursement, e.g., family member or neighbor.
Informed Consent
Following disclosure of the risks and options, the permission given
by a person with mental capacity prior to receiving medical treatment.
In-home Caregiver Education and Support Program
A program designed to give in-home education and support to individual
caregivers. It provides up to 5 home visits from a variety of
professionals who can provide training required to care for a
particular frail or disabled adult.
Irrevocable Living Trust
Irrevocable living trusts are similar to revocable living trusts,
except that you cannot revoke (that is, change or end) the trust
after you have established it. In addition to having the same benefits
as a revocable trust, an irrevocable trust also may provide savings
on the estate taxes, and may prevent the loss of government benefits
for a loved one.
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Joint Ownership
Joint ownership, used for a variety of purposes, can have positive
or negative effects on access to jointly owned property. Your
decision to hold property jointly should be based on your trust
in the person with whom you hold joint ownership, and your needs
and intentions with regard to the property.
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Legal Blindness
Visual acuity is 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use
of the best corrective lens, or a field defect in which the widest
diameter of the remaining field subtends an angle no greater
than 20 degrees.
Legal Counsel for the Elderly
This service is designed to assist older New Jersey residents in
the resolution of legal problems. The AARP provides a network
of attorneys who reduce their fees for AARP members.
Level of Care
Refers to the outcome of an assessment designed to determine the
most appropriate setting for the delivery of long-term care to
an elderly person.
Living Trust
A trust created during the life of the grantor used in estate and
tax planning. See revocable and/or irrevocable living trust in
this glossary.
Living Will/Advance Directive for Healthcare
A written document prepared by a competent adult that may be used
when the individual becomes incapacitated by illness or injury,
and is unable to speak for him/herself. It directs caregivers
to either use, or not use, extraordinary means to sustain life.
Long Term Care Insurance
This type of insurance policy is designed to cover long-term care
expenses at home or in a facility other than an acute care unit
of a hospital. Neither Medicare nor Medicare supplemental insurance
(Medigap) will pay for these expenses.
Long Term Care (LTC)
A general term that describes a wide range of medical, nursing,
custodial, social, and community services provided over an extended
period of time. These services are designed to help people with
chronic health impairments or forms of dementia live as independently
as possible.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
This program helps low-income families pay a portion of their winter
heating bills. The Department of Community Affairs, Division
of Housing and Community Resources administers LIHEAP.
Low Vision
Reduced visual acuity and/or abnormal visual fields resulting from
a disorder in the visual system.
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Meals-on-Wheels
Meals delivered on a regular schedule -- daily, Monday to Friday,
and in some counties -- including weekends, to housebound elderly
or elderly people unable to cope with meal preparation, for little
or no cost. Also, see Home Delivered Meals in this glossary.
Medicaid (Medical Assistance)
The health insurance program, financed by the federal and state
government for eligible low-income people, that pays for all
or part of the cost of certain medical care and services, long
term care, and certain deductibles and co-payments.
Medical Assistance Estate Recovery Information
The Department of Human Services (DHS) is required to recover the
Medical Assistance (MA) cost paid to certain individuals who
have died from the assets of the probate estate. This affects
persons 55+ who have died and who received MA benefits for hospital
or nursing home care or prescription drugs.
Medical Directive
Also called a Living Will, Advanced Medical Directive, and Health
Care Proxy. This legal document enables an individual to give
instructions about future medical care, in the event they have
become incompetent or are unable to speak for themselves due
to illness.
Medical Review Organization (MRO) known as PRONJ
PRONJ is a Medical Review Organization (PRO) designed to protect
Medicare beneficiaries receiving care in New Jersey.
Medicare
The national health insurance program for eligible people 65 and
older and some disabled individuals. Part A covers hospital costs.
Part B covers doctor bills and other medical costs. Patients
must pay deductibles and co-payments, and pay for any expenses
not covered by Medicare.
Medigap Insurance
This is supplemental insurance designed to complement Medicare's
benefits by filling in some of the gaps in Medicare coverage.
Medigap insurance policies are non-group policies that may pay
for Medicare deductibles, prescription drugs, or other services
not covered by Medicare.
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New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS)
The Department that administers programs benefiting older adults
and seeks to enhance the quality of life of older New Jersey
Residents. DHSS oversees the State's 21 Area Agencies on Aging,
and is responsible for licensing all health care facilities including
Adult Day Health Centers.
New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS)
State department that administers a broad range of state programs
available to individuals with low to moderate income designed
to promote, improve and sustain the quality of family life in
New Jersey.
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT)
The Department oversees the state's licensing and testing of drivers,
and licensing of motor vehicles and also administers the Shared-Ride
and Free Transit programs for older adults.
Nursing Facility (NF)aka Nursing Homes
A facility that provides care for chronically ill or disabled persons
who require institutional care. Approximately 350 nursing homes
throughout the state provide physician-ordered medical services
and supervised nursing care on a 24-hour basis for persons who
do not require acute care hospitalization, and whose needs can
only be met through inpatient care in a long-term care nursing
facility. The NJ Department of Health and Senior Services licenses
nursing facilities.
Nursing Facility (NF) clinical eligibility
Refers to an individual who is assessed and determined to be clinically
eligible for services in a nursing facility. This determination
is made by an Area Agency on Aging or a local office of the New
Jersey Department of Health using a standardized assessment.
A NF clinically eligible consumer, whose care can be provided
at home, may choose to remain at home with appropriate services,
or go to a Nursing Facility. Clinical eligibility is required
for access to any of the ECO Waiver programs. See Eco Waiver
Program in this glossary.
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Occupational Therapist (OT)
A licensed professional who helps a person relearn activities of
daily living (ADLs) through rehabilitation activities and the development
of personal devices. The therapist will also assist with modifications
for the home designed to maintain independence.
Ombudsman
A person available through the Office of the Ombudsman for the
Institutionalized Elderly (OOIE), NJ Department of Health and
Senior Services, to investigate complaints made by or on behalf
of older persons in long term care facilities, such as nursing
facilities or assisted living facilities. This program advocates
and protects the rights of residents in long-term care facilities
by investigating complaints, mediating and resolving disputes,
and initiating corrective actions.
Ophthalmologist
A medical doctor who is trained to diagnose and treat diseases
of the eye and provide total eye care.
Optometrist
A doctor of optometry who examines eyes for both health and vision
problems, and can prescribe lenses or vision therapy to restore
and maintain good vision.
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Patient Bill of Rights
A list of principles to be followed to ensure that patients receiving
health care services will be treated with dignity and will participate
fully in decisions relevant to their health care.
Personal Care Assistance Program (PCA)
Personal Care services provided through home health agencies and
include personal care, bathing, meal preparation, assistance
with activities of daily living (ADL) and light housekeeping.
Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)
Equipment that monitors the safety of older people in their homes
through signals electronically transmitted over the telephone
and received at an emergency-monitoring center.
Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD)
A program that assists eligible New Jersey residents with payment
for their prescription medicines through a co-payment program.
For expanded eligibility, see Senior Gold in the Glossary.
Physical Therapist (PT)
A licensed professional who treats impaired motor function through
exercise, massage, hydrotherapy, or mechanical devices to improve
physical mobility.
Power of Attorney (POA)
Any person of capacity, 18 or older, can designate another person
to act on his/her behalf. The power of attorney can be limited
to certain specific responsibilities or it can cover large general
areas of decision-making regarding financial affairs.
Primary Caregiver
The individual who has the main responsibility for helping an older
person. The individual usually is the one who makes decisions
and organizes care and services.
Primary Care Physician (PCP)
The doctor who is consulted first when a health problem occurs
and on whom the patient relies for advice, referrals, and ongoing
care.
Private Geriatric Care Managers
Specially trained in geriatric care management, Geriatric Care
Managers provide case management services on a fee-for-service
basis to individual clients.
Prosthetic Device (Prosthesis)
An artificial device that is used to replace a missing part or
enhance a functional part of the body.
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Universal Service Fund (USF)
The USF will assist eligible consumers with the cost of energy.
Reduced Fare Program
This program provides reduced fare transit service on local established
bus routes, and rapid transit lines during midday and evening
hours, on weekdays and weekends.
Rehabilitation Hospitals
Institutions that provide a multidisciplinary approach to goal
setting, planning, treatment, and the delivery of patient care
with a team of physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers
and psychologists. Therapies are provided throughout the day
with each patient receiving a minimum of three hours of therapy
a day.
Respite Care
Temporary care provided when the primary caretaker needs time away
from caregiving. Respite care is provided in-home or as an alternative
location for a short stay.
Reverse Mortgages
A reverse mortgage enables elderly homeowners to convert the equity
in their homes to monthly income or a line of credit. For information,
contact the nearest HUD office.
Revocable Living Trust
A revocable living trust allows you to transfer ownership of your
property to a separate entity called a trust. The trust is managed
according to the rules you establish in the trust document for
the benefit of the beneficiaries named in the trust.
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Senility
A term used to refer to the mental and physical deterioration of
old age. Not a medical term. Also, see Dementia in this Glossary.
Senior Centers
These centers provide services to senior citizens, 60 and over.
They provide: social activities, congregate meals, health screenings,
educational programs, and exercise programs.
Senior Gold
A new tier of eligibility for assistance with the payment for drugs
under the PAAD program. It extends the eligibility income limits,
and offers a safety net for excessive drug costs. See the PAAD
in the Glossary.
Service Provider
An agency or person employed to provide a service.
Skilled Nursing Facility, see Nursing Facility
in this Glossary.
State Health Insurance Program (SHIP)
A state program that provides assistance to the elderly regarding
insurance, benefits, and claims.
Social Adult Day Services
A program that emphasizes social and therapeutic recreational activities
in a group setting, with some health monitoring. Clients attending
social adult day services program may not need medical attention
during the day, but may need supervision for safety and activities
of daily living. Programs are not licensed by the Department
of Health and Senior Services but the building must meet local
building codes.
Social Security
The comprehensive federal program of benefits providing workers
and their dependents with retirement income, disability income,
and other payments.
Speech Language Pathologist
A licensed health care professional, trained at the master's or
doctoral level, who provides diagnostic and treatment services
to individuals with speech, language, and hearing problems.
Subsidized Housing
Rental assistance is available through Federal Government to low
income elderly people and families.
Surrogate Decision Maker
A person appointed by the consumer to act in his/her place.
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Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
TCE is designed primarily for persons 60 years or older, particularly
those who are confined to their residences or retirement communities.
IRS-trained volunteers from non-profit organizations provide
free tax counseling and basic income tax return preparation to
senior citizens. TCE sites can be found by contacting Area Agencies
on Aging or through AARP.
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TTY, TDD)
TTY and TDD enable both hearing and speech impaired individuals
to connect any phone utilizing one of the local MRC (Message
Relay Centers). In addition to telephone equipment, specialized
software is available for converting computers to communication
devices for the hearing and visually impaired.
Telephone Reassurance Program
Daily phone contact from a volunteer to a disabled or elderly person
is provided to check on their safety and to provide personal
contact.
Trustee
A legal term referring to a person who holds legal title to property
in order to administer it for a beneficiary.
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Veterans Administration (VA)
The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs administers
a variety of programs to assist veterans and their families.
Visiting Nurse
A trained professional nurse who visits patients in their homes
to monitor vital signs, the physical condition, and carry out
a physician's treatment plan.
Visual Acuity
The ability of the eye to perceive the detail of objects in the
direct line of sight. Visual acuity is measured by viewing standardized
letters of varying sizes on a chart and is expressed as a ratio,
e.g., 20/20.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
VITA involves IRS-trained volunteers who provide free tax assistance
at community locations to individuals of all ages -- particularly
those with limited income -- who need assistance with basic income
tax return preparation.
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Weatherization Programs
The NJ Department of Community Affairs operates an at-home weatherization
program.
Will
A legal document that sets forth a person's wishes for disposing
of assets after death.
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