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LOST IN TRANSLATION?

Let’s Break Down the Senior Care Lingo.

Trying to care for an aging loved one and feel like you need a dictionary just to keep up with the hospital or care team?

You’re not alone — and La Paloma is here to help.

Here’s your simple guide to what all those senior care terms really mean:

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1. ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)

Bathing. Dressing. Eating. Toileting. Mobility.

If your loved one struggles with these, it may be time to look at support services.

2. Memory Care

A secure, structured environment for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Trained staff + predictable routines = comfort and safety.

3. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility)

Also called a nursing home. 24/7 medical care, therapy, and long-term support.

Not the same as assisted living.

4. Assisted Living

A residential setting that provides help with ADLs, meals, and medication — but still encourages independence.

5. Independent Living

For seniors who can live on their own, but want a safe community with social activities, meals, transportation, and no home maintenance.

6. Respite Care

Short-term care (a few days or weeks) to give family caregivers a break.

7. Private Pay

When care is paid out-of-pocket. Most assisted living, memory care, and private aides fall in this category.

8. Medicare

Federal insurance for those 65+ or with certain disabilities.

It pays for short-term rehab — after a qualified hospital stay (3 nights admitted).

9. Medicaid

State + federal insurance for low-income individuals.

Can cover long-term nursing home care and, in some cases, in-home care.

10. Primary vs. Secondary Insurance

Your primary pays first. The secondary (if you have one) may cover what’s left.

11. A “Qualified Stay”

To get Medicare rehab coverage, your loved one must be admitted to the hospital for at least 3 midnights — not just “under observation.”

12. Rehab (PAM, Tulsa Rehab, etc.)

Short-term therapy-focused recovery after surgery or illness.

Goal: regain strength and return home.

13. Home Health

Nursing or therapy brought to the home — ordered by a doctor, often covered by Medicare.

14. Hospice

End-of-life comfort care, usually for those with 6 months or less to live.

Can be provided at home, assisted living, or a facility.

15. Palliative Care

Comfort care focused on pain and symptom relief during serious illness — at any stage.

16. Aging in Place

The goal of staying in your own home safely, for as long as possible, with support as needs increase.

17. Power of Attorney (POA)

A legal document that gives someone the authority to make decisions for another person.

• Healthcare POA: Can speak with doctors and make medical decisions.

• Financial POA: Can manage money, bills, and legal matters.

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At La Paloma Senior Advisors, we walk beside families with compassion, clarity, and faith as you navigate senior care options.

Got questions about your parent’s discharge plan, assisted living tour, or how to “age in place” safely?

Drop them in the comments or send us a message — we’re here to help, not overwhelm.

You don’t have to figure this out alone.