General Terms
24-Hour Care
In-home care provided continuously for a 24-hour period or a full day. Also referred to as around-the-clock home care.
AAA (Area Agency on Aging)
A local agency that connects older adults and individuals with disabilities to community resources and long-term support services. AAA offices provide information, referrals, and assistance with accessing Medicaid waiver and home-based programs.
ADLs
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are basic tasks necessary for daily functioning. These include bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, mobility, and toileting.
Aging in Place
Refers to seniors who choose to stay in their homes as they age instead of moving to assisted or independent living communities.
Attendant Care
Hands-on assistance provided to individuals who need help with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, mobility, meal preparation, and personal hygiene. Attendant care supports independence while ensuring safety in the home.
BDDS (Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services)
A state agency responsible for administering services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. BDDS determines eligibility and oversees certain waiver and community-based programs.
Care Plan (Plan of Care)
Documents tasks and goals designed to help caregivers provide optimal physical, mental, and emotional support. Absolute Golden Care develops individualized and confidential plans for each client.
Care Team
A group of individuals dedicated to supporting a person’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. This can include caregivers, family, healthcare providers, friends, social workers, and advisors.
Caregiver
Absolute Golden Care caregivers provide companionship, personal care, including bathing, dressing, and grooming, as well as activities that promote mobility, safety, meals, housekeeping, transportation, and social engagement.
Case Manager / Service Coordinator
A professional who evaluates an individual’s needs, develops service plans, coordinates care, and monitors services. Case managers help ensure individuals receive appropriate support based on their eligibility and personal goals.
Change in Condition Monitoring
Refers to caregivers observing, recording, and reporting any changes in a client’s mental, physical, or emotional behavior or health status.
Companion Care
Provides non-medical support, including emotional support, socialization, and friendship. Common activities include conversation, mental stimulation, meal prep, laundry, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, errands, transportation, and hygiene reminders. Caregivers also provide medication reminders and communication with loved ones, encouraging joy, engagement, and mental and emotional well-being. Companion care supports mental health and prevents isolation.
End-of-Life Care
Support provided when a loved one has a limited life expectancy and wishes to remain at home. Absolute Golden Care works with hospice or medical providers to meet care needs while providing household and emotional support for families.
Financial Eligibility
The process of determining whether an individual meets income and asset requirements to qualify for Medicaid or other publicly funded programs. Financial eligibility is typically reviewed during the application process.
GrandPad
A simple, touch-screen tablet that allows seniors to connect with family, friends, and caregivers via video chat, games, and other basic applications. GrandPad provides a secure, accessible way for seniors to stay connected.
HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services)
Medicaid-funded services that allow individuals to receive care in their homes or community settings instead of institutional facilities. HCBS programs promote independence and community integration.
Home Care / In-Home Care
Generally refers to non-medical in-home care, including companionship, homemaking, and personal care. Home care supports clients in their own homes without the need for skilled clinical staff.
Home Health
Refers to skilled nursing care or therapy services, including physical, occupational, or speech therapy, typically delivered under a physician’s orders.
Home Health Aide
A caregiver providing personal care, companionship, mobility support, meal preparation, household assistance, transportation, and social engagement. Home health aides and caregivers are considered interchangeable terms.
Hospice Care
Provides comfort and support to individuals with serious illness and their families. Hospice care is focused on quality of life when curative treatment is no longer pursued.
IADLs
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) enhance independence and quality of life. These include shopping, paying bills, household chores, and meal preparation.
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
A group of conditions that begin during childhood and affect intellectual functioning, adaptive behavior, and daily living skills. Individuals with IDD may qualify for specialized community-based services and support.
Interactive Caregiving
A care approach that emphasizes doing activities with clients rather than for them. This promotes engagement, physical and mental activity, and strengthens the caregiver-client relationship. Interactive Caregiving is the signature approach at Absolute Golden Care.
Level of Care (LOC)
A determination of the type and intensity of care an individual requires based on medical, cognitive, or functional needs. Level of Care helps determine eligibility for certain programs and services.
Level of Care Assessment
An evaluation conducted to determine whether an individual meets medical or functional criteria for long-term services or Medicaid waiver programs. This assessment is performed by an authorized agency or contractor.
Live-in Care
Home care where caregivers live in the client’s home to provide continuous support and supervision.
Maximus
An independent contractor in some states that conducts eligibility and Level of Care assessments for Medicaid and long-term services programs. Maximus helps determine qualification for certain community-based services.
Medicaid Waiver
A program that allows states to provide long-term care services in home and community settings as an alternative to institutional care. Waiver programs have specific medical and financial eligibility requirements.
Memory Care
Specialized care designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other memory impairments to address their unique needs.
Mobility Assistance
Support for clients needing help moving, including transfers, walking, and the use of assistive devices.
Palliative Care
Medical care for seriously ill patients to manage pain and symptoms, while also providing emotional and practical support. Teams may include doctors, nurses, social workers, nutritionists, spiritual advisors, and in-home caregivers. Curative treatments may continue alongside palliative care.
Person-Centered Individualized Support Plan (PCISP)
A customized care plan developed around an individual’s goals, preferences, strengths, and support needs. The plan outlines approved services and is designed to promote independence and quality of life.
Personal Care
Assistance with hygiene and daily living tasks, including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, mobility, and feeding. Care ranges from stand-by assistance to full support, including specialized care for memory or cognitive issues, fall prevention, and change in condition monitoring. Assistance may also include outings, social events, and shopping to support physical and emotional engagement.
Private Duty Nursing
One-on-one skilled nursing care provided in the home or a facility by RNs or LPNs.
Respite Care
Temporary relief for primary caregivers, provided by professional or family support for a few hours or extended periods.
Safety Technologies (Safety Choice)
In-home safety devices, including medical alert systems and motion detectors, designed to enhance client security.
Service Plan
A formal document outlining approved services, goals, frequency of care, and provider responsibilities. The service plan guides the delivery of consistent and appropriate support.
Transitional Care
Home care for individuals returning home from hospital, rehabilitation, or procedures, including transportation, medication reminders, and follow-up support.
Waitlist
A list of individuals who have been deemed eligible for services but are awaiting available program funding or placement. Waitlist timelines vary depending on program availability.
Diagnoses
Alzheimer’s Disease
A progressive neurodegenerative condition that damages memory and other critical brain functions, including thinking, behavior, and communication.
Arthritis
A term describing conditions causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, or other symptoms. Osteoarthritis is the most common form among over 200 types.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
A progressive lung disease that makes breathing difficult due to airflow obstruction. COPD often requires ongoing medical management and supportive care.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
A chronic condition in which the heart does not pump blood effectively. Symptoms may include fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling. Ongoing monitoring and support are often required.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Also called COVID-19, a virus causing mild to severe symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or breathing difficulties. Symptoms vary depending on age and underlying health conditions. To learn more, please visit the CDC website.
Dementia
A general term describing a decline in memory, reasoning, and cognitive abilities that interferes with daily functioning. Dementia may be caused by several conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Diabetes
A chronic condition affecting how the body regulates blood sugar (glucose). Management may include medication, dietary monitoring, and routine medical care.
Incontinence
Loss of bladder or bowel control requiring caregiver support or assistance.
Ischemia
A condition where blood flow to the heart is restricted or reduced, leading to decreased oxygen and circulation. For details, see the American Heart Association.
MS (Multiple Sclerosis)
A central nervous system disease in which the immune system attacks nerve coverings, disrupting communication between the brain and body. Visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for more information.
Myocardial Infarction
Also known as a heart attack, caused by blocked blood flow to the heart. For more info, please visit the American Heart Association.
Parkinson’s Disease
A neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement, often beginning with hand tremors. For details, see the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Pneumonia
Lung inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection. Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. More information at the American Lung Association.
Stroke (CVA)
A medical condition that occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. A stroke may result in physical, cognitive, or speech impairments and often requires rehabilitation and supportive care.
Sundowning Syndrome
Late afternoon or evening confusion, agitation, or restlessness, often seen in individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)
A brief, stroke-like episode that can indicate future stroke risk. See the American Stroke Association for more information.