Healthcare Services

Part-time healthcare provided by medical professionals in a patient’s home to maintain or restore health. Home care includes a range of skilled and non-skilled services, including part-time nursing care, therapy, assistance with daily activities, and homemaker services such as cleaning and meal preparation. Medicare defines home healthcare as intermittent, physician-ordered medical services or treatment.

Durable Medical Equipment

Medical equipment that is ordered by a doctor for use in a patient’s home. Examples are walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, and hospital beds. DME is paid for under Medicare Part B and Part A for home health services if you qualify based upon Medicare guidelines.

Independent Living

Communities for seniors who are very independent and have few medical problems. Residents live in private apartments. Meals, housekeeping, maintenance, social outings, and events are provided.

Assisted Living

An apartment in a long-term care facility for elderly or disabled people who can no longer live on their own but who don’t need a high level of care. Assisted living facilities provide assistance with medications, meals in a cafeteria or restaurant-like setting, and housekeeping services. Nursing staff is on-site. Most facilities have social activities and provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, shopping, etc.

Nursing Home (Skilled Nursing Facility)

A residential facility for people with chronic illness or disability, particularly elderly people who need assistance for most or all of their daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and toileting. Nursing homes provide 24-hour skilled care and are also called convalescent homes or long-term care facilities. Many nursing homes also provide short-term rehabilitative stays for patients recovering from an injury or illness. Some facilities also have a separate unit for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss.

Hospice

A licensed or certified program that provides care for people who are terminally ill and their families.