Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
basic personal care that is necessary to live independently, such as bathing, grooming, toileting, and personal hygiene.
Acute Care
care required by a client/patient for a short period, usually until an underlying condition is resolved.
Case Management
coordination of a client/patient's health care services to ensure appropriate, quality care as their health care and social needs change.
Companion Aide
provides companionship for a client/patient and assisstance with tasks such as homemaking, meal planning and preparation, shopping, transportation, and possibly personal care.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
Medical equipment or devices used to enhance the person's ability to function in the home. DME include wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen equipment, hospital beds, lift chairs, and other such items vital in promoting independence.
Home Health Aide
paraprofessional caregivers through New York State approved programs that provide specific hands on personal care and light homemaking tasks. Aides may provide expanded health related tasks when trained and supervised by a Registered Nurse.
Homemaker/Housekeeper
an individual who assists with domestic tasks such as housekeeping, laundry, shopping, and meal preparation.
Home Health Care
services ranging from personal care assistance to nursing services to physical therapy are provided in the home by qualified home health care agencies.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)
basic tasks that are necessary to maintain an individual at home such as laundry, cleaning, shoping, and taking care of personal finances.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
a practical nurse trained in nursing techniques and direct patient care, who has completed a course in nursing and who is licensed by New York State to perform patient care.
Long Term Care
care required by the chronically ill and disabled. Care ranges from household tasks to skilled nursing services. LTC is delivered in a variety of care settings, including home, adult home, and nursing facilities.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
a licensed professional who assesses the social and emotional factors impeding the client/patient's ability to cope with problems of daily living. Counsels and assists client/patients and their families to understand and follow a medical treatment plan.
Occupational Therapist (OT)
performs diagnostic tests, measurements, and evaluations, such as mobility of joints, strength and endurance of muscles. Initiates and applies appropriate preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitative procedures and techniques.
Personal Care Aide (PCA)
a trained individual who provides personal care such as bathing, dressing, assisting with personal hygiene, meal preparation, laundry, errands and light housekeeping.
Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)
is a communication system that links an individual with an emergency response system. Pressing a button on the unit or pendant automatically dials for help and/or rescue.
Physical Therapist (PT)
performs diagnostic tests and evaluations, such as joint mobility, stability and appearance of walking, strength and muscle endurance.
Registered Nurse (RN)
a professional nurse who has completed a course of study at a state approved school of nursing and has passed the national council licensure examination (NCLEX-RN) and who is licensed by New York State to perform specific nursing assessments and skilled nursing care.
Respiratory Therapist (RT)
employs specific testing techniques to assist in diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of those with respiratory problems. Provides respiratory rehabilitation appropriate instructions, and supportive counseling for the client/patient and family until optimum recovery level is achieved.
Respite Caregiver
individual who provides temporary care to a client in order to provide the primary caregiver time to rest, relax, and have time away from the household. May be a paid or volunteer position.
Speech Therapy (ST)
assesses and evaluates client/patient's needs for speech, language and/or audiology services. Initiates and applies appropriate preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitative procedures and techniques.
