Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Actions we do daily as part of the self-care routine include bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and other personal care activities. Home health aides and personal care assistants often coach or assist our patients with their ADLs.
Caregiver
Anyone who provides care for a senior, including family members, friends, home health aides, personal care assistants, and medical professionals like nurses and physical, occupational, and speech therapists. Most of us will be caregivers at some point in our lives.
Chaplain (CH)
A non-denominational individual who provides grief counseling, coordination of community resources, and assistance with spiritual and emotional issues that often accompany acute and chronic illness.
Custodial Care
Non-medical assistance with activities of daily living (such as bathing, eating, dressing, using the toilet, transfers) for patients who need help performing those activities. For extended periods throughout the day or night or require 24-hour care or supervision.
DME/HME
Durable medical equipment. Home medical equipment. A company that we contract with to provide necessary equipment for your home. Wheelchairs, beds, oxygen, etc.
Hospice Care
Medicare/Medicaid certified agency. Care is delivered wherever you reside: private residence, group home, assisted living, or long-term care facility. Care is provided by nurses and other skilled clinicians, including Medical Social Workers, Physicians, Chaplains, STNAs, and OT/PT/ST (on an individual basis). An interdisciplinary approach ensures patients and their loved ones are supported throughout their journey.
Hospice Nurse
Registered Nurses (RNs) manage all patients and complete Initial and routine assessments, on-call visits, level of care evaluations, triage after-hour calls for emergencies. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) perform routine visits, on-call visits, and higher level of care visits under the supervision of the RN Case Manager and Director of Nursing.
Medical Social Worker (MSW)
Provides grief counseling, coordination of community resources, and assistance with social, financial, and emotional issues that often accompany acute and chronic illness.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Helps improve, sustain, or restore independence after an injury or illness by focusing on Activities of Daily Living. Limited therapy may be available on a case-by-case basis for quality-of-life improvement.
On Hospice
This phrase indicates that a person is receiving hospice care.
Physical Therapy (PT)
Helps restore strength, flexibility, coordination, mobility, and general function to patients experiencing a decline. Limited therapy may be available on a case-by-case basis for quality-of-life improvement.
Speech Therapy (ST)
Helps restore or improve speech, language, swallowing, and cognitive function loss after an illness or injury, including stroke and dementia. Limited therapy may be available on a case-by-case basis for quality-of-life improvement.
State-Tested Nurse Assistant (STNA)
An Ohio Department of Health approved training program/designation for aides working in long-term care settings, hospitals, home care, and hospice who perform basic patient care. Sometimes called a Nursing Assistant or Aide.