Helpful Definitions of Medical Terms by Marci

It can be very overwhelming seeking professional medical services for yourself or a loved one. Below is a list of commonly used words and phrases to assist you in understanding terminology for care.

ADLs- Activities of Daily Living
This includes basic activities of daily life including bathing, dressing, eating, moving around, toileting, and walking. A certified nursing assistant (C N A), home health aide (HHA), or companion can assist with these activities.

Caregiver
A caregiver is someone who gives care to another person. Medical caregivers provide assistance to patients with medical needs. Non-medical caregivers help individuals with ADLs and companionship. A caregiver can be a C N A, HHA, or a companion. A caregiver can be hired through an agency or can be a family member or friend.

Private-Duty Homecare
Homecare is a cost-effective alternative to hospital care or other institutional care offering health care or personal care services in an individual’s own home. The goal of homecare is to assist and empower an individual and their family to meet their identified needs. It is available to people of all ages on a basis of daily visits, hourly care, or 24 hour live-in care. Services can assistance with ADLs, meal preparation, transportation, errands, light housekeeping, laundry, medication reminders, and companionship. There is no homebound requirement, no medical eligibility, or physician order required. Homecare is covered by long-term care insurance or private pay. It is not covered by Medicare or Medicaid.

Home Health
A home health agency provides skilled intermittent care for individuals who are homebound. The goal of home health is to treat an illness or injury that will aid in regaining strength, independence, and self-sufficiency. Medical eligibility and a physician order/physician signed plan of care are required. These services can include physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), speech therapy (ST), and nursing services for IV support, injections, and monitoring serious illnesses. Home health can be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. The length of service is determined by diagnosis/need.

Hospice
Hospice offers special care for individuals diagnosed with a terminal illness. It is designed to provide compassion and support for the individual and their families. This special care seeks to enable the patient to maintain their dignity in as comfortable and pain-free manner as possible. The hospice team can include nurses, home health aides, physicians, pastoral care staff, social workers, and trained volunteers. Hospice can be in one’s own home, in a hospice facility, or a nursing home. Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance.

Medicare
Medicare is health insurance offered by the federal government to individuals who are 65 & older who receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits. It is also offered to individuals younger than 65 who are permanently disabled or who have been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease.
Medicare has 4 parts: Medicare Part A covers hospital costs, skilled nursing facilities (SNF), and hospice. It is the only part of Medicare that is automatically covered when an individual signs up for Medicare. Medicare Part B is a supplemental insurance option for people who qualify for Medicare that covers services not covered under Medicare A such as physician visits, lab tests, x-rays, physical therapy/rehabilitation services, ambulance service, and some medical equipment. Medicare B requires a monthly premium and annual deductible. Medicare Part C or Medicare Advantage Plans are private health plans that are Medicare approved to cover additional expenses. Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. For more information visit www.medicare.gov.

Medicaid/Public Aid
Medicaid/Public Aid is a state administered program that covers medical care for individuals who are eligible. Each state sets its own guidelines regarding eligibility and services. It is available only to certain low-income individuals and families who fit into an eligibility group based on age, disability, income, and other requirements.

Respite
A temporary break for caregivers.