Aged Care Online

Aged Care Terms and Definitions

24/7 emergency call system

An alert system installed in aged care facilities or residences that allows residents to call for immediate assistance in case of emergencies.

24/7 personal care and support

Continuous availability of caregivers or support staff to provide assistance with personal care, daily tasks, and support services round the clock.

24/7 registered nurse

A qualified nurse available at all times to provide nursing care, medical support, and monitoring in an aged care facility.

Accommodation payment

A payment made by residents entering residential aged care, which can be paid as a lump sum (Refundable Accommodation Deposit - RAD) or periodic payments (Daily Accommodation Payment - DAP).

Accreditation

The process of assessing and approving aged care facilities based on specific standards and criteria to ensure quality of care and compliance with regulations.

Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

Basic activities that individuals carry out on a daily basis, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility.

Activities Program

Structured activities and social engagement programs designed to promote mental, physical, and emotional well-being among older individuals in aged care facilities.

Additional services

Optional extra services or amenities provided by aged care facilities beyond the standard care, such as access to higher-quality accommodation, specialised dining options, or enhanced lifestyle activities.

Aged Care

The provision of support and services to older individuals who may require assistance with daily tasks, healthcare, or accommodation.

Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)

Multidisciplinary teams responsible for assessing an individual's eligibility for government-funded aged care services and determining their care needs.

Aged Care Facility

A facility that provides accommodation, personal care, and support services for older individuals who are unable to live independently in their own homes. Also known as a nursing home or residential aged care facility.

Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI)

A tool used to assess the care needs of residents in aged care facilities, primarily in Australia, and determine the level of government funding they are eligible to receive.

Aged care on-site

The availability of comprehensive aged care services, including accommodation, personal care, and support, within a single facility or complex.

Ageing in place

The ability for older individuals to continue living in their preferred environment, such as their own home or community, with appropriate support and services as their care needs change over time.

Allied Health Professional

Healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, who provide specialised services to older individuals to improve their health and well-being.

Assisted Living

A housing option that provides assistance with daily activities, such as meals, personal care, and medication management, while still allowing individuals to maintain independence.

Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)

The range of behavioral and psychological symptoms that can occur in individuals with dementia, including agitation, aggression, hallucinations, and anxiety.

Carer

An individual, often a family member or friend, who provides unpaid support and care to someone who is older, disabled, or ill.

Care Plan

A personalised document that outlines the specific care needs, goals, and interventions for an older individual, developed in collaboration with the individual, their family, and healthcare professionals.

Caregiver Support Group

A group of individuals who come together to share experiences, knowledge, and emotional support related to caring for older individuals.

Case Manager

A professional who coordinates and manages the care services for an individual, including assessing needs, developing care plans, and arranging necessary support.

Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC)

An experienced registered nurse who provides expert clinical advice, education, and support to other healthcare professionals in aged care settings.

Coded keypad entry/exit

A security measure utilising a keypad with a unique code to restrict access to specific areas within an aged care facility.

Communal facilities

Shared spaces within an aged care facility where residents can socialise, engage in activities, or access amenities such as dining areas, recreational spaces, or gardens.

Community Care

Support services, such as home care, respite care, and social activities, provided to older individuals living in the community to help them maintain independence.

Consumer Directed Care (CDC)

A model of care in which consumers have greater control over the services they receive and how they are delivered, allowing them to make choices that best suit their needs and preferences.

Continence Management

The assessment, prevention, and management of incontinence (loss of bladder or bowel control) in older individuals through strategies, interventions, and the use of appropriate aids and equipment.

Couples accommodation

Accommodation options specifically designed for couples in aged care facilities, allowing them to live together and receive the necessary care and support.

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD)

Referring to individuals or groups from diverse cultural, ethnic, or linguistic backgrounds, with specific considerations and support required to meet their cultural preferences and communication needs in aged care.

Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP)

The daily amount payable by residents who choose to pay for their accommodation in aged care facilities through periodic payments instead of a lump sum RAD.

Daily fee

The daily amount payable by aged care residents to contribute towards the cost of care and living expenses in residential aged care facilities.

Dementia

A progressive neurological condition characterised by memory loss, cognitive decline, and changes in behavior and personality.

Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)

Government department responsible for administering support and services to veterans, including aged care services.

Dietitian

A healthcare professional who specialises in nutrition and provides expert advice and support in managing and planning dietary needs for older individuals in aged care.

Diversional therapy

Therapeutic activities and programs designed to engage and stimulate older individuals in aged care, promoting social interaction, cognitive function, and emotional well-being.

Domestic assistance

Support services provided to older individuals to assist with domestic chores and household tasks, such as cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and shopping.

Double rooms

Accommodation options within aged care facilities that are designed to accommodate two residents in a shared room.

End-of-Life Care

Support and medical care provided to individuals who are in the final stages of their life, focusing on pain management, comfort, and emotional support.

Extra services

Additional amenities, lifestyle options, or specialised care services provided by aged care facilities beyond the basic requirements, often at an additional cost.

Falls Prevention

Strategies, interventions, and environmental modifications aimed at reducing the risk of falls and fall-related injuries among older individuals, such as exercise programs, mobility aids, and home modifications.

Funded aged care facilities

Aged care facilities that receive government funding to provide subsidised care and services

Gardening and maintenance

Services provided to maintain outdoor areas, gardens, and grounds within an aged care facility, ensuring a safe and pleasant environment for residents.

Government subsidised aged care

Aged care services that receive financial support from the government to help offset the costs of care, making it more affordable for individuals accessing those services.

Health Promotion

Activities and initiatives aimed at promoting health, preventing diseases, and improving well-being among older individuals through education, lifestyle changes, and community support.

High care nursing homes

Aged care facilities that provide intensive, round-the-clock nursing care and support to residents with complex medical needs or disabilities.

Home Care

Support services provided to older individuals who wish to remain living in their own homes but require assistance with daily tasks, personal care, and household management.

Home Care Package (HCP)

A government-subsidised package of care and services provided to older individuals who want to remain living in their own homes but require assistance with daily tasks.

Home Care Packages (HCP) Level 1

A government-funded program that provides a range of care and support services to help older individuals live independently in their own homes, catering to those with basic care needs.

Home Care Packages (HCP) Level 2

A government-funded program that provides a higher level of care and support services for older individuals with moderate care needs, enabling them to remain in their own homes.

Home Care Packages (HCP) Level 3

A government-funded program that offers a more extensive range of care and support services for older individuals with intermediate care needs, allowing them to continue living at home.

Home Care Packages (HCP) Level 4

The highest level of government-funded home care package, providing comprehensive care and support services to older individuals with high care needs, enabling them to age in place.

In-home care services

Care and support services provided to older individuals within their own homes, including personal care, household assistance, nursing care, and social support.

Independent living units (ILUs)

Self-contained accommodation units or apartments within retirement villages or aged care communities, designed for older individuals who can live independently but may have access to some communal facilities and support services.

Informed Consent

The voluntary agreement of an older individual or their authorised representative to receive a specific treatment, intervention, or care service after being provided with comprehensive information about the risks, benefits, and alternatives.

LGBTI

An acronym that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex. In aged care, it refers to providing inclusive and supportive care for older individuals from diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.

Low care nursing homes

Aged care facilities that offer basic care, support, and accommodation for older individuals who require minimal assistance with daily activities and have lower care needs.

Meals and shopping

Assistance provided to older individuals in accessing and preparing meals, as well as assistance with grocery shopping and meal planning.

Medication management

Services and support provided to assist older individuals in managing their medications effectively, including medication administration, monitoring, and coordination with healthcare professionals.

Non-funded aged care facilities

Aged care facilities that do not receive government subsidies and are operated privately, with residents responsible for covering the full cost of care and accommodation.

Nursing care

Professional healthcare services provided by registered nurses to older individuals, including assessments, monitoring, medication administration, wound care, and general medical support.

Occupational Therapist (OT)

A healthcare professional who assists older individuals in regaining or maintaining independence in daily activities through therapeutic techniques, environmental modifications, and adaptive equipment.

Palliative Care

Specialised care provided to individuals with serious illnesses or conditions, focusing on managing pain, alleviating symptoms, and providing emotional and spiritual support.

Personal care

Assistance and support with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility assistance.

Personal Care Assistant (PCA)

A trained healthcare professional who provides direct care and assistance to older individuals in various settings, such as residential aged care facilities or home care.

Pet friendly

Referring to aged care facilities or accommodations that allow residents to have their pets, recognising the positive impact of animal companionship on the well-being of older individuals.

Placement consultant

A professional who assists individuals or families in finding suitable aged care facilities or accommodations based on their specific needs, preferences, and budget.

Privately funded aged care

Aged care services and accommodations that are financed entirely by the individual or their family without government subsidies or financial assistance.

Refundable accommodation deposit (RAD)

A lump sum payment made by residents entering residential aged care, which is refundable to the resident or their estate when they leave the facility.

Registered Nurse

A qualified nurse who has completed the necessary education and licensing requirements and is registered with the appropriate nursing regulatory body. Registered nurses provide medical care, administer medications, and coordinate healthcare services in aged care settings.

Rental units/accommodation

Accommodation options within an aged care facility that are available for rent, usually on a periodic basis, as an alternative to paying a lump sum accommodation payment.

Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF)

A facility that provides accommodation, personal care, and 24-hour nursing support for older individuals who are unable to live independently in their own homes. Also known as a nursing home or aged care facility.

Resident agreement

A legally binding document that outlines the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of both the aged care facility and the resident, including details about the care, services, and fees.

Respite Care

Short-term care provided to older individuals to give their regular caregivers a break or temporary relief from their caregiving responsibilities.

Retirement Village

A housing complex or community designed for older individuals who are still independent but want access to amenities, social activities, and support services.

Rooms with ensuites

Accommodation units or bedrooms within an aged care facility that have attached private bathrooms or ensuite facilities for the exclusive use of the resident.

Secure dementia care

Specialised care units or facilities within aged care settings that are designed to provide a secure and supportive environment for individuals living with dementia, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Secure garden

Enclosed outdoor areas within an aged care facility that are specifically designed to provide a safe and secure environment for residents to enjoy outdoor activities and nature.

Service fee

A fee charged by aged care facilities to cover the costs of additional services or amenities provided to residents, such as recreational activities, social programs, or transportation.

Serviced apartment

Self-contained accommodation units within an aged care facility that offer a combination of independent living and access to supportive services, such as housekeeping, meals, and personal care assistance.

Supported Independent Living

A housing option that provides support services, such as personal care and household management

Supported residential facility (SRF)

A type of accommodation that provides care and support to individuals who require assistance with daily living activities, such as meals, personal care, and medication management, in a shared living environment.

Supported residential service (SRS)

A term used in some regions to refer to supported accommodation facilities or services that offer varying levels of care and support to older individuals or those with disabilities.

Transitional care

Short-term care and support provided to older individuals who are transitioning from a hospital stay to their own home or an aged care facility, focusing on rehabilitation, recuperation, and assisting with the transition process.


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