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Chapter Twenty-One • Glossary

Custodial Care • Care to help individuals perform activities of daily living as well
as some other basic activities.

Durable Medical Equipment • Medical equipment prescribed by a doctor for use
by a patient at home. These reusable items include such things as hospital beds,
lifts, wheelchairs, and oxygen.

Geriatrician • A medical specialist who treats older adults. These are generally
internal medicine or family practice physicians who have completed additional
training and certification.

Home Health Agency • A service that locates and manages health professionals
who provide services in the home such as nursing, physical therapy, or personal
care.

Home Health Aide (HHA) • A professional who is trained to provide assistance
with bathing, dressing, grooming, eating and cooking, and light housekeeping in
order to assist the patient with living independently in a safe environment.

Hospice • A special concept of care designed to provide comfort and support to
patients and their families when a life-limiting illness no longer responds to cure-
orients treatment.

Long Term Care Insurance • A type of insurance coverage for long term
care expenses such as assistance with activities of daily living or medical care
required to manage a chronic condition and will generally cover some of, if not
all, the costs associated with skilled nursing facilities, residential care homes,
assisted living or other types of similar facilities. In addition, the policy may cover
home health care and other costs of care depending upon the terms of the policy.

Long Term Care Ombudsman • A state-certified advocate serving residents in
facilities for the elderly.

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