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The Vocabulary of Long-term Care Quick Reference

A guide to understanding the medical terms used in long-term care

ADL - Activity of Daily Living
These include bathing, dressing, toileting, incontinence care, transferring (to or from bed or chair) and eating. 

AL - Assisted Living
Residential housing that allows an individual to live independently by providing services that are at a lower level of care than those of a skilled nursing facility.

CCRC - Continuing Care Retirement Community
A residential community offering a continuum of care from independent living apartments through skilled nursing care all at the same location.

CNA - Certified Nurse Aide or Assistant 
Someone certified to provide basic nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse or therapist.

DME - Durable Medical Equipment
Medical equipment prescribed by a doctor for use by a patient at home.

DNR - Do Not Resuscitate
Do Not Resuscitate - A written order from a doctor that resuscitation should not be attempted if a person suffers cardiac or respiratory arrest.

EMT - Emergency Medical Technician

HIPAA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
It establishes regulations for the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI).

LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker
A mental health professional who has a master’s degree in social work (MSW), at least two years of clinical supervision and has passed a state licensing exam.

LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse
LPNs perform medical procedures from simple to complex, but must operate under the supervision of either a registered nurse (RN) or a physician.

OT - Occupational Therapy
Therapy that trains individuals to manage everyday tasks in order to promote independence and safety in the home.

PCP - Primary Care Physician
The medical doctor who acts as the first point of contact with patients with undiagnosed health concerns as well as ongoing care of various medical conditions.

POLST - Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment
A document to help health care providers honor patients' treatment wishes.

PT - Physical Therapy
Services prescribed by a doctor to improve movement, muscle control, flexibility and range of motion as well as reduce or prevent physical disability.

RN - Registered Nurse
An individual who has completed training and passed a specific examination in order to be licensed by the state to perform nursing services.

SNF - Skilled Nursing Facility
A residence for people who require constant nursing care and have significant deficiencies with activities of daily living.

ST - Speech Therapy
Therapy that helps an individual overcome communication conditions such as swallowing difficulties and speech and voice disorders.

Sometimes, all you need is a helping hand.  Let us help you to stay at home.

Sinai Family Home Services
7412 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy., Suite 106
Portland, OR 97225
 (503) 542-0088
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