Navigating the seniors housing maze can be difficult at first. These simple definitions will help you with the terminology you will run into along the way. If you have questions about these terms or need additional help, please contact a Pathway™ Senior Living Community near you.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Activities of daily living are everyday personal care activities such as bathing (sponge, bath or shower), getting dressed, getting in or out of bed or a chair (also called transferring), using the toilet, eating, and getting around while walking. The degree to which one can receive assistance with ADLs as well as the methods for charging for those services vary between senior living communities.

Assisted Living
Assisted Living communities are designed for seniors who are no longer able to live on their own safely, but do not require the high level of care provided in a nursing home. Assistance with medications, activities of daily living, meals and housekeeping are routinely provided. Three meals per day are provided in a central dining room. Residents live in their own private apartments, which frequently have a limited kitchen area. Staff is available 24-hours per day for additional safety. Most assisted living communities provide licensed nursing services; hours vary between communities. Social activities and scheduled transportation are also available in most communities. A special unit for residents with Alzheimer’s Disease or memory loss is available in some, but not all, communities.

Independent Living Communities
Independent living communities cater to seniors who are very independent and have few medical problems. Residents live in fully equipped, private apartments. A variety of apartment sizes may be available—from studios to large two bedrooms. Meals, housekeeping, maintenance and numerous social outings and events to choose from for entertainment are also provided.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living are related to independent living and include preparing meals, managing money (writing checks, paying bills), shopping for groceries or personal items, maintaining a residence/performing housework (ie. laundry and cleaning), taking medications, using a telephone, handling mail and traveling via car or publication transportation. The degree to which one can receive assistance with IADLs as well as the methods for charging for those services vary between senior living communities.

Nursing Home
Nursing homes provide around-the-clock skilled nursing care for the frail elderly who require a high level of medical care and assistance. Twenty-four hour-a-day skilled nursing services are available from licensed nurses. Many nursing homes now provide short-term rehabilitative stays for those recovering from an injury or illness. Longer-term residents generally have high care needs and complex medical conditions that require routine skilled nursing services. Residents typically share a room and are served meals in a central dining area, unless they are too ill to participate. Activities are also available. Some facilities have a separate unit for residents with Alzheimer’s Disease or memory loss.

Respite Care
Respite Care provides a temporary break for caregivers by allowing a resident to have a short-term stay in a community that can meet their needs. Many assisted living communities and nursing homes have a respite care program. Residents typically stay from a week to a month, depending on the situation. They will receive all of the services of the community, and therefore the visit can also serve as a “get acquainted” period for the senior. Many residents find that they enjoy their stay and decide to move-in soon after the short-term visit.

Senior Apartments
Senior apartments cater to seniors who are very independent and have few medical problems. Residents live in fully equipped, private apartments. A variety of apartment sizes may be available—from studios to large two bedrooms.

Supportive Living
In the state of Illinois, a new option called supportive living is also available. Supportive living is much like assisted living. Supportive living communities are designed for seniors who are no longer able to live on their own safely, but do not require the high level of care provided in a nursing home. Assistance with medications, most activities of daily living, meals and housekeeping are routinely provided. Three meals per day are provided in a central dining room. Residents live in their own private apartments, which frequently have a limited kitchen area. Staff is available 24-hours per day for additional safety. Social activities and scheduled transportation are also available in most communities.

The difference between assisted living and supportive living in the state of Illinois is that, by providing services as outlined by the state, supportive living communities are able to offer a financial assistance program to their residents. These programs vary, but, in general, unlike with typical assisted living programs, residents who qualify for the financial assistance program are able to stay at the supportive living community if and when personal funds are depleted.