Glossary

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, have additional senior housing terms you would like to suggest we add, or need additional help, please contact a Pathway community near you.

To see a term’s definition, click the title.

R

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)

A form of mental illness.

Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC)

Refers to a Division of HUD that performs a physical inspection of all tax credit Pathway communities pursuant to HUD regulations, 24 CFR § 5 & 200. The REAC inspection scores properties based on heath and safety, appearance, and code adherence in the following five areas: (i) physical site; (ii) building exterior; (iii) building systems; (iv) common areas; and (v) individual resident units. The score value is from zero to 100 and any property deficiencies are noted by “Levels” ranging from one (1) to three (3). PSL properties also are required to provide HUD with a certification entitled “Project Owner’s Certification That All Exigent Health and Safety Items Have Been Corrected.” This Certification attests to a property’s health and safety and certifies that any exigent fire, health, and safety hazards that may exist within communities have been corrected.

Reasonable Accommodation

The Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA) requires an accommodation if it is reasonable and necessary to provide a disabled person the equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. Most courts generally require the plaintiff to make an initial showing that an accommodation is necessary and reasonable, and then shift the burden to the defendant to show that the accommodation is unreasonable. Under the FHAA, a resident must be allowed to make alterations to their own living space at their own expense (and a deposit may be required to assure restoration to original condition upon move out). HUD subsidized properties are covered under Section 504. Section 504 applies to all programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. The Department’s regulations for section 504 are found at 24 CFR part 8, and require that reasonable accommodations and modifications to the unit be done at the housing providers expense unless the cost is financially unsupportable.

Recertification

See Certification.

Rental Subsidy

A Section 8 housing assistance payment (HAP) is usually equal to the difference between the tenant’s share of the rent and the rent charged by the owner. The tenant rent contribution is generally the highest of: a) 30% of adjusted monthly income; b) 10% of the person’s monthly income; or c) the welfare assistance payment adjusted for or designated as housing cost. The project rental assistance contract (PRAC) is another form of subsidy, also limited to 30% of adjusted income, though there are no fixed market or unsubsidized units rents so resident rents are not capped by some unit-based rent value.

At some Pathway communities, Section 8 certificates are accepted. However, the resident is responsible for securing his or her Section 8 approval and recertification from the Illinois Housing Development Authority.

Resident Assessment

Administering examinations, procedures, or tests to determine a resident’s need and or eligibility for services. Information reviewed may include: health status, financial status, activities of daily living status, etc. This process may include health screening and testing of blood pressure, hearing, vision, and diabetes.

Resident Service Plan (RSP)

A written action plan for delivering care to meet an individual’s needs and desires. Care plans include an assessment of strengths, remaining skills, service needs and frequency, and who is to provide service.

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.

At Pathway’s Supportive Living communities, the way we have financed the communities helps keep the costs down and we’ve been able to pass along the savings to you. However, certain limitations have been placed on the way the communities operate, and as a result, we are unable to offer Respite Care.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

Uncontrollable restlessness or movement of legs; usually at night; often interferes with sleep.

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

A program managed by ACTION. RSVP gives low-income seniors a stipend to help other people.

Reversible Dementia

Dementia caused by an illness or condition that can be treated.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Arthritis that inflames and cripples the joints; causes joint deformity.

Pathway wishes to acknowledge the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), Senior Living University, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), for their contributions to this Glossary. This information is presented for informational purposes only and should not be used as medical or legal advice.