For Families
Senior care glossary
Plain-language definitions of the terms you will hear during a senior move.
- ADLs: activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, toileting, moving and eating.
- Assisted living facility (ALF): licensed housing with help for daily activities and medications.
- ECC / LNS / LMH: Florida ALF specialty licenses: extended congregate care, limited nursing services, limited mental health.
- Memory care: secured assisted living for people with dementia.
- Skilled nursing facility (SNF): 24-hour nursing and rehab; short-term rehab or long-term care.
- Observation status: a hospital stay billed as outpatient; does not count toward Medicare's 3-day rule.
- Respite care: a short stay to give caregivers a break.
- ADRC: Aging and Disability Resource Center, your local free information and referral office.
- Health care surrogate: the person named to make medical decisions.
- Ombudsman: a free advocate for residents of long-term care facilities.
General information only, not medical, legal or financial advice. Programs and amounts change; confirm with the official source or a qualified professional.