Home Healthcare

Healthcare provided by medical professionals in a patient’s home to maintain or restore health. It includes a range of skilled and non-skilled services, including part-time nursing care, therapy, and assistance with daily activities and homemaker services, such as cleaning and meal preparation. Medicare defines home healthcare as intermittent, physician-ordered medical services or treatment. Visit Home Care for more information.

Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

Medical equipment that is ordered by a physician for use in a patient’s home. Examples are walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, and hospital beds. DME may be paid for under Medicare Part B and some equipment may need special authorization. Please ask a case manager for more information. Visit Durable Medical Equipment for more information.

Independent Living

Communities for seniors who are independent and have few medical problems. Residents live in private apartments. Meals, housekeeping, maintenance, social outings, and events are provided. Visit Independent Living for more information.

Assisted Living

An apartment in a long-term care facility for elderly or disabled people who can no longer live on their own but who don’t need a high level of care. Assisted living facilities provide assistance with medications, meals in a cafeteria or restaurant-like setting, and housekeeping services. Nursing staff is on-site. Most facilities have social activities and provide transportation to physician's appointments, shopping, etc. Visit Assisted Care for more information.

Skilled Nursing Facility

A residential facility for people with chronic illness or disability, particularly elderly people who need assistance for most or all of their daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and toileting. Skilled nursing facilities provide 24-hour skilled care, and also are called convalescent homes or long-term care facilities. Many nursing homes also provide short-term rehabilitative stays for patients recovering from an injury or illness. Some facilities also have a separate unit for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss. Visit Skilled Nursing & Rehab Care for more information.

Hospice House

A licensed or certified program that provides care for people who are terminally ill and their families. Hospice House provides care at home, in a hospice or other freestanding facility, or within a hospital. Also referred to as palliative care, hospice care emphasizes the management of pain and discomfort and addresses the physical, spiritual, emotional, psychological, financial, and legal needs of the patient and his or her family. Visit Hospice & Palliative Care for more information.