Care Terms
A plain-language glossary
Care can come with a lot of unfamiliar words. Here are clear definitions of the terms families hear most often, so nothing feels confusing.
A
- Activities of Daily Living
- The everyday tasks a person does to care for themselves, such as bathing, dressing, eating, using the toilet, and moving around. Often shortened to ADLs.
- Aging in Place
- Remaining in one’s own home safely and comfortably as needs change over time, rather than moving to a facility.
C
- Care Plan
- A personalized outline of the support a person needs, who provides it, and how it will be delivered and reviewed.
- Community Care Program
- An NJ DDD program that offers a broader range of services and supports for eligible adults, based on assessed needs.
- Companion Care
- Non-medical support focused on companionship, conversation, and light help with daily routines to reduce isolation.
D
- Dementia Care
- Patient, structured support for people living with memory changes, focused on safety, familiarity, and dignity.
- Direct Support Professional
- A professional who supports adults with developmental disabilities in daily living, skill-building, and community participation.
F
- Fall Risk
- The likelihood that a person may fall, based on factors like balance, mobility, medications, and home environment.
H
- Home Health Aide
- A trained caregiver who provides personal care and support with daily living, often under nurse oversight.
- Hospital Readmission
- A return to the hospital within a short period after discharge. Thoughtful planning at home can help reduce avoidable setbacks.
- Hourly Care
- Care provided in scheduled blocks of time, from a few hours to full days, based on the person’s needs.
L
- Live-in Care
- An arrangement where a caregiver stays in the home to provide support across the day and night, with appropriate rest.
M
- Medication Reminder
- A prompt to help a person take medications as prescribed. Reminders are non-medical and do not replace a nurse or physician.
N
- NJ DDD
- The New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities, which oversees programs and services for eligible adults with developmental disabilities.
- Nurse Assessment
- A review by a registered nurse to understand a person’s needs and help shape a safe, appropriate care plan.
P
- Personal Care
- Hands-on help with daily living tasks such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and mobility, provided with respect for dignity.
R
- Respite Care
- Temporary care that gives family caregivers a break, provided by a professional who steps in for a set period.
S
- Skilled Nursing
- Nurse-led clinical support and oversight provided at home, coordinated with a person’s physicians and care plan.
- Supports Program
- An NJ DDD program that provides employment and day services along with individual and family supports for eligible adults living at home.
T
- Transitional Care
- Structured, short-term support that helps a person move safely from one care setting to another, such as hospital to home.
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