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Accreditation A designation issued by an independent body to an organization. The accrediting body establishes standards and requirements for organizations in a field or industry. To become accredited, the provider implements practices that meet the established standards and requirements. Related Words Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)  ;  Continuum of Care  ;  Multi-Level Care Community

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) Physical functions that an independent person performs each day, including bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, walking or wheeling, and transferring into and out of bed. Related Words Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

Adult Day Care Services provided to seniors at a community-based center for 8-10 hours during the day. Services are social and health related (i.e. planned activities, assistance with ADLs, and physical and mental exercise) and may cater to seniors with special needs such as memory care. Transportation to and from the center is often provided and meals and snacks are prepared and served. Related Words Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)  ;  Memory Care

Adult Family/Foster Home A type of assisted living license in many states which refers to a residential care home with few residents (i.e. 4-8 residents). Related Words Assisted Living Community  ;  Residential Care Home

Affordable Housing A type of housing for seniors who need public assistance to pay for housing. Related Words Aid & Attendance (VA Benefit)  ;  Area Agency on Aging (AAA)  ;  Medicaid

Aid & Attendance (VA Benefit) A special pension provided to Veterans and their widows(ers) of below-average financial means who require regular assistance with ADLs. This is a "pension benefit" and is not dependent upon service-related injuries for compensation.

Alzheimer’s Disease A progressive and fatal brain disorder which destroys brain cells and causes degradation of memory, thinking and behavior. The most common form of dementia. Related Words Dementia  ;  Memory Care

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) Also called Pet Therapy. A type of therapy which utilizes trained animals and handlers to achieve specific physical, social, cognitive, and emotional goals with patients. Studies have shown that physical contact with a pet can lower high blood pressure and improve survival rates for heart attack victims.

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) A non-profit organization that receives government support to organize and administer programs and services to older Americans on a local level. Their service area typically includes a county or group of counties. They also specialize in providing resources to seniors of below average financial means. Related Words Affordable Housing

Assisted Living Community A group living arrangement that is designed to meet the needs of people who cannot live independently but do not require nursing facility services. Most provide help with some or all ADLs and IADLs. Types and sizes of facilities vary, ranging small homes to large apartment-style complexes. Small assisted living facilities with few residents (i.e. 4-8 residents) are often referred to as Residential Care Homes. Related Words Personal Care Home  ;  Residential Care Home