Senior Living Terms: What You Should Know

Navigating senior living can feel overwhelming, especially with so many unfamiliar terms. At Four Seasons, we understand that every journey is unique, and we’re here to support yours with compassion and clarity. As a Life Plan Community offering a full continuum of care, we believe that understanding your options is the first step toward making confident, informed decisions.

This glossary will help you make sense of common senior living terminology, empowering you to choose the right path for yourself or a loved one.

Common Senior Living Terms

24/7 Nursing – Around-the-clock care provided by licensed healthcare professionals. This includes monitoring vital signs, administering medications, managing chronic conditions, coordinating with physicians, and responding to medical needs at any time of the day or night.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) – Basic self-care tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and mobility. Support with ADLs is a key part of assisted living and skilled care.

Advance Directives – Legal documents (e.g., living will, healthcare power of attorney) that outline an individual’s medical wishes if they are unable to speak for themselves.

Aging in Place – The ability to remain in the same community as care needs change. Four Seasons supports this through its Life Plan model.

Ambulatory – Refers to individuals who can walk independently. Ambulatory status may affect care planning and housing.

Assisted Living – For those who want independence with added support. Includes help with daily tasks, medication reminders, meals, and social activities at Four Seasons.

Care Plan – A personalized roadmap of a resident’s medical, physical, and emotional needs, created with family and healthcare input and updated as needed.

Concierge Services – Personalized support with everyday needs like transportation, appointments, and deliveries for added comfort and convenience.

Continuing Care Retirement Community – Also known as a Life Plan Community, these models provide a full continuum of care including independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing on one campus so residents can age in place.

Hospice Care – Comfort-focused care for those nearing end of life, offering emotional and spiritual support to both residents and families.

Independent Living – Maintenance-free living with access to dining, wellness, and social activities. Independent Living residents enjoy freedom and ease without homeownership burdens.

Life Enrichment – Programs designed to bring joy and meaning to everyday life. At Four Seasons, activities like creative arts, guest lectures, card games, clubs, and wellness events are thoughtfully curated to foster connection, lifelong learning, and a sense of purpose tailored to residents’ interests.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Registered Nurse (RN) – Licensed healthcare professionals who provide clinical care and support. RNs are responsible for comprehensive assessments, developing and overseeing care plans, administering medications, and coordinating with physicians and other care team members. LPNs assist with daily medical tasks such as medication administration, wound care, and vital sign monitoring under the supervision of an RN.

Long-Term Care – 24/7 care for those with chronic conditions, offering medical, personal, and emotional support in a skilled nursing setting.

Memory Support – Structured, compassionate care for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Four Seasons provides a secure environment that honors dignity and enhances quality of life.

Occupational Therapy – Helps individuals regain or maintain the ability to perform daily activities after illness, injury, or surgery.

Palliative Care – Comfort-focused care that manages symptoms of serious illness and enhances quality of life. Can be given alongside curative treatments.

Personal Care – Assistance with grooming, bathing, and dressing, delivered with dignity to support independence and daily comfort.

Physical Therapy – Improves mobility, strength, balance, and independence following surgery, illness, or injury.

Rehabilitation Services – Short-term physical, occupational, and speech therapies offered on-site to support recovery after illness, surgery, or hospitalization.

Respite Care – Temporary support for older adults, ideal after hospital stays or to give caregivers a break. Guests enjoy the same expert care as residents.

Skilled Nursing – High-level, clinical care from licensed health care staff. At Four Seasons, this supports recovery with compassion and expertise.

Social Work Services – Guidance and emotional support from licensed professionals who help with care coordination and transitions.

Speech Therapy – Therapy for speech, communication, and swallowing challenges, often following a stroke or neurological condition.

Feel Confident in Your Senior Living Journey

At Four Seasons, we know that choosing a senior living community is more than a move, it’s a meaningful step toward greater peace of mind. When you understand the terminology and the full range of services available, you can make informed decisions that align with your lifestyle and support your health with confidence. We are here to guide you every step of the way.