Understanding nursing home terminology is essential for families navigating care options for their loved ones. Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation, located in Delmar, DE, is pleased to provide the following guide of the most important terms to know. Feel free to contact us at (302) 846-3077, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.
Levels of Care
- Skilled Nursing Care: Comprehensive medical care provided by licensed nurses, often including wound care, medication administration, and therapy.
- Long-Term Care: Ongoing assistance with daily living activities for residents with chronic conditions.
- Rehabilitation Services: Short-term therapy (physical, occupational, or speech) to help residents recover from surgery, illness, or injury.
- Respite Care: Temporary care that provides relief for family caregivers.
- Care Plan: A personalized plan outlining a resident’s medical, emotional, and daily living needs.
- Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Basic self-care tasks like eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and mobility.
- Minimum Data Set (MDS): A federally mandated assessment tool used to evaluate residents’ care needs
Facility Terms
- Administrator: The individual responsible for the overall operation of the nursing home.
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): A caregiver who helps residents with ADLs under supervision.
- Social Worker: Staff who assist with emotional support, family communication, and discharge planning.
- Resident Rights: Legal protections ensuring dignity, respect, and quality of life for nursing home residents
- State Survey: Inspections conducted by state agencies to ensure the facility complies with regulations.
- Medicare: Federal insurance that may cover short-term stays for rehabilitation or skilled nursing.
- Medicaid: State and federal program for long-term care funding, often income-based.
- Private Pay: Care paid out-of-pocket by the resident or family.
- Five-Star Rating System: A federal system that rates nursing homes on health inspections, staffing, and quality measures.
- CMS: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which oversees nursing home standards and payments.
- Memory Care: Specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
- Palliative Care: Comfort-focused care for residents with serious illnesses.
- Hospice Care: End-of-life care prioritizing comfort and quality of life.
By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you can make more informed decisions and advocate effectively for your loved one’s needs.
Your home and haven for skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is committed to providing the highest level of care to our resident’s. We recognize the unique needs and individuality of each of our residents and support our staff in meeting the needs of our customers through education and clinical support. Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center strives to meet the individualized needs of each residents by promoting opportunities for success. We recognize individual approaches, incorporate innovative ideas, and promote a home like environment that encourages socialization among our resident’s and staff members. We attempt to meet the spiritual, psychosocial and emotional needs of our residents, families and staff.