Glossary of Nursing Home Terms

Understanding the language used in nursing homes and long-term care facilities can be challenging and confusing. Whether you’re placing a loved one in a facility or investigating concerns about abuse or neglect, you need to know what certain terms mean. In this glossary, our award-winning Illinois nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys explain common nursing home  terms and acronyms you and your family may encounter.

A

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Basic self-care tasks including bathing, dressing, eating, using the toilet, transferring (e.g., from bed to chair), and walking. Residents who cannot perform ADLs often need assistance from caregivers or aides.

Advance Directive
A legal document that outlines a person’s preferences for medical treatment if they become unable to make decisions. Includes living wills and powers of attorney.

Adult Protective Services (APS)
A state agency that investigates reports of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. In Illinois, APS is administered by the Illinois Department on Aging.

B

Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers)
Injuries to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure, often due to immobility. Bedsores and pressure ulcers are a common sign of neglect if not properly prevented or treated.

Behavioral Health Services
Mental health services provided to residents who may have depression, anxiety, dementia, or other cognitive or emotional conditions.

Beneficiary
An individual who is entitled to receive benefits from insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or a will or trust.

C

Care Plan
A personalized plan created for each resident detailing their medical, physical, psychological, and social needs. Required by federal law and reviewed regularly.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
A trained and certified professional who assists residents with basic care, including hygiene, eating, and mobility.

Chemical Restraints
Drugs used to restrict a resident’s movement or behavior. The use of chemical restraints without medical necessity is illegal and can be a form of abuse.

CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
A federal agency that oversees nursing home regulations and reimbursement. CMS also rates nursing homes through its Nursing Home Compare website.

D

Deficiency
A violation or failure by a nursing home to meet state or federal regulations during an inspection. Deficiencies are graded by severity and can lead to fines or corrective action.

Dementia
A general term for cognitive decline, including memory loss and impaired judgment. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form.

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order
A medical directive that instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR or other life-saving measures if the resident’s heart or breathing stops.

E

Elder Abuse
Any intentional or negligent act by a caregiver that causes harm or serious risk of harm to an older adult. Includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.

Elopement
When a resident wanders away from a nursing home unsupervised. Elopement is especially dangerous for residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

End-of-Life Care
Support and medical care provided during the final phase of life, focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

F

Fall Risk
A clinical assessment to determine a resident’s likelihood of falling. Fall risks must be addressed in care plans. Frequent falls may signal inadequate supervision at the nursing home.

Family Council
A group of family members who meet to discuss care issues and advocate for residents’ rights and quality care in a facility.

Feeding Tube
A device used to provide nutrition to residents who cannot eat normally. Improper use or care of feeding tubes can cause infection or injury.

G

Gait Belt
A safety device used by caregivers to assist residents with walking or transfers. Improper use can result in injury.

Guardianship
A legal relationship where a court appoints an individual to make decisions for someone who is incapacitated.

H

Healthcare Power of Attorney (HCPOA)
A legal document naming someone to make medical decisions on behalf of a person who is no longer capable.

Hospice Care
Specialized end-of-life care focusing on comfort rather than curative treatment, usually provided when life expectancy is six months or less.

I

Immediate Jeopardy
A severe violation cited by regulators indicating that a facility’s actions (or lack of action) have caused or are likely to cause serious harm, injury, or death.

Incontinence
Inability to control bladder or bowel movements. Requires regular monitoring and hygiene care in nursing home settings.

Informed Consent
The process by which a resident (or their representative) is made fully aware of potential risks and benefits before undergoing medical treatment.

J

Joint Commission (TJC)
An independent organization that accredits healthcare facilities, including some nursing homes. Accreditation is voluntary and not required for Medicare/Medicaid participation.

L

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
A nurse licensed to provide basic medical care, such as administering medication and monitoring vital signs, under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician.

Living Will
A written statement detailing a person’s preferences for medical treatment if they become incapacitated.

M

Malnutrition
A condition caused by inadequate nutrition. In nursing homes, it may result from neglect, improper feeding, or underlying medical conditions.

Medicaid
A federal-state program that pays for long-term care for low-income individuals, including many nursing home residents.

Medicare
A federal health insurance program primarily for individuals 65 and older. Covers short-term skilled nursing care, but not long-term custodial care.

Minimum Data Set (MDS)
A federally mandated assessment tool used to evaluate the clinical needs of nursing home residents. Helps guide care planning and reimbursement.

N

Neglect
The failure to provide necessary care, resulting in harm or risk of harm. Includes lack of food, hygiene, supervision, or medical care.

Nursing Home Administrator
The licensed individual responsible for the overall management of a nursing facility.

Nursing Home Reform Act (OBRA 1987)
A federal law establishing rights for nursing home residents and minimum standards for care in facilities receiving Medicare or Medicaid funding.

O

Occupational Therapy (OT)
Therapy focused on helping residents perform daily tasks like dressing or feeding themselves. Often prescribed after injury or surgery.

Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA)
The 1987 law (also called the Nursing Home Reform Act) that reformed nursing home standards and reinforced residents’ rights.

P

Palliative Care
Care that focuses on relieving pain and improving quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses, regardless of life expectancy.

Patient Rights
Legal rights guaranteed to nursing home residents under state and federal law, including the right to dignity, privacy, and freedom from abuse.

Physical Therapy (PT)
Rehabilitative treatment to help residents regain or improve mobility and physical function.

Plan of Correction (POC)
A written plan submitted by a nursing home to regulatory authorities in response to deficiencies cited during inspections.

Psychotropic Drugs
Medications that affect the mind, emotions, or behavior. Includes antipsychotics, antidepressants, and sedatives. Improper use of psychotropic drugs is often a common concern in abuse cases.

Q

Quality Measures
Metrics used by CMS to assess the quality of care in nursing homes. Includes rates of infections, falls, medication errors, and resident satisfaction.

R

Registered Nurse (RN)
A nurse with advanced training and licensing who supervises other nursing staff and provides higher-level medical care and assessments.

Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI)
A standardized tool used to assess nursing home residents’ needs and track their care. Includes the Minimum Data Set (MDS).

Resident Council
A group of nursing home residents who meet regularly to voice concerns and provide input on facility policies and care.

Restraints
Any physical or chemical means of limiting a resident’s movement. Their use is strictly regulated and must be medically justified.

S

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
A nursing home that provides 24/7 medical care and rehabilitation services under the supervision of licensed nurses and physicians.

Social Worker
A professional who helps residents and families address emotional, social, and financial issues related to long-term care.

Survey (Inspection)
An evaluation conducted by state regulators to ensure nursing home compliance with federal and state standards. Can result in deficiencies or penalties.

T

Transfer
The process of moving a resident from one facility or level of care to another. May also refer to physically moving a resident (e.g., from bed to wheelchair).

U

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A common and potentially dangerous infection in elderly residents, often linked to poor hygiene, catheter use, or dehydration. UTIs can lead to sepsis if untreated.

V

Ventilator
A machine used to assist or control a resident’s breathing. Requires specialized care and monitoring in a skilled facility.

W

Wandering
When a resident, often with dementia, moves around the facility unsupervised. Wandering and elopement an be dangerous if not properly managed.

Wrongful Death
A legal claim that arises when a resident dies due to the negligent or intentional actions of the facility or its staff.

Contact the Compassionate Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

At John J. Malm & Associates, with offices in Naperville and St. Charles, we are committed to ensuring that our clients are fully informed. If you suspect abuse, neglect, or a wrongful death in a nursing home, our top-rated Illinois nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys can help.  We offer free consultations, including in-person, virtual, and telephone consultations. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your rights and options.