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Glossary of senior living terms: I–Z

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The SeniorLiving.wiki glossary defines 31 common senior living, long-term care and benefits terms in plain language, each with a source. This page covers terms I–Z; see terms A–H for the rest.

Index

I · L · M · P · Q · R · S · Terms A–H →

Terms I–Z

Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)
Tasks such as housework, meals, laundry, taking medication, money management, transportation and telephoning.[1]
Long-term care
A variety of services that meet health or personal care needs when a person can no longer perform everyday activities on their own.[2]
Long-term care insurance
Insurance that reimburses a daily amount, up to a set limit, for personal and custodial care at home, in the community or in a facility.[3]
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
A free, confidential advocate for residents of long-term care facilities; California’s 24-hour CRISISline is 1-800-231-4024.[4]
Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR)
The VA pension ceiling; the benefit equals the MAPR minus countable income.[5]
Memory care
Housing and care for people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias with specialized 24-hour care, secure environments and trained staff.[6]
Personal care
Help with dressing, feeding, toileting, bathing, grooming and mobility.[1]
Plan of correction
A facility’s plan to fix deficiencies found by CDSS; California makes these plans public.[7]
Protective supervision
Observing and assisting confused residents, including people with dementia, to keep them safe from injury.[1]
Qualifying inpatient hospital stay
A medically necessary inpatient stay of at least 3 consecutive days, required before Medicare covers SNF care; observation time does not count.[8]
Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE)
California’s license category for housing where people 60 and over receive 24-hour non-medical care and supervision; includes assisted living and board and care homes.[9]
Respite care
Short-term relief for primary caregivers, from a few hours to several weeks.[10]
Skilled nursing facility (SNF)
A nursing home providing nursing care, 24-hour supervision and rehabilitation; Medicare covers short-term SNF stays for eligible people.[11]
Sundowning
In California law, recurring confusion, disorientation and agitation in people with cognitive impairment that coincide with late afternoon and early evening.[1]

References

Web pages accessed September 28, 2026 unless noted. See sources and methodology.

  1. ^ "California Health and Safety Code §1569.2 (definitions, residential care facilities for the elderly)". California Legislative Information.
  2. ^ "What Is Long-Term Care?". National Institute on Aging (NIH).
  3. ^ "What is Long-term Care Insurance?". LongTermCare.gov, Administration for Community Living.
  4. ^ "Long-Term Care Ombudsman". California Department of Aging.
  5. ^ "Current pension rates for Veterans (effective December 1, 2025)". U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Rates for Dec. 1, 2025–Nov. 30, 2026.
  6. ^ "Determine the Best Housing Option For Me". California Department of Aging.
  7. ^ "California Health and Safety Code §1569.33 (inspections of RCFEs)". California Legislative Information.
  8. ^ "Skilled nursing facility care (coverage page; 2026 cost-sharing amounts)". Medicare.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 2026 amounts.
  9. ^ "Resources for Residents and Families (Senior Care Licensing)". California Department of Social Services.
  10. ^ "What Is Respite Care?". National Institute on Aging (NIH).
  11. ^ "Long-Term Care Facilities: Assisted Living, Nursing Homes, and Other Residential Care". National Institute on Aging (NIH).