Glossary

Navigating the seniors housing maze can be difficult at first. These simple definitions will help you with the terminology you will run into along the way. If you have questions about these terms, have additional senior housing terms you would like to suggest we add, or need additional help, please contact a Pathway community near you.

To see a term’s definition, click the title.

I

Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA)

Refers to the State agency charged with regulating income and rental limits for all Pathway tax credit communities in Illinois, as well as regulating physical plant requirements of buildings related to appearance, safety, nurse-call buttons, and construction and development requirements. Pathway receives file and physical plant audits from two main Divisions of IHDA – Asset Management Services and Technical Services.

Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD)

Implanted device that corrects death-causing abnormal heart rhythm when it occurs; different than a pacemaker.

Independent Living

Independent living communities cater to seniors who are very independent and have few medical problems that would be better addressed in Assisted Living. Residents live in fully equipped, private apartments. A variety of apartment sizes may be available—from studios to large two bedrooms. Generally referred to as elderly housing in the government-subsidized environment, independent living also includes rental assisted or market rate apartments or cottages where residents usually have complete choice in whether to participate in the community’s services or programs. Hospitality and support services such as meals, housekeeping, maintenance and numerous social outings and events may or may not be provided, and may or may not be included in the standard fees.

At Pathway’s Senior Apartments, residents of this independent living setting get all the benefits of living in an independent living setting without having to pay for services they don’t need, keeping the costs at a rate more affordable than you might expect. While routine maintenance and a resident-run activities program are included, services such as meals, housekeeping and transportation are available to residents for an additional fee.

Initial Certification

See Certification.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living are related to independent living and include preparing meals, managing money (writing checks, paying bills), shopping for groceries or personal items, maintaining a residence/performing housework (i.e. laundry and cleaning), taking medications, using a telephone, handling mail and traveling via car or publication transportation. The degree to which one can receive assistance with IADLs as well as the methods for charging for those services vary between senior living communities.

Intermediate Care Facility (ICF)

An ICF provides less extensive health care than a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). Nursing and rehabilitation services are provided in some of these facilities, but not on a 24-hour-a-day basis. Although it is still seen, the federal government no longer recognizes this term.

Internist

Physician who specializes in health care and treatment of general illnesses and disorders of the adult body.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Bowel inflammation causing digestive disorders and diarrhea.

Isolation

When someone is alone and without contact with others.

Pathway wishes to acknowledge the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), Senior Living University, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), for their contributions to this Glossary. This information is presented for informational purposes only and should not be used as medical or legal advice.