Glossary

Founded in l975, N4A is a private, nonprofit organization representing the interests of Area Agencies on Aging. It provides advocacy, legislative information, training, and technical assistance related to the management of Area Agencies and programs for the elderly. It also provides consulting services to employers in the development and implementation of eldercare information and referral services. It administers the Eldercare Locator, a national toll-free telephone database of information and referral services at the state and local level.

Physician specializing in care and treatment of patients with disorders of the nervous system—the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Nursing Homes provide around-the-clock skilled nursing and convalescent care for those who require care for chronic conditions (long-term care) or for those recovering from an injury or illness (rehabilitation). Longer-term residents generally have high care needs and complex medical conditions that require routine skilled nursing services. Residents typically share a room and are served meals in a central dining area, unless they are too ill to participate. Activities are also available. Some facilities have a separate unit for residents with more advanced Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss. Twenty-four hour-a-day skilled nursing services are available from licensed nurses.

In addition to licensure, nursing homes that wish to receive Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement must be certified in accordance with federal law. Beyond licensure and certification requirements, nursing homes must also honor the federal Nursing Home Patient’s Bill of Rights. These rights are designed to promote and protect the well-being of nursing home residents.

Funding options for nursing home care include: private funding, long-term care insurance, Medicare, and in large part Medicaid. Paying for nursing home care is a major concern for many families as well as the government. Historically, Medicaid has paid for about half of the total cost of nursing home care, with Medicare and private long-term care insurance paying all but a fraction of the cost. Concerned about the growth of the Medicaid program, there is interest in identifying and supporting ways for individuals and families to accept greater financial responsibility for the cost of nursing home care.