APPRISE - Pennsylvania’s name for the State Health Insurance Counseling Program and run by the Area on Aging. Assistance with health insurance benefit concerns, appeals, and benefit applications is offered free and confidentially.

Assisted Living -  A combination of housing, personalized support services and health care, designed to meet the needs of those who need assistance with activities of daily living. Services in assisted living residences usually include: 3 meals a day, housekeeping, transportation, assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and walking. 24 hour security and staff availability, exercise programs, medication management, laundry service, social and recreational activities.

Area Agency on Aging - A federally and state regulated program with the mission of assisting seniors in maintaining and enhancing their independence and dignity within the community.

Caregiver Support Group - Caregiver Support Groups can be an essential component to coping with a caregiving situation for any caregiver. A support group can provide a variety of benefits regardless of the type of group. It can provide: a social outlet, information, a place to learn coping mechanisms, advice, and support for your situation.

Employment Programs - Usually targeted to assist low income persons over age 55 in finding part-time employment.

Energy-Assistance - Financial assistance in paying for heating service for low income persons, based on financial eligibility.

Health maintenance activities- These activities are necessary to maintain the health and normal bodily functions of the consumer. They include, but are not limited to, the administration of medications, enemas and suppositories, catheter irrigations and wound care.

Home Health Care - This service is authorized by a physician, and provided or supervised by a licensed professional nurse.  This may include a number of home health services. This type of care is used when there is a need for nursing care.

In-Home Care - Services provided in the home, such as home health aide, personal care attendant, chore service, or other at home services.

Independent Living - Residences for older adults that typically include some home maintenance, transportation, and housekeeping.

IV Therapy - Intravenous therapy, or IV therapy, is the administration of liquid substances directly into a vein. Compared with other routes of administration, the intravenous route is the fastest way to deliver fluids and medications throughout the body.

Legal Assistance - Counseling by an attorney about issues such as money, benefits, housing, unemployment, power of attorney, etc.

Medicaid - A subsidized program to pay for medical care for persons over the age of 65, or those that are disabled. Income and asset limits apply. Visit your County Assistance office to apply.

Medicare - A federally funded health insurance program for persons 65 and older, or disabled persons. Part A is designated for hospital insurance, Part B is designated for doctor and clinical visits.

Nursing Home - These residences provide 24 hour care to persons requiring rehabilitation or who are suffering from a long term illness.

Nursing Home Respite Services - Respite for overnight absences of caregivers.

Ombudsman - Provides assistance in investigating and resolving complaints on the behalf of consumers of services such as nursing homes, home health care, etc. Concerns may include billing, quality of care, patient rights, benefits, safety, etc.

Parish Nurse - Volunteer nurses who serve as advocates and educators for members of their church.

Personal Care Home - Living facilities for persons who need moderate assistance with activities of daily living. Generally provides 3 meals a day, medication management, etc.

Pharmaceutical Assistance - Programs offered through the state which permit low-income persons to access needed prescriptions.

Protective Services - Activities, resources and supports to prevent or intervene in abuse, neglect, exploitation and abandonment cases.

Senior Apartments - Residences for older adults that typically include all home maintenance, transportation, and housekeeping.

Waiver Services- Medicaid-funded in-home services of the types listed above, and others, to allow nursing-home eligible older adults to remain in their homes.