The Nursing Assistant in Long-Term Care

Flashcards based on key terms and definitions from The Nursing Assistant in Long-Term Care lecture notes.

long-term care (LTC)

Care given in long-term care facilities for people who need 24-hour skilled care.

skilled care

Medically necessary care given by a skilled nurse or therapist.

terminal illness

A disease or condition that will eventually cause death.

chronic

Long-term or long-lasting.

home health care

Health care provided in a person’s home.

assisted living

Residences for people who do not need 24-hour skilled care but require some help with daily care.

acute care

24-hour skilled care given in hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers for short-term, immediate care.

subacute care

Care for people who need less care than for an acute illness but more care than for a chronic illness.

rehabilitation

Care given by specialists to help restore or improve function after an illness or injury.

hospice care

Holistic, compassionate care given to people who have approximately six months or less to live.

activities of daily living (ADLs)

Daily personal care tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating.

person-centered care

Care that emphasizes the person needing care and his or her individuality and capabilities.

Medicare

A federal health insurance program for people 65 or older, or for those with certain disabilities.

Medicaid

A medical assistance program for people with low income or disabilities.

charting

Documenting information and observations about residents.

assistive devices

Special equipment that helps a person who is ill or disabled to perform ADLs.

chain of command

The line of authority within a facility.

liability

A legal term meaning someone can be held responsible for harming someone else.

scope of practice

The range of tasks that healthcare providers are legally allowed to do.

policy

A course of action that should be taken every time a certain situation occurs.

procedure

A method or way of doing something.

professionalism

The act of behaving properly when working.

ethical behavior

Guidelines for appropriate conduct within a healthcare environment.

informed consent

The process in which a person makes informed decisions about health care.

abuse

Purposeful mistreatment causing pain or injury.

false imprisonment

The unlawful restraint of someone affecting a person’s freedom of movement.

neglect

Failure to provide needed care resulting in harm to a person.

ombudsman

A legal advocate for residents in long-term care facilities.

confidentiality

The legal and ethical principle of keeping information private.