Clear communication is the key to quality care and knowing what you are asking for helps facilitate the process. Below is a list of terms that will help you identify the types of care that are available and what best suits your needs.

Activities of Daily Living (ADL's): Everyday functions and activities individuals usually do without help which can include bathing, continence, dressing, eating, toileting and transferring. Many long-term care insurance policies use the loss of as few as three ADL's to activate benefits.

Ambulatory: Describes ability to walk around, is not bed-ridden or hospitalized.

Caregiver Services (also called custodial care, non-medical home care, personal care): One on one assistance with activities of daily living in the client's home. Services include ambulating, transferring, medication reminders, bathing, dressing and toileting. It may also include companionship, light housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, shopping and transportation. Short term and long term care is available and hours may vary. Private pay or long term care insurance pays for services.

Respite Care: Temporary relief from duties for regular caregivers, ranging from several hours to days.

CHAP Accredited: A home health care agency has requested a process by an independent national non-profit organization to monitor and ensure Standards of Excellence in the quality of patient care, management and financial stability.

Licensed Home Health Care: This is a Medicare regulated service that can be provided when your medical condition requires skilled professionals (such as Registered Nurses, Physical Therapists, Speech Therapists etc.) under the direction of your physician.

Telehealth Monitoring: Remote care delivery or monitoring between a health care provider (Help Unlimited) and a patient in his or her home, assisted living facility or nursing home.