If you’re in the position of providing care for an older person, you may occasionally be faced with terms that, until now, have had little meaning.

The word “caregiver” itself can cause shudders in some family members, especially spouses who say, “I am just doing what a good wife (or husband) does.” True enough – in most cases.

However, by definition, the term “caregiver” is anyone who provides unpaid assistance to someone else – usually a loved one – with things like cooking, dressing, transportation or cleaning – anything the person can no longer do alone. By the nature of the word and activity, a caring relationship is implied. And, while done gladly with a heart full of love, it can still be a tough job.

“Activities of daily living” is the actual term for some of the tasks caregivers perform, and those activities include help with, among other things, personal care, eating and walking.

Assisted-living facilities, such as Freese’s in downtown Bangor, are housing complexes for seniors who are able to live independently, providing they receive a little help with the activities of daily living. Residents do not require skilled nursing care, and they live in private apartments.

Residential care facilities offer similar services, however, residents live in a single or semi-private room.

In congregate housing, seniors live independently in their own apartments, but may share some meals in a central dining room. They may contract out for other services, such as home-based care or private duty nursing, on an individual basis.

Continuing care retirement communities offer a variety of options, which can meet changing needs. One may start out living independently, then as time passes, move to the assisted living section or even the skilled nursing unit, if necessary. Usually these options are offered at the same location.

In addition, there are legal terms that can be as confusing as the housing terms.

Advance directives consist of a variety of documents that convey intentions about one’s health care. Among them are a living will, and health care power of attorney.

A living will is a legal document that states a person’s wishes regarding life-saving treatment. Should the person be terminally ill and unable to communicate, the living will goes into effect.

A health care power of attorney allows you to appoint another person to make your medical decisions for you if need be.

A durable power of attorney for finances allows you to appoint another person to make your financial decisions. This document may become effective immediately or only if you should become unable to make your own decisions.

A conservator is a person appointed by the Probate Court to protect and manage money and property of an individual who is incapacitated.

This should not be confused with a guardian, who is appointed by Probate Court to make personal decisions, such as medical treatments and housing, for someone who is incapacitated.

A geriatric care manager conducts an assessment of a person’s physical, mental, environmental and financial conditions. A care plan is developed, which assists the person with housing, medical, social and a variety of other services.

The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program pays for Medicare Part A premiums, deductibles and coinsurance for low-income seniors who meet eligibility requirements.

An area seniors agency, such as Eastern Agency on Aging, is nonprofit and designated by the state to plan and coordinate services for seniors in a specific geographic area. EAA covers Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock and Washington counties.

Agencies like EAA can help you with everything from Medicare to caregiving to Social Security to senior housing. Specially trained consultants can make sense of the confusion and ease the stress of trying to figure things out alone.

This is but a sprinkling of terms you may have encountered, so if you are puzzled by any others and need definitions, call the Eastern Agency on Aging.

Check your Bangor Daily News Friday, Dec. 12, for Life Times, EAA’s newsletter. Or, call EAA and a copy of Life Times will be mailed to you.

Carol Higgins is communications director at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865 or log on www.eaaa.org.