On learning the ABCs of senior care

The terms that are tossed around in the “senior care” arena can be hard to understand. When these terms are spoken only in initials or acronyms it is even more difficult.

Below is a continuation of what we started last week. Keep in mind, if you ever need help, you can always call on Eastern Agency on Aging at 941-2865. We would be happy to decipher any confusing materials you have.

. RN refers to a registered professional nurse. These nurses are required to be licensed in the state of Maine and they practice under state of Maine rules. They are accountable to the Maine State Board of Nursing.

. CNA refers to a certified nurse’s aide. A CNA is certified to assist people with personal care and transfers. They are listed on a registry, operate under Maine rules, are accountable to the Board of Nursing and their duties are assigned by a registered professional nurse.

. PSS refers to personal support specialist. These specialists, formerly known as PCAs or personal care assistants, often work in a person’s home or in a residential facility. They are not currently listed on a registry, however, they do have professional training.

. Homemaker Services refers to a program that provides help with grocery shopping, laundry, housekeeping and sometimes assistance with errands. The state funds a Homemaker Program.

. Hospitalist refers to a physician who serves as the primary doctor for people who are in a hospital. Upon discharge, patients return to the care of their own doctor.

. Duly Authorized Licensed Practitioner refers to an individual who is currently licensed in Maine as a physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner.

. A Goold Assessment refers to the long-term care assessment from a Goold Health Systems nurse assessor, who will determine whether a person is eligible for home care services that can be paid for by state MaineCare (not Medicare) or by the state of Maine’s Home-Based Care program. An assessment by Goold is required prior to seeking a nursing home.

. Long-Term Care refers to any services that provide assistance to a person on a daily basis, such as home health, residential care, community-based, volunteer, or other types of support services.

. Long-Term Care Ombudsman program is a service offered in Maine to any person or family that is using long term care of any sort. This includes nursing homes, home health or assisted living facilities. The volunteers and social workers on the staff can help you with issues that you have with the agency or provider, and they work to help you with solutions.

. Medicare Home Health pays for the acute care needs of a patient. Medicare is short-term, rehabilitative, and the patient must meet certain criteria and require the care that can only be provided by a registered nurse or therapist. Services that are provided at home must be ordered by a physician.

. Medicare Certified Agency refers to an organization or hospital that has met the requirements set forth by Medicare which enables them to serve Medicare patients.

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

Area agencies on aging can help you with everything from Medicare to caregiving to Social Security to senior housing. Specially trained consultants can make sense of the confusing, and ease the stress of trying to figure out things alone.

Carol Higgins is communications director at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865 or toll-free (800) 432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org or visit www.eaaa.org. TTY 992-0150.