---
title: Home and Long-Term Care Services Terminology
description: Use this glossary to explain common terms patients, families, and healthcare professionals may hear when discussing care at home, residential services, personal assistance, and ongoing support.
---
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# Home and Long-Term Care Services Terminology
## Home and long-term care services support people who need help with medical care, personal activities, or daily living. Services may be provided at home, in the community, or in a residential setting.
### Services and settings
- Home care: Assistance provided in the home, which may include personal care or household support.
- Home health care: Healthcare services delivered at home, such as nursing or therapy.
- Skilled nursing care: Care requiring the knowledge and skills of licensed nursing professionals.
- Personal care: Assistance with tasks such as bathing, dressing, and toileting.
- Respite care: Temporary care that gives a regular caregiver a break.
- Adult day services: Daytime programs providing supervision, activities, or support outside the home.
- Assisted living: A residential setting providing assistance with daily activities and other support services.
- Skilled nursing facility (SNF): A facility providing skilled nursing and, in many cases, rehabilitation services.
- Long-term services and supports: Services helping people with ongoing functional needs live and participate in daily life.
- Home- and community-based services: Supports provided in home or community settings rather than institutional settings.
### Caregiver and professional roles
- Family caregiver: A relative or other close person who provides care or assistance.
- Home health aide: A worker who assists with personal care and other tasks within the applicable service plan and role.
- Personal care attendant: A worker who assists with daily personal activities.
- Visiting nurse: A nurse who provides care through home visits.
- Social worker: A professional helping address practical, social, and emotional needs and access resources.
- Case manager: A professional helping assess needs and organize services across providers or programs.
### Planning and additional support
- Home assessment: A review of a person’s needs and home environment to plan suitable support.
- Caregiver training: Education about providing care or assisting with specific tasks.
- Palliative care: Care focused on symptom relief, communication, and quality of life during serious illness, including alongside disease-directed treatment.
- Hospice care: A model of care for people approaching the end of life, with eligibility and service arrangements defined by the applicable system.
Services, job titles, eligibility, and funding arrangements may vary by location and program. Home care, home health care, assisted living, and skilled nursing care are not interchangeable. The care team or service coordinator can explain the applicable arrangements.
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