Glossary

Assistive Devices
Term used to cover a multitude of aids for the older person for use in and around a house and for extra mobility outside the house.

Care Home
Residential home providing 24 hour general care but with no registration to provide nursing care

Care Home with Nursing
A care home with qualified nurses permanently on site registered to provide nursing care

Convalescence
The time spent by a person recovering from illness

Court of Protection
Acts to make decisions for and commitments on behalf of individuals who, due to age or infirmity, can no longer make decisions of their own and have not granted an Enduring Power of Attorney

Fair Access to Care Services
Government publication used by Local Authorities as guide to ensure public has fair access to care services

Independent Care Adviser
An understanding professional who will listen to an individual, help determine an individual’s needs, assess an individual’s care requirements, provide the best possible information and advice on suitable care options, help select the right care option and provide ongoing monitoring of care

National Service Framework for Older People
Sets out the country’s standards and guidelines with regard to the care of older people

Pension Credit
Previously known as Minimum Income Guarantee or Income Support. Provides people aged 60 and over with a minimum level of income, and gives extra income to people aged 65 and over who have modest incomes and have made savings for their retirement

Power of Attorney (sometimes called EPA - Enduring Power of Attorney)
Gives an individual the right to act on behalf of somebody else and to make legally binding commitments on behalf of that individual

Primary Care Trust
A body providing primary healthcare (doctors, dentists, etc.) and community health care (nursing and occupational therapy services, etc.) in a locality, accountable to the Health Authority

Registered Nursing Care Contribution Determination
Assessment made by a designated NHS nurse in order to place an individual’s need for registered nursing care in one of three bands for state funding (in England; for funding levels in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, see Paying For Care)

Respite
Respite care is temporary relief. It can be provided for an older person or for an older person’s carer

Single Assessment Process
Recognises that many older people have both health and social care needs and that agencies need to work together so that assessment and subsequent care planning are tailored to the individual, effective and co-ordinated

The Royal Commission
The Royal Commission was set up to examine the short and long term options for funding long-term care for the older person in different settings, and to recommend to the Government how the cost of care should be met

Top-up funding
An amount paid privately to bridge the gap between the social services funding level and the actual cost of the care provision chosen

Transitional Care
Temporary arrangement whereby hospital staff arrange care in an alternative home when an individual’s preferred home or care agency is unable to provide care when it is required.

If you require further assistance or would like to speak to the Independent Care Adviser this site recommends please call 0800 137 669.