Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, walking, or transferring that may require assistance.
A glossary of common terms related to skilled nursing, rehabilitation, admissions, and care planning at Park Place Nursing & Rehabilitation in Tyler, Texas. Use the alphabet navigation to jump to a letter and find a definition quickly.
Common Terms for Families and Caregivers
Healthcare language can be confusing, especially when you’re making decisions quickly. This glossary provides plain-language definitions for terms you may see during admissions, discharge planning, skilled nursing, or rehabilitation.
If you’re ready to talk through next steps, start with Admissions or explore our Services .
Acute
A sudden and severe condition that often requires immediate attention.
Advance Directive
A legal document that outlines healthcare preferences and designates who may make decisions if a person is unable.
Assessment
A review of a person’s needs and condition used to guide a care plan and services.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
A trained caregiver who assists with basic care needs and daily living activities under nursing supervision.
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
A federal agency that oversees Medicare and Medicaid programs and sets standards for participating providers.
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
A community that may offer multiple levels of care over time, depending on resident needs.
Discharge Planning
The process of preparing for a safe transition from a hospital or facility to the next level of care or home.
Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA)
A legal document that authorizes someone to act on another person’s behalf, often related to finances or decisions.
Home Health
Skilled healthcare services provided in a person’s home, often after illness, injury, or surgery.
Hospice
Care focused on comfort and quality of life for individuals with serious illness, often when curative treatment is no longer the goal.
Medicaid
A government program that helps cover medical costs for eligible individuals based on state-specific guidelines.
Medicare
A federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65+ and certain individuals with disabilities.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Therapy that helps individuals improve daily living skills and routines such as dressing, grooming, and safe transfers.
Outpatient Rehabilitation
Therapy services provided without an overnight stay, typically through scheduled visits while living at home.
Physical Therapy (PT)
Therapy focused on mobility, strength, balance, and safe movement to support functional independence.
Private Pay
Payment made directly by an individual or family rather than through a third-party payer.
Respite Care
Short-term care that gives family caregivers a temporary break while their loved one receives support.
Skilled Nursing
Licensed nursing care and medical support provided for individuals who need ongoing monitoring, medication support, or clinical services.
Speech Therapy
Therapy that supports communication and may address swallowing needs when appropriate.
Want Help Understanding the Next Step?
If you’re sorting through admissions, rehab, or ongoing care options, call our team in Tyler, Texas and we’ll walk through what applies to your situation.
Contact us