Assisted Living

Assisted living is a type of housing designed for people who need various levels of medical and personal care. Living spaces can be individual rooms, apartments, or shared quarters. The facilities generally provide a home-like setting and are physically designed to promote the resident's independence, while keeping mind he or she may need help with some activities of daily living.

Ambulatory Care

Ambulatory care is any medical care, including diagnosis, observation, treatment and rehabilitation, that is provided on an outpatient basis–without admission to a hospital. Ambulatory care is given to persons who are able to ambulate or walk about.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease of the brain that leads to irreversible dementia (loss of brain function). Symptoms may include progressive impairment in memory, judgment, decision making, orientation to physical surroundings, and language. A working diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is usually made on the basis of a neurologic examination. A definitive diagnosis can be made only at autopsy.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrom, or AIDS, is an infectious disease of the immune system caused by a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIDS leaves the body vulnerable to potentially fatal infections. The virus is transmitted through infected bodily fluids, such as semen and blood, by having sexual intercourse with someone who is infected, the use of contaminated hypodermic syringes, and placental transfer between mother and fetus.

Adult and Social Day Care Facilities

Adult Day Care facilities are designed for adults who have a need for significant medical attention and supervision, but who do not require institutionalization in a nursing home. There are a limited number of such facilities in New York City. Where available, Adult Day Care centers are typically utilized for between three and 12 hours per day, up to seven days per week. Social Day Care facilities are meant for adults who have no significant medical needs, but who may benefit from socialization opportunities and need supervision during the day. By visiting a social day care facility, the senior has companionship and supervision during the day. Our new VNS CHOICE Adult Day and Community Services Center in Woodside, Queens is both an Adult Day Care and Social Day Care facility.

Acute Care

An immediate and severe episode of illness is described as acute. The subsequent treatment of injuries due to an immediate and severe episode of illness, an accident or other trauma, or recovery from surgery qualifies as acute care. Acute Care is often used to describe treatment that lasts only for a short time.

Activities of Daily Living (ADL's)

People who are healthy tend to take the basic activities that they perform each day for granted. These activities are considered activities of daily living.

For a disabled and/or older person, performing these kinds of activities may present a real challenge. Bathing, dressing, getting in and out of bed or a chair, walking, using the toilet and even eating can all become problematic. Many seniors who require help with such activities are predominantly independent, requiring help with just one or two ADL’s. In such cases, intermittent help from a family member or friend may be all that is needed. However, in other cases, particularly when needs are more extensive and/or the importance of scheduling these activities is critical, informal care from unskilled individuals may not be enough.