Retirement Homes - Retirement Communities - Retirement Living - Senior Housing -Assisted Living - Senior Support Services - Kelowna - Okanagan - British Columbia

Pacific Sun Retirement Living - Enhanced Living Every Day

Glossary of Terms, Retirement Living in Kelowna

Accreditation

A certificate of approval given by a governing body to a housing and/or service provider. To become accredited, the care provider must meet specific requirements set by the accreditation entity and is then generally required to undergo a thorough review process by a team of evaluators to ensure certain standards of quality are met by the facility.

Acronyms

Many medical designations are abbreviated and can be confusing to the individual not familiar with the medical field – here is a guide to some of the acronyms commonly used in a nursing setting.

AL: Assisted Living
IHA: Interior Health Authority
LPN: Licensed Practical Nurse
ML: Multi Level Care
OT/PT: Occupational Therapy / Physical Therapy
RCA: Registered Care Aid
RN: Registered Nurse
SCU: Special Care Unit
IHA: Interior Health Authority

Assisted Living Residences

Assisted living residences provide accommodation, varying levels of care and supportive services in a home-like residential setting. As the name suggests there is varying degrees of assistance with physical and cognitive needs. Meals, housekeeping, safety, security and social programs are some of the services provided at Pacific Sun Retirement assisted living facilities. Some costs to residents may be subsidized by government programs. If there is a need for additional planned care, such as assistance with medication, hygiene needs and dressing we can also arrange for this service at an additional charge. Please contact the facility of interest for further information on the assisted living programs they offer.

Dementia

Progressive neurological, cognitive or medical disorder that affects memory, judgment and cognitive processes. Alzheimer’s disease is type of dementia associated closely with aging.

Home Support Services

These services are offered for individuals who wish to maintain their independence in their own home, yet need some aid or assistance in tasks of daily living. Services can include, but are not limited to medication reminders, hygiene & grooming needs, companionship, shopping assistance & bathing. Services are available in time increments as short as 15 minutes.

Independent Living

Apartment-style accommodations that provide supportive services such as housekeeping, meals, social and recreational programs, 24 hour emergency monitoring and transportation. Independent living encourages interaction with other individuals by providing extensive social programs and central dining areas. Suites are available on a month to month rental basis often with a standard service package included in the rent. There are a number of optional services that can be added to the monthly rental rate. Many of the suites include a small fridge and microwave. Contact the facility of interest to find a complete listing of the services offered as well as to inquiry about rental rates and availabilities.

Managing Director

This individual oversees all operations at a facility, including nursing staff and other certified care givers if applicable to the facility.

Residential Care Facilities

These facilities are also known as Long-Term Care facilities and provide higher levels of care than assisted living facilities. These facilities are suitable for those individuals requiring on-going, unscheduled personal care from skilled nursing staff. Various levels of care are outlined to distinguish between the degree of dependency on supervision and services required.