Home Care 101: Important Terms for Families and Caregivers

Starting the home care journey—whether for yourself or a loved one—can feel overwhelming. You may come across unfamiliar terms from doctors, caregivers, and support services. Understanding the language of senior care is the first step toward making confident and informed decisions.

We’ve put together an easy-to-understand list of common home care terms to help you. Whether you’re just starting out or already providing home care services, these simple definitions will make things clearer.

🧾 Common Terms in Senior Home Care

🏡 Home Care

Home care services refer to a range of supportive care provided in a person’s home. These services can include personal care (like bathing and dressing), nursing support, meal preparation, companionship, and post-hospital care. Home care is not just for seniors—it can benefit individuals of any age who require extra help at home.

👵 Aging in Place

Older adults stay safe and independent in their own homes as they age, rather than move to a care facility. Aging in place is often supported by long-term home care services.

🧓 Elder Care

A broad term that covers all types of care and support services available to older adults. This includes home care services, health care, transportation, therapy, and community-based support—especially useful for those planning for long term needs.

🧼Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

ADLs are everyday tasks necessary for independent living, such as:

• Eating 🍽️
• Bathing 🚿
• Dressing 👚
• Using the toilet 🚽
• Moving around (transferring) 🚶
• Maintaining continence 🧻

A person’s ability to manage daily tasks often determines if they need home care or support. Most personal care tasks fall under ADLs.

👩‍⚕️Professional Caregivers

These are trained individuals who provide home care services. They can include:

• Personal Support Workers (PSWs) – assist with hygiene, light housekeeping, medication reminders, and more.
• Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) – offer medical care, wound care, injections, and health monitoring.
• Companions – provide emotional support, social interaction, and supervision.

At Delight Home Health Care, we carefully match and train our caregivers to support seniors with respect and compassion. If you’re looking for reliable care in Edmonton, our team is ready to help.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Caregivers

Family members or loved ones who provide unpaid care for aging relatives at home. While their support is invaluable, many experience caregiver burnout due to the emotional and physical demands of long term caregiving.

⏸️ Respite Care

Temporary professional care provided to give family caregivers a much-needed break. Families can schedule respite care occasionally or regularly to reduce stress and prevent burnout. This service is an important part of sustainable home care plans.

👨‍⚕️ Geriatrician

A medical doctor who specializes in the health and wellness of seniors. Geriatricians understand age-related conditions and often work with a team to create long term care plans that support healthy aging at home.

🧠Dementia

Dementia is a general term for brain disorders—like Alzheimer’s—that affect memory, behavior, and thinking ability. Dementia is not a normal part of aging but is common among seniors. Specialized home care services are often required to support individuals living with dementia, including personal care and memory-focused routines.

🌷 Palliative Care

This is a type of compassionate care for individuals living with a serious or life-limiting illness. Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life, managing pain, and supporting emotional and spiritual well-being. Caregivers often deliver it at home, and it can go along with medical treatments. At Delight Home Health Care, we provide palliative care in Edmonton, supporting clients and their families during difficult times.

💡 Why Understanding Home Care Terms Matters

Learning the language of home care helps families:

• Communicate more effectively with health professionals
• Understand available home care services
• Make informed decisions for long term support
• Prepare for changing needs as a loved one ages

Whether you’re new to home care or adding more support, understanding these terms helps you choose the right path forward.

🏠 Let Delight Home Health Care Be Your Trusted Guide

At Delight Home Health Care, we are committed to helping seniors age with dignity in the comfort of their own homes. Our trained caregivers provide nursing, personal care, companionship, and palliative support—helping you at every step.

📞 Call us today to talk with a care coordinator. We’ll help you find the right home care services in Edmonton for your family’s needs.

At Delight Home Health Care, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care for you and your loved ones. Whether you’re looking for skilled nursing, personal assistance, or specialized care, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Don’t wait—reach out today to learn more about how our Client-Directed Home Care (CDHCI) services can make a difference in your life. Our team is ready to answer your questions, create a tailored care plan, and ensure that you receive the best care possible.

Start Your Career with Purpose

Looking to make a difference? Visit our Careers Page to explore rewarding opportunities in home health care. We welcome passionate professionals who want to bring joy and dignity to the lives of others.

Get in Touch
📍 603 Watt Blvd SW, Edmonton, AB
📞 Call us today at 780 902 4131
📩 Or request a free consultation at Delight Home Health Care
📧 Email Us: maty@delighthome.healthcare

Let’s create a care plan that gives your family peace of mind and your loved one the comfort of home.

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Whether you’re seeking care or already part of the Delight family—let’s stay in touch and support each other through the journey of aging with dignity.