Glossary
Edema
Swelling in body tissue caused by the collection of fluid.
Eden Alternative
A relatively new concept for skilled nursing facilities developed by Dr. William Thomas. This model regularly interjects animals, nature, children and other non-traditional touches into facility life.
Eldercare Locator
A federally funded national hotline service that refers people to local services in areas such as long-term care facilities, prescriptions, financial help, transportation, adult day care, insurance, etc. The number (800) 677-1116
Elimination period
The time between becoming eligible for insurance benefits and when a long-term care insurance policy actually begins paying those benefits.
Emergency medical services (EMS)
Services rendered for immediate treatment for medical, physiological or psychological illness or injury.
Emergency response systems
Monitors on a resident or in a facility that automatically elicit responses from medical or other emergency personnel.
Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)
A federal law passed in 1974 that established new standards and reporting/disclosure requirements for employer-funded pension and health benefit programs.
End stage renal disease (ESRD)
Dialysis or kidney transplant is required for this medical condition, which is characterized by lack of function in the kidneys.
Enriched housing
A licensed adult care facility established and operated for the purpose of providing long-term residential care to five or more adults, primarily individuals 65 or older, in community-integrated settings resembling independent housing units. These programs must arrange for the provision of room, board, housekeeping, personal care and supervision.
Epidemiology
The study of disease in human populations. It utilizes biology, clinical medicine, and statistics in an effort to understand the causes of illness and/or disease. The ultimate goal of the epidemiologist is not merely to identify underlying causes of a disease but to apply findings to disease prevention and health promotion.
ERISA
See Employee Retirement Income Security Act
Escort services
Also called transportation services. Provides transportation for older adults to services and appointments. May use bus, taxi, volunteer drivers, or van services that can accommodate wheelchairs and people with other special needs.
Estate recovery
States are required, by law, to recover funds from certain deceased Medicaid recipients' estates up to the amount spent by the state for all Medicaid services (such as nursing facility, home and community-based services, hospital, and prescription costs).
Exclusion
Any condition or expense for which an insurance policy or program will not pay.
Extended care facility
An non-acute care institutionalized setting that provides skilled nursing care, as prescribed by a physician, around the clock.
