Glossary
GAO
See General Accountability Office
General Accountability Office
Department of the U.S. government that oversees auditing. The GAO often releases reports on nursing home issues. Formerly known as the General Accounting Office.
Geriatrician
Physician who is certified in the care of older people.
Geriatrics
Branch of medicine focusing on providing healthcare for the elderly and treating diseases associated with the aging process.
Geriatrics manager
A person who not only assesses the needs of elderly people in terms of what services they need, but also often arranges for these services and keeps in touch with the person. The geriatrics manager is often hired by the person's immediate family members to keep them informed of the person's status when they cannot be there themselves.
Gerontology
The study of the biological, psychological and social processes of aging.
Gl tube
This offers a means of getting nutritional sustenance for individuals who are unable to take food or other substances orally. It is inserted surgically through an opening in the stomach. The short name for a gastrointestinal tube.
Grandfather
A legal term that means all existing conditions that were present at the time of a law, legal agreement, or ordinance do not have to be changed since they were there when the conditions were legal.
Group home
Also called “board and care home” or “group home.” Facilities that offer housing and personal care services for three to 16 residents. Services (such as meals, supervision and transportation) are usually provided by the owner or manager. May also be a single-family home (licensed as “adult family home” or “adult group home”).
Guardianship
This can be granted to an individual who is assigned responsibility over a person’s legal affairs when the person is not deemed legally competent on his or her own.
