Accreditation Status assigned by a government body to certain
housing facilities that meet standards set by the governing body. Example:
The Long-Term Care Evaluation Program that certifies nursing homes nationwide.
Accreditation is voluntary for nursing homes.
Activities of Daily Living Everyday activities
such as bathing, grooming, eating, toileting, and dressing.
Adult Day Care Daily structured programs in a community setting
with activities and health-related services for elderly who are physically
or emotionally disabled and need a protective environment.
Advanced Directives Legal documents that allow an individual
to accept or refuse medical care. Directives act to protect rights even
when a person becomes mentally or physically unable to choose or communicate
choices. Examples of directives are Living Wills and Durable Power of
Attorney for Health Care.
Alzheimer's disease A chronic organic brain disease leading
to severe and progressive loss of brain function and eventual death.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia in older adults.
Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990
The purpose of this Act is to remove barriers keeping qualified
individuals with disabilities from enjoying the same employment opportunities
as persons without disabilities. The ADA addresses employment, public
service, public accommodations and services, and telecommunications
issues.
Area
Agency on Aging
A public or private non-profit organization designated by the Texas
Department on Aging to develop and administer the area plan on aging
within a sub-state geographic planning and service area. AAAs advocate
on behalf of older people within the area and develop community-based
plans for services to meet their needs. AAAs also administer federal,
state, local, and private funds through contracts with social service
providers.
Assisted Living A combination of housing, supportive services
and health care designed to meet the needs of those who require help
with activities of daily living.
Average Household Size The number of persons in households divided
by the total number of households.
Best Practice Programs or services that research or expert opinions
have shown to be effective.
Case Manager A social worker or health care professional who
evaluates, plans, locates, coordinates, and monitors services for an
individual, and in some cases, their family.
Case Management A collaborative process that assesses, plans,
implements, coordinates, monitors and evaluates the options and services
necessary to meet to the economic, mental, physical and social needs
of an individual and using available resources to promote quality, cost
effective outcomes.
Community-based Organization A private nonprofit organization
that is representative of a community or a significant segment of a
community and that has demonstrated expertise and effectiveness in the
field of aging services,
Community-Based Alternatives Waiver A waiver of the Medicaid
state plan granted under Section 1915(c)of the Social Security Act which
allows Texas to provide community-based services to adults as an alternative
to nursing facility care.
Custodial Care Facility that provides shelter, supervision,
and care, but does not offer medical or skilled nursing services.
Dementia A severe impairment of mental functions and global
cognitive abilities, of long duration, in an otherwise alert individual.
Some forms of dementia, like Alzheimer's disease, are permanent while
others are reversible.
Disability A physical or mental impairment that substantially
limits one or more of the major life activities for an individual.
Eligibility The meeting of specific qualifications (such as
income) to receive certain benefits; the criteria used by public assistance
programs to determine which people may receive help.
Geriatric Case Managers Professionals who specialize in assisting
older people and their families with long-term care arrangements.
Home and Community-Based Waiver Services A waiver of the Medicaid
state plan granted under Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act,
which allows Texas to provide community-based services as an alternative
to institutional care.
Housing Authority City of Austin
The local agency responsible for administering HUD programs and grants
within the City of Austin. (HACA).
Hospice Care Medical, counseling, and social services provided
to those with a terminal illness.
Instrumental ActivitiesOf Daily Living Activities
necessary for independence such as preparing meals, managing medications,
and shopping for groceries.
Intermediate Care Facility Facility that provides help with
personal and/or social care and a minimum amount of medical supervision.
Living Will A legal document that states a person's wishes regarding
medical treatments at the end of life.
Long Term Care The provision of personal care
assistance related to health and social services given episodically
or over a sustained period to assist individuals of all ages and their
families to achieve the highest level of functioning possible, regardless
of the setting in which assistance is given.
Median Family Income The midpoint dividing
the distribution of income into two equal parts. This income guideline
is used by HUD to determine eligibility
for federal housing programs. The Median Family Income for Travis County
for FY 2000 is $58,900.
| FY
2000 HUD Income Limits by Household Size for Austin-San Marcos |
| Household
Size |
30%
of MFI |
50%
of MFI |
80%
of MFI |
| 1 Person |
$12,350 |
$20,600 |
$33,000 |
| 2 People |
$14,150 |
$23,550 |
$37,700 |
| 3 People |
$15,900 |
$26,500 |
$42,400 |
| 4 People |
$17,650 |
$29,450 |
$47,100 |
| 5 People |
$19,100 |
$31,800 |
$50,900 |
| 6 People |
$20,500 |
$34,150 |
$54,650 |
Medicaid A joint federal/state program that provides health-care
coverage for low-income individuals and families who meet eligibility
criteria.
Medicare Title XVIII of the Social Security Act of 1965 is a
federal health insurance program for people over 65, or who are permanently
disabled or have end-stage renal disease.
Metropolitan Statistical Area A large population
nucleus (a county or group of counties with a total population of at
least 75,000 and a central city or urbanized area of at least 50,000)
together with adjacent communities that have a high degree of social
and economic integration within that nucleus.
Nursing Facility Facility licensed by the state, providing 24-hour
nursing care for convalescent residents and those with long-term care
illnesses. Regular medical supervision and rehabilitation therapy is
typically available.
Ombudsman A person who investigates consumer complaints against
a nursing home or community resident facility.
Outcome The desired change in condition or behavior resulting
from the implementation of a specific intervention.
Population Growth Rate Average annual compound rate of change
in populations.
Poverty level The U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services establishes annual poverty guidelines
based on size of family unit and income. These are used to determine
eligibility for public assistance and various health and human service
programs. (The following chart provides information effective 2/15/00
and is updated annually).
| |
Federal Poverty Level (100%) |
150% |
185% |
200% |
| Family
Size |
Income
Per Year |
| 1 |
|
$12,525 |
$15,448 |
$16,700 |
| 2 |
|
16,875 |
20,813 |
22,500 |
| 3 |
|
21,225 |
26,178 |
28,300 |
| 4 |
|
25,575 |
31,543 |
34,100 |
Respite Care Services designed to relieve the caregiver from
caregiver duties either in the home, community setting or care facility.
Care may last from a few hours to several weeks.
Skilled Nursing Facility Facility that provides
24-hour-a-day nursing services for those who have serious health care
needs, but who do not require hospitalization.
Support Services A variety of services provided to a client
or household to promote well-being and enable them to live as independently
as possible; e.g. transportation, in-home care, and housing.
Supportive Housing Permanent Housing for people with disabilities
that includes supportive services that allow people to live as independently
as possible.
Travis County Housing Authority The county agency responsible
for administering HUD programs and grants within Travis County.
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