Senior Living Terms

an official endorsement given by an independent governing body to a CCRC or senior independent living community and/or their staff, showing that they provide senior care to very high standards. Buena Vida Estates is accredited by the State of Florida (learn more about Melbourne, FL here.)

normal day-to-day tasks including eating, dressing, bathing, using the toilet, grooming, taking medication as prescribed, and more. Learn about some of our activities here

oversees all activities, on-site and off-site, offered by a senior independent living community. They are in charge of the activities like group exercise, happy hour, parties for all occasions and more! Read about these activities here.

a legal document that lays out someone’s wishes including decisions relating to life-saving procedures and devices. It is used when an illness or injury makes a person unable to decide or communicate their decisions.

the most common type of dementia, which usually develops gradually, that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. 

a professional does assessments on residents to keep an accurate record of their health and care needs. 

long term housing that provides care for seniors including meals, activities and nurse care.

a trained health care professional who provides personalized care to residents. Learn about our medical care here.

Continuing Care Retirement Community. There are three different types of residency contracts within a CCRC that exist (A, B & C). The “Type A” is the most exclusive and provides the highest level of protection and is what Buena Vida Estates offers. A “Type A” contract provides a contractual commitment to care and services over one’s lifetime. This includes guaranteed access to assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing care. In addition, “Type A” provides financial protection should someone deplete their assets (beyond their control). This level of protection assures residents the peace of mind of knowing that they are safe and financially secure during their lifetime.

Learn more about the different types of independent senior living here.

Certified Nursing Assistant. A trained professional who helps patients or clients with health care needs under the supervision of a nurse.

a broad term for a set of symptoms that interfere with someone’s reasoning, judgment, and memory.

a legally binding document drafted by a lawyer where a person chooses an adult(s) to take legal control of a person’s affairs if they become physically or mentally unable to manage for themselves.

the person in charge of the senior independent living facility who oversees the staff, facilities, financials, quality of care, resident wellness and satisfaction, and more.

housing that is designed and reserved for seniors, typically either 55 or 65 and older, that do not need assistance.

determines need for assisted living 

a fund of money set aside to ensure private property is managed as requested, without court involvement, if a person is incapacitated or passes away.

a community with short-term leasing to seniors that provide all-inclusive maintenance, some services and a breadth of activities. 

any housing that is designed and reserved for seniors.

legal documents that are signed and notarized detailing how a person’s property and assets will be distributed upon their death.