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Service Definitions

Select any of the terms below for a definition: Abuse and Neglect
Organizations to whom you can report suspected cases of abuse. Also, organizations who provide services designed to protect older persons from neglect, exploitation (including financial exploitation), or abuse. Neglect, exploitation and abuse are defined as: The willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or cruel punishment resulting in physical harm, pain, or mental anguish, or deprivation by a person or by self neglect, including a caregiver, of goods or services that are necessary to avoid physical harm, mental anguish, or mental illness.

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Adult Day Care
Care for dependent adults, provided in a supervised, protective, group setting during some portion of a twenty-four hour day, not to exceed 16 hours. Health, social, and related support services are offered in a group setting of two or more individuals with a functional impairment on a scheduled, contractual basis. Examples of the health, social and related support services that may be offered in an adult day care setting include, but are not limited to the following: social and recreational activities, meals, rehabilitation, help with taking medications, help with personal care, family caregiver support groups, etc. The services offered by adult day care centers vary, with some providing more hands-on care than others. Adult Day Care Centers are required to be certified by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

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Adult Day Treatment
Intense counseling services provided in a partial-hospitalization setting.

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Adult Education
Providing formal or informal opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge, experiences, or skills. Education can be offered in a conference setting, University or community college, public library, health fair, hospital, an individual’s home or other formal or informal setting. Topics must be relevant to people age 60 and older or caregivers of people age 60 and over

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Adult Protective Services

Services where professionals investigate allegations of suspected dependent adult abuse. Currently, in Iowa, the Department of Human Services (DHS) handles allegations of suspected dependent adult abuse in the community setting and the Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) handles allegations of suspected dependent adult abuse in Long Term Care (LTC) facilities and hospitals.



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Advocacy
Receiving, researching, or working to resolve complaints or problems on behalf of an older person in regards to securing rights and/or benefits. Advocacy does not include services provided by an attorney or work under the supervision of an attorney. Another type of advocacy is pro-active in nature, such as when professionals or citizens groups work with legislators or public officials to ensure that the rights and needs of older persons are considered when developing laws and public programs.

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Aging Referrals
Programs that maintain information about community resources that are appropriate for senior citizens/caregivers and which link individuals who are in need of aging services or programs with appropriate resources or which provide information about community agencies and organizations that offer aging services.

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Alternative Therapies
An organization providing information about available alternative and complementary therapies or a provider of actual alternative and complementary therapy services. Examples include, but are not limited to: massage therapy, reflexology, reiki, healing touch, acupuncture, etc.

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Alzheimer’s Disease Support Group
Support groups for caregivers, relatives or friends of persons with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder.

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Alzheimer’s/Dementia Disease
An organization providing information about Alzheimer’s Disease to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to Alzheimer’s Disease sufferers and their families.

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Area Agencies on Aging
Agencies who plan, coordinate and offer information about human services for older people and their caregivers, as directed by the Older Americans Act. Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) help older adults remain in their home . if that is their preference . aided by services such as home delivered meals, home health care and whatever else it may take to make independent living a viable option. AAAs serve as portals to care, assessing needs, determining eligibility for assistance, purchasing home health and other services for income eligible seniors, and developing programs to respond to new needs as they arise. Many Area Agencies on Aging provide direct services such as senior centers and meal programs.

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Arthritis
An organization providing information about Arthritis to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to Arthritis sufferers and their families.

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Arthritis Support Group
Support groups for persons who have arthritis and/or their caregivers.

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Assisted Living
An Assisted Living program provides housing with services to three or more individuals in a homelike setting. Services may include but are not limited to health-related care, personal care (bathing, hygiene, grooming, etc.), and assistance with instrumental activities of daily living. Examples of instrumental activities of daily living would be housekeeping, chores, shopping, transportation within the community, etc. Assisted Living facilities are required by Iowa law to be certified through the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

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Assisted Living-Dementia
Assisted Living unit designed to care for those with moderate to severe dementias but few other medical problems. These normally are locked facilities that specialize in the unique kinds of supervision, structure, support and personal care required by those with dementia. Assisted Living facilities are required by Iowa law to be certified through the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

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Assisted Transportation
Provision of assistance, including escort if needed, to a person who has difficulties (physical or cognitive) using regular vehicular transportation. Drivers typically provide assistance for passengers to and from their front  door to the bus or van when necessary.

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Assistive Products
Programs/Vendors that provide equipment, appliances, products or any other items that can be used to increase, maintain, or improve the abilities of people with disabilities or older adults, including those who have physical or sensory limitations, to increase their mobility and/or ability to communicate and live more comfortably

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Bereavement Support Group
Support groups that offer emotional support for those persons who have suffered the loss of a relative or a friend.  Programs may also include counseling for widows and widowers.

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Cancer
An organization providing information about Cancer to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to people who have Cancer and their families.

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Cancer Support Group
Support groups that offer emotional support as well as educational information to individuals who have been successfully treated for cancer or who have been diagnosed with cancer.

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Caregiver Education
Providing formal or informal opportunities for caregivers to acquire knowledge, experience, or skills. Education can be offered in a conference setting, university or community college, public library, health fair, hospital, an individual’s home, other formal or informal setting, or through the internet. Topics must be relevant to caregivers of people age 60 and over or to grandparents who are raising grandchildren.

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Caregiver Support Group
Support groups that offer information on caregiving to help family members, friends and other interested persons learn how to meet the challenges they might face while providing care for an older person.

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Case Management
Programs that develop care plans for the evaluation, treatment and/or care of individuals who, because of age, illness, disability or other difficulties, are unable to arrange for services on their own behalf; which assess the individual’s needs; coordinates the delivery of needed services; ensure that services are obtained in accordance with the care plan; and follow up and monitor progress to ensure that services are having a beneficial impact on the client.

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Chemical Dependency Support Group
Support groups that assist individuals, through encouragement, information sharing and support, to recover from an addiction and to make necessary changes to continue in recovery.   Some groups may be open to anyone whose life may be affected by an addicted or recovering individual.

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Chore Services
Providing assistance to persons having difficulty with heavy housework, yard work, or sidewalk maintenance.  (i.e. shoveling snow, lawn mowing, lawn raking, cleaning closets etc.

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Companion Services
Going to see a homebound elder in order to comfort or help.  Companions provide friendship and may also provide assistance to seniors who have difficulty with daily living tasks.

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Congregate Meals
Programs that provide nutritious meals for senior citizens and other eligible persons who may be at risk for nutritional deficits without assistance and who can benefit from an opportunity to socialize with their peers.  Congregate meals are usually served in senior centers. Provision of a noon meal which complies with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans at a senior center or other group setting (restaurant, senior housing, etc.).  Each meal must meet 1/3 of the current recommended dietary allowances and must be offered on a contribution basis rather than a set fee.

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Consumer Protection Services
Agencies established by federal, state, county or city officials, business or industry associations, the media or the private sector to provide consumer education and information and/or to handle consumer complaints regarding unfair or fraudulent business or credit practices, unsafe or poor quality goods, incompetent services or other similar problems; and to provide solutions through mediation, arbitration or public pressure.

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Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Retirement Communities planned and operated to provide a continuum of care from independent living through skilled nursing.  The facilities allow individuals to live within the same community as their needs progress through the spectrum of care (stages may include Apartments, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, etc.).



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Counseling
Programs that specialize in the treatment of individuals who have identified mental or emotional disorders with the objective of helping them to eliminate or reduce the severity of their symptoms, to mediate disturbed patterns or behavior, to promote positive personality growth and development and to maximize the individual’s ability to function as independently as possible.  Treatment may utilize therapeutic techniques derived from one or more theoretical counseling approaches. Note: If a counseling service is a Community Mental Health Center, they are required to be licensed by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

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Crisis Intervention
Counseling and/or intervention used to help individuals in crisis.  Promotes effective coping that can lead to positive growth and change.  

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Dental Clinics
Dental health services for older adults.  Services are provided at a reduced rate, either based on income or age (for people age 60 and over).   Providers offering reduced-rate dentures or dental services on a sliding scale fee system are examples.

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Depression
An organization providing information about depression to the general public.  Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to people who have depression and/or their families.

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Diabetes
An organization providing information about Diabetes to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to people who have Diabetes and their families.

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Diabetes Support Group
Support groups that address issues involved in diabetes management, and provide an opportunity for individuals with diabetes and their family members to meet others in similar situations and with similar concerns.

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Disability Referrals
Programs that maintain information about community resources for the disabled (i.e. physical, cognitive, etc.) and their caregivers which link individuals who are in need of specialized services with appropriate resources and/or which provide information about community agencies and organizations that offer specialized services.

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Driving Evaluation
Programs that include both a clinical and behind-the-wheel assessment of the client’s potential to drive a motor vehicle independently.

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Driving Training
Programs especially designed for motorists age 55+ and older. It is intended to help older drivers improve their skills while teaching them to avoid accidents and traffic violations.

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Durable Medical Equipment
Programs/Vendors that provide equipment that can stand repeated use is primarily used to serve a medical purpose and is appropriate for use in the home.  The equipment may provide therapeutic benefits or enable people to perform certain tasks that they are otherwise unable to undertake due to certain medical conditions and/or illnesses.  Such equipment may include canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, commode chairs, hospital beds, and home oxygen equipment and traction equipment

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Elder Group Homes
Owner-occupied homes or non-profit establishments with a resident manager that provide room, board, and personal care assistance in a single family residence. Elder Group Homes must serve from three to five elders who are not related to the person providing the service. Personal care assistance may include assistance with bathing, hygiene, dressing, grooming, and the supervision of self-administered medications. The actual administration of medications, if needed, will be conducted by a nurse.  Elder Group Homes are required by Iowa law to be certified through the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

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Elder Law Attorneys
Programs that are staffed by attorneys who specialize in elder law and who offer advice and guidance to senior citizens about legal matters.

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Emergency Financial Assistance
Programs that make mortgage or rent payments, or that pay all or a portion of the utility bills for people who cannot afford to make the payments themselves, who are at risk of losing their homes, or at risk of eviction without assistance or whose utilities have been, or are at risk of being, shut off and who qualify for this service on the basis of income or need.  Programs may also assist with other needs as determined by the individual program.

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Emergency Food
Programs that provide a limited amount of food for individuals or families during times of personal crisis or for people who have no food or cannot afford to purchase food at retail costs.

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Emergency Medical Transportation
Services providing transportation to health care facilities for accident victims, acutely ill or injured individuals needing immediate medical attention.

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Emergency Response Systems
The emergency response system allows a person experiencing an emergency at home to activate electronic components that transmit a coded signal via digital equipment over telephone lines to a central monitoring station.  Most are connected to the telephone, but they may be connected to a smoke alarm, medication reminders, etc.

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Employment Services
Programs that help 60+ people to identify and secure paid or subsidized employment opportunities that match their aptitude, qualifications, experience and interests.

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End of Life
Programs that allow an individual to formally indicate their preferences on health care and final arrangements or providers who offer these services.

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Enrichment Classes
Classes provided to the general public for fun, enjoyment, and/or personal growth.

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Exercise/Relaxation
Settings that provide equipment or activities to promote mobility, health and flexibility. Relaxation and wellness services such as therapeutic massage or yoga that are provided specifically for older adults or are provided to older adults at a discount.

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Financial Management Counseling
Programs that provide direct advice and guidance regarding money management techniques and debt consolidation and/or repayment programs for people who are having difficulty budgeting their money and meeting necessary monthly expenses.  The services may include assessment of the client’s income, expenses, debts, taxes and other liabilities; development of a budget for basic living expenses; development of strategies for repayment of creditors and, in some cases, administration of the debt repayment plan.

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Food Assistance
Programs that provide food subsidies, free food, or low-cost food to eligible individuals.  Examples of such programs include, but are not limited to: the food assistance program administered by DHS (formerly called .food stamps.), the Farmer Market coupon program, food banks, the SHARE program, etc.

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Food Pantry
Programs which acquire food products through donations, food drives, or receive funds to purchase food and distribute to people who have no food or cannot purchase food at a retail price.

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Friendly Visiting
Visiting an older person to offer comfort, help and friendship. The service may be provided by volunteers or paid providers. Friendly visiting does not include help with the activities of daily living.

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Frozen Meals
Frozen meals delivered to homebound people age 60 and over who are unable to cook for themselves

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Gambling Support Group
Support groups for people with gambling addictions and/or the family members and friends of people who have a gambling addiction. The purpose of these support programs is to meet others in similar situations and with similar concerns.



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General Referrals
Programs other than aging or disability that maintain information about a variety of human services and resources in the community and which link individuals who are in need of a particular service with an appropriate agency or organization.

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Geriatric Assessment
Programs that evaluate the medical and/or psychosocial functioning of an elderly person, arrives at a diagnosis and identifies possible treatment.

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Grandparenting Support Group
Support groups that offer grandparents who are coping with the demands of being a parent to their grandchildren a place to share feelings, information, and solutions with peers going through the same experiences.

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Grocery Delivery
Grocery shopping and/or grocery delivery services. May be available to the general public for a fee or provided only to individuals who qualify because they are physically unable to shop for their own groceries.

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Hair Care
Licensed barber or beautician services, not through home health agencies, that are provided to an individual in their own home or other place of residence.

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Head/Other Brain Injury Support Groups
Support groups to help survivors of traumatic or other head/brain injuries to reach their fullest potential and also to provide patients and their families with emotional and educational support.

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Health Care Costs
Sources of financial help for the payment of health care costs that are not covered by insurance.

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Health Clinics Specialized
 Includes specialized geriatric clinics, memory clinics, rehab facilities that provide speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy as well as preventative health services for older adults. Examples include well-elderly clinics or other programs that conduct health assessments, provide immunizations, perform simple procedures such as foot care, and teach people ways to maintain, restore, and improve their health as older adults. Services are often provided at a reduced rate and are provided in settings convenient for people age 60 and over, such as in a senior center, a community health center, senior housing facility, etc.

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Hearing Impaired
An organization providing information about hearing impairments to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to people who have a hearing impairment and their families.

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Hearing Impaired Support Group
Support groups that provide opportunities for persons with a hearing impairment and their family members to come together to share information, to learn about new treatments, to socialize and participate in recreational activities.  A peer or a professional may facilitate the groups.

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Heart Disease
An organization providing information about heart disease to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to people who have heart disease and their families.

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Heart Disease Support Group
Support groups that provide opportunities to share strengths, experiences, and offer mutual support to reassure individuals who have had open-heart surgery or who have other heart problems that recovery can be good.  A peer or a professional may facilitate the groups.



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Home Delivered Meals
Meals delivered to an individual’s home. Some programs are government funded and require that the recipients be homebound and have limited ability to cook for themselves. Many programs are available on a contribution basis rather than for an established fee.  Some providers may modified meals, designed to meet special dietary needs, and are available in the home-delivered meal programs with a physician’s prescription.

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Home Modifications
Programs that pay for or provide assistance in the form of labor and supplies for disabled/aged people who need to install ramps, widen doorways, install grab bars in showers and bathrooms, lower kitchen and other cabinets, or make other modifications in their homes to make them accessible.  Also included are programs that assess the accessibility of homes of people who have disabilities and make recommendations regarding necessary modifications as well as private pay resources that provide the above indicated services.



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Home Repair Costs
Programs that provide assistance in the form of labor and supplies for people who need to make essential repairs to their homes in order to eliminate health or safety hazards and who qualify for the service on the basis of income, age or disability.

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Homeless Shelters
Residential facilities for individuals and families who have no homes or whose homes are unsafe.

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Homemaker Services
Programs that provide assistance with one or more home-related activities, such as light housekeeping, light meal preparation, laundry, errands.

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Hospice Care
Programs that provide a full range of palliative and supportive services for terminally ill people who are in the final stages of their illnesses and for their families.  Services may include medical care, pain and symptom management, home nurse visitation, care management, counseling and bereavement services for the patient and members of the family.  A hospice may be a freestanding facility, a unit in a hospital or other institution, a program of a hospital, agency or institution, or service delivered in the home or residential institution. Hospice providers are required to be licensed through the Department of Inspections and Appeals.

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Hospitals General
Hospitals available to the general public. Hospitals are required to be licensed through the Department of Inspections and Appeals.

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Hospitals Specialty
Health care facilities which provide diagnostic and treatment services in an inpatient setting for specified medical conditions.

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Housing Assistance
Providers of financial assistance for housing that is provided on a continued or one-time basis such as housing authority offices where applications are processed, low-income senior apartments, HUD housing, USDA Rural Development, Iowa Finance Authority, etc.



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Income Tax Assistance
Low fee or no fee programs that provide advice and guidance for people who need to understand the tax laws as they relate to individuals in their situations, who need copies of the appropriate tax forms or who need assistance in completing and filing their state and federal personal income tax returns.

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Insurance Counseling
Programs that provide health insurance information, counseling and assistance for older adults and their families when they need help understanding Medicare, Medicaid, medical bills, claims, correspondence, supplemental insurance or long-term care insurance.



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Legal Education
Education about legal issues of concern to seniors and their family members.

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Legal General
Programs that are staffed by attorneys who offer advice and guidance regarding legal matters such as: will preparation; execution of living wills, durable powers of attorney for health care, or a financial powers of attorney; assistance for people who need to settle a problem regarding a contract; assistance with filing appeals for people who have applied for or who are receiving services through Medicaid, Medicare or food stamps and believe they have been wrongly denied or terminated or discriminated against; assistance with resolving landlord/tenant disputes; and other legal matters. Services may be provided free or at a reduced cost.

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Liquid Supplements
Nutritional drink provided as a dietary supplement for eligible seniors.

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Long Term Care Insurance
Private insurance companies and government programs which issue individual or group insurance plans or policies which pay for nursing home care, home health care, respite care, and/or hospice care for people who are chronically ill.  Long-term care policies may cover all levels of care including skilled, intermediate and custodial care.



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Lou Gehring’s/ALS Disease Support Group
Support groups to provide opportunities for individuals with this disease and their family members to come together to talk, share experiences, strengths and hopes and to offer mutual support.  A peer or a professional may lead the groups.
Lou Gehring’s/ALS Disease Support Group


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Maintenance/Repair
Programs that provide assistance in the form of labor and supplies for people who need to make essential repairs to their homes in order to eliminate health or safety hazards.

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Material Aid
Aid in the form of cash, goods or material items (i.e. clothes, physical products, etc.).

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Medicaid
A state-operated medical assistance program that provides medical assistance to certain individuals and families with very low incomes and limited resources.  Medicaid pays for health-related services or items rendered by a Medicaid participating provider.



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Medical Alert Jewelry
Bracelets or necklaces that depict the wearer’s medical condition or impairment, such as safe return information for Alzheimer’s sufferers who wander, medication information, allergies, or other health conditions.

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Medical Supplies
Programs or organizations that help pay the costs of medical supplies or who provide medical supplies at a reduced cost.

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Medicare
A federally-funded program administered by the Social Security Administration that provides hospital and medical insurance for people age sixty-five and older; for disabled individuals younger than age sixty-five who have been entitled to Social Security disability benefits for at least twenty-four consecutive months.

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Medication System
Device that dispenses the proper dosage of medications at a specified time. Most systems use an alarm, bell or other sound to notify the recipient that it is time to take their medicine. Some systems notify recipients through their television screen or computer.

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Multiple Sclerosis
An organization providing information about Multiple Sclerosis to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to people with Multiple Sclerosis and their families.



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Multiple Sclerosis Support Group
Support groups that provide opportunities for persons with Multiple Sclerosis and their family members to come together to share information, to learn about new treatments, to socialize and participate in recreational activities.  A peer or a professional may facilitate the groups.



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Nursing Homes
A facility that provides extended health care services and rehabilitation services for people whose illnesses or functional impairments make them unable to care for themselves. Nursing Homes are required to be licensed through the Department of Inspections and Appeals.



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Nutrition Education
A service or program promoting better health by providing accurate and culturally sensitive nutrition information to older persons and/or their caregivers. Nutrition education must be overseen by a dietician or individual of comparable expertise if medically oriented information is provided. Nutrition education can be provided one-on-one or in a group setting.

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Organizations/ Associations
Groups who inform or advocate on issues important to the field of aging. Their target audience may be the general public or professionals.

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Osteoporosis
An organization providing information about Osteoporosis to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to people with Osteoporosis and their families.



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Osteoporosis Support Group
Support groups that provide opportunities for persons with Osteoporosis and their family members to come together to talk about discomforts, express hopes, share experiences and to receive information regarding exercise programs; medication, nutrition, how to cope with the disease and how to live a better lifestyle.  A peer or a professional may facilitate the groups.

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Other Health Conditions
Organizations providing information about other specific health conditions-  HIV/Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Brain Injury to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide services to people with other specific health conditions- and/or their families.



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Other Support Groups
Support groups for situations or conditions other than those already listed.

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Palliative Care
Palliative care is the medical specialty focused on relief of the pain, stress and other debilitating symptoms of serious illness. Palliative care is not dependent on prognosis and can be delivered at the same time as treatment that is meant to cure you. The goal is to relieve suffering and provide the best possible quality of life for patients and their families.

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Parkinson’s Disease
An organization providing information about Parkinson’s Disease to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to people with Parkinson’s Disease and their families.



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Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
Support groups that provide opportunities for persons with Parkinson’s and their family members to come together to share information, to learn about new treatments, to socialize and participate in recreational activities.  A peer or a professional may facilitate the groups.



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Personal Care Assistance
Providing hands-on assistance, standby assistance, supervision or cues for someone who is having difficulty with activities of daily living necessary for self-care such as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and transferring in and out of bed. Home health agencies that provide this service are required to be licensed through the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

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Pharmacy Delivery
Home delivery of pharmaceuticals.

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Prescription Assistance
Discount cards, programs, or insurance to help pay for prescriptions.

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Prevention Health
Immunizations, health screenings, education and other programs aimed at early detection or prevention of illness, disability and disease.

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Psychiatry
Services offered by a psychiatrist.  A psychiatrist makes specific diagnoses of mental disorders, prescribes medications, and provides counseling treatments. (Psychiatry may be offered in an out-patient or in-patient setting).

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Public Health
Outpatient health care facilities that provide a broad range of diagnostic medical care and treatment services, which may include examinations, immunizations, dental care, laboratory and radiology services and health education.  Services are usually available on ability-to-pay basis and target low-income and indigent residents of the community.  Private, nonprofit may provide programs or county operated outpatient facilities.

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Public Transportation
Authorities that provide fixed-route mass transit services that utilize buses and/or metro rail services to transport people within the limits of city, a metropolitan area, a county or a multi-county region or to move people from outlying areas into a city or metropolitan area.

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Recreation
Leisure activities designed for the unique needs and interests of older people. Examples include sports, tours, performing arts, games, crafts, library-based activities (including delivery), etc.

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Representative Payee Services
Financial management service for someone who is unable to manage their funds and federal government benefits by reason of physical or mental capacity. A representative payee is appointed by a government entity to receive those funds and benefits on the other individual’s behalf.



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Residential Care Facilities
Institutions, places, buildings, or agencies providing accommodation, board, personal assistance and other essential daily living activities for a period exceeding 24 consecutive hours.  Individuals living in a residential care facility are unable to sufficiently or properly care for themselves because of illness, disease, or physical or mental infirmity, but do not require the services of a registered or licensed practical nurse, except for emergencies. Residential Care Facilities are required to be licensed by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

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Respiratory Disease

An organization providing information, assistance, and/or education about Respiratory Diseases to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide direct services to people with Respiratory Disease and/or their families.



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Respite- In Home

Provision of temporary, substitute care and/or supports for an older person in the person's own home, so that their spouse, family member or other caregivers are provided a brief period of relief or rest.



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Respite- Out of Home
Provision of temporary, substitute care, supports or living arrangements for an older person in an out of home setting, so caregivers are provided a brief period of relief or rest.

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Retirement Communities
 Communities that are designed for senior citizens who are relatively healthy. Communities are in apartment, town house, or condominium settings. Provides minimal or no assistance with health care. Does not increase care as health needs arise. Many, but not all, require a buy-in or entrance fee.

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Reverse Mortgage
 Programs that provide a special type of mortgage that enables older homeowners who have equity in their homes to obtain cash from their homes without selling them.  The lending institution providing the money does not receive title to the home or cash from the sale of it until the older persons die or move away and no longer occupy the home as a principle residence.

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Senior Centers
Programs that serve as focal points for older adults in the community and which may offer, at a single location, a wide variety of activities and services including arts and crafts, congregate meals, transportation, health screenings, educational services and recreational activities.



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Skilled Nursing-
Programs that offer the in-home services of Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses for recently discharged hospital patients and other frail or disabled persons.  Services are performed in accordance with the scope of nursing practice laws and associated rules.  Home health agencies that provide this service are required to be licensed by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

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Social Security Retirement Benefits
A federal program that pays retirement, disability, and survivor’s benefits to eligible workers and/or their eligible family members.  The Social Security Administration administers this program.Social Security Retirement Benefits

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Stroke
An organization providing information, assistance, and/or education about Strokes to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide direct services to people who have suffered from a Stroke and/or their families.

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Stroke Support Group
Support groups that provide opportunities for stroke victims and their family members to come together to share and provide information, to learn about new treatments, to socialize and participate in recreational activities.  A peer or a professional may facilitate the groups.



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Subsidized Rental Housing
Provider of rental housing where the rent is reduced based on a person’s income. Examples include: housing authority offices where applications are processed, low-income senior apartments, HUD housing, etc.

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Substance Abuse Treatment
Programs that provide preventive, diagnostic and inpatient, outpatient and residential treatment services as well as transitional support for people who have physical and/or psychological dependency on one or a combination of addictive substances including tobacco, alcohol, and/or other drugs; or whose use of these substances has impaired their physical or mental health or their personal, social, or occupational functioning.

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Substitute Decision Making

Providers of information about substitute decision making options; entities who can provide direct assistance with the substitute decision making arrangements, and/or; entities who can act as a substitute decision maker when the now-incapacitated person has no family or other pre-determined person available to fulfill that role. Substitute decision-making is a means of making health care and/or financial decisions on behalf of people who are incapable of making these decisions for themselves. Some examples of substitute decision making arrangements include: guardianship, conservatorship, advanced directives, living will, power of attorney, etc.



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Supplemental Insurance
Programs that offer insurance policies, frequently referred to as “medigap,” which cover health care costs and limited long-term care costs not covered by Medicare. Also, organizations that provide assistance in understanding policies, medigap insurance, etc.



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Supplemental Security Income
 A federal income-maintenance program that provides basic financial assistance in the form of monthly checks for people who are age sixty-five and older, or blind, or disabled and who have little or no income and assets. The Social Security Administration administers this program.

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Telephone Reassurance
 Periodic phone calls to any elderly person to check on their well-being or provide reassurance.

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Tenant/Landlord
Provision of legal advice on rental property and rental contract issues.

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Utility Assistance
 Programs that offer special services which support individuals’ ability to make their utility payments.  Programs may require that people be in a certain income bracket, have limited resources and/or be a certain age.

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Vehicle Modification
Providers who modify vehicles to enable people with disabilities to continue driving. Also includes the installation of wheelchair lifts for transporting passengers in wheelchairs.



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Veterans
Service that provides answers to questions about veteran insurance and other benefits provided to veterans.

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Veterans Support Group
Group support programs for veterans to enhance their health, happiness, and comfort.

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Vision Impairment
An organization providing information about vision impairments (including blindness) to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to people with vision impairment and/or their families.

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Vision Impairment Support Group
 Support groups that provide opportunities for persons with a vision impairment and their family members to come together to share information, to learn about new treatments, to socialize and participate in recreational activities.  A peer or a professional may facilitate the groups.



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Volunteer Services
Organizations that coordinate volunteers and/or provide information about agencies, programs, or events where volunteers are needed, either on a one-time or on-going basis.



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Volunteer Transportation
Provision of transportation by a volunteer in their private vehicle to important health care appointments or for essential shopping.

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Weatherization
Programs that provide assistance in the form of labor and supplies, cash or tax rebates or consultation services for homeowners who want to make home improvements designed to reduce energy consumption, or for people who need to install weather stripping, insulation, insulation wrap for water tanks, double glazed windows, storm windows, storm shutters or other approved materials for reducing energy consumption or protecting the home from the elements.

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