1. Clinical & Daily Care

1. Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

• Meaning: Basic self-care tasks that an individual performs daily (e.g., bathing, dressing, eating).
• Example:The resident requires partial assistance with their ADLs each morning.

2. Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

• Meaning: Complex tasks needed to live independently (e.g., managing money, cooking, phone use).
• Example:Her IADLs were evaluated before deciding she needed full-time aged care support.

3. Ambulation

• Meaning: The ability to walk or move around independently or with support.
• Example:Daily ambulation exercises help maintain the resident’s muscle strength.

4. Aspiration

• Meaning: Inhaling food, liquid, or foreign material into the lungs instead of swallowing into the stomach.
• Example:Residents with dysphagia are at a higher risk of aspiration while eating.

5. Dysphagia

• Meaning: Difficulty or discomfort in swallowing.
• Example:The speech pathologist recommended a thickened liquid diet to address his severe dysphagia.

6. Continence

• Meaning: The ability to voluntarily control bowel and bladder functions.
• Example:Staff conduct routine continence care assessments to maintain dignity and skin health.

7. Incontinence

• Meaning: The involuntary loss of bowel or bladder control.
• Example:We update the care plan regularly to manage incontinence effectively.

8. Catheter

• Meaning: A flexible tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine.
• Example:The nurse monitored the urinary catheter site for signs of infection.

9. Pressure Injury (Bedsores / Decubitus Ulcer)

• Meaning: Damage to skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure on the skin.
• Example:We reposition bedbound residents every two hours to prevent pressure injuries.

10. Repositioning

• Meaning: Moving a resident into a different body position to relieve pressure and prevent skin breakdown.
• Example:The two-person shift protocol ensures safe repositioning of the resident.

11. Skin Integrity

• Meaning: The overall health, structural strength, and intactness of the skin.
• Example:Apply barrier cream after every shower to maintain the resident’s skin integrity.

12. Wound Care

• Meaning: Clean, dress, and monitor injuries or surgical incisions to promote healing.
• Example:The registered nurse completes wound care every Tuesday morning.

13. Exudate

• Meaning: Fluid or pus that drains from a wound or inflammatory lesion.
• Example:Document the color and amount of exudate on the wound progress sheet.

14. Debridement

• Meaning: Medical removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue to improve wound healing.
• Example:The wound care nurse performed minor debridement on the pressure sore.

15. Constipation

• Meaning: Infrequent or difficult bowel movements.
• Example:Increasing fluid intake and dietary fiber helps prevent constipation.

16. Bowel Chart

• Meaning: A tracking tool used by caregivers to log frequency and consistency of bowel movements.
• Example:Always record the bowel type on the chart after assisting a resident in the restroom.

17. Fluid Balance Chart

• Meaning: A document tracking a resident’s exact liquid intake and output over 24 hours.
• Example:Start a fluid balance chart for any resident exhibiting signs of dehydration.

18. Vital Signs

• Meaning: Key clinical measurements (blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, temperature, oxygen level) that indicate body functions.
• Example:Take and record vital signs at the start of every shift.

19. Blood Pressure (BP)

• Meaning: The force of circulating blood against the walls of arteries.
• Example:His blood pressure was slightly elevated following morning physical therapy.

20. Pulse / Heart Rate

• Meaning: The speed of the heartbeat measured by the number of contractions per minute (BPM).
• Example:Check the resident’s resting pulse before administering heart medication.

21. Oxygen Saturation ($SpO_2$)

• Meaning: The percentage of oxygen-saturated hemoglobin relative to total hemoglobin in the blood.
• Example:Her oxygen saturation dropped to 91%, so the nurse applied low-flow nasal oxygen.

22. Respiration Rate

• Meaning: The number of breaths a person takes per minute.
• Example:A rapid respiration rate may indicate respiratory distress or infection.

23. Hypothermia

• Meaning: Abnormally low body temperature, often due to prolonged exposure to cold.
• Example:Ensure extra blankets are provided during winter nights to prevent hypothermia.

24. Hyperthermia / Pyrexia (Fever)

• Meaning: Abnormally high body temperature.
• Example:The doctor ordered paracetamol to reduce the resident’s pyrexia.

25. Oedema (Edema)

• Meaning: Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissues, commonly in the ankles or feet.
• Example:Elevate the resident’s legs while sitting to help reduce lower-limb oedema.

2. Cognition, Neurology & Mental Health

26. Dementia

• Meaning: An umbrella term for cognitive decline severe enough to interfere with daily life, memory, and thinking.
• Example:The facility offers a secure wing dedicated to residents living with advanced dementia.

27. Alzheimer’s Disease

• Meaning: A progressive neurological disease that causes brain cells to degenerate, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline.
• Example:Alzheimer’s disease is the most common underlying cause of dementia in older adults.

28. Sundowning

• Meaning: A state of increased confusion, anxiety, and restlessness in the late afternoon and evening among individuals with dementia.
• Example:Engaging the resident in quiet activities during late afternoon helps minimize sundowning.

29. Wandering

• Meaning: Purposeful or aimless walking by residents with cognitive impairment, often leading to risk of getting lost.
• Example:Wearable locator devices assist staff in monitoring residents prone to wandering.

30. Agitation

• Meaning: A state of extreme excitement, restlessness, or emotional disturbance.
• Example:Playing soft background music often diffuses agitation during morning personal care routines.

31. Delirium

• Meaning: A sudden, acute state of mental confusion, often triggered by underlying infection, pain, or medication changes.
• Example:The sudden onset of confusion prompted the team to test for a urinary tract infection to rule out delirium.

32. Aphasia

• Meaning: An impairment of language affecting speech comprehension or production, often caused by stroke or brain injury.
• Example:Because of her aphasia, staff use visual picture boards to communicate meal options.

33. Cognition

• Meaning: The mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and comprehension (thinking, knowing, remembering).
• Example:Occupational therapy conducts annual cognitive assessments to monitor memory changes.

34. Orientation

• Meaning: Awareness of one’s environment, including person, place, time, and situation.
• Example:The resident remains fully oriented to person and place, but occasionally loses track of time.

35. Disorientation

• Meaning: Loss of the sense of direction, time, or identity.
• Example:Waking up in a new room caused temporary disorientation for the new arrival.

36. Depression

• Meaning: A mood disorder causing a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest, and lack of energy.
• Example:Social engagement programs are designed to help combat depression in long-term residents.

37. Anxiety

• Meaning: Feelings of worry, dread, or nervousness that can cause physical symptoms like elevated heart rate.
• Example:Reassurance from staff helped calm her anxiety during the medical checkup.

38. BPSD (Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia)

• Meaning: Non-cognitive symptoms of dementia, including agitation, aggression, hallucinations, and sleep disturbances.
• Example:Staff apply non-pharmacological techniques first when managing BPSD.

39. Validation Therapy

• Meaning: A communication approach that validates and respects the feelings and reality of a person with dementia rather than correcting them.
• Example:Using validation therapy helped comfort the resident when she believed she needed to collect her children.

40. Reminiscence Therapy

• Meaning: Encouraging residents to talk about past experiences using photos, music, or familiar objects.
• Example:Reminiscence therapy sessions often prompt lively discussions about old hobbies and travel.

3. Mobility, Rehabilitation & Equipment

41. Mobility

• Meaning: The ability to move or be moved freely and easily.
• Example:Physiotherapy helps preserve the resident’s existing mobility.

42. Transfer

• Meaning: Moving a resident safely from one surface to another (e.g., from bed to wheelchair).
• Example:Always use a two-person transfer technique when moving this resident.

43. Hoist / Patient Lift

• Meaning: A mechanical device used to lift and transport individuals who cannot support their own weight.
• Example:Check the weight capacity limit on the hoist before performing the transfer.

44. Sling

• Meaning: A fabric support harness attached to a hoist to hold a resident securely during transfers.
• Example:Ensure the sling size matches the resident’s mobility plan before lifting.

45. Gait Belt / Transfer Belt

• Meaning: A wide belt worn by a resident, used by caregivers to provide stability during walking or transfers.
• Example:Fasten the gait belt securely around the resident’s waist before assisting them to stand.

46. Mobility Aid

• Meaning: Equipment designed to assist walking or improve mobility (e.g., walker, cane, wheelchair).
• Example:The occupational therapist provided a rolling walker as the primary mobility aid.

47. Wheelchair

• Meaning: A chair fitted with wheels used by people for whom walking is difficult or impossible.
• Example:Lock both wheelchair brakes firmly before transferring the resident.

48. Rollator / Four-Wheel Walker

• Meaning: A walking frame equipped with wheels, handlebars, and a built-in seat.
• Example:She rests on her rollator seat when taking long walks in the garden.

49. Slide Sheet

• Meaning: A low-friction fabric sheet used to position or transfer residents in bed with minimal effort and skin shear.
• Example:Place a slide sheet under the resident to smoothly pull them up toward the pillows.

50. Contracture

• Meaning: Permanent tightening or shortening of muscles, tendons, or skin that limits joint movement.
• Example:Hand splints help prevent severe finger contractures in immobile residents.

51. Atrophy

• Meaning: The wasting away or decrease in size of muscle tissue due to disuse or disease.
• Example:Regular range-of-motion exercises slow down muscle atrophy in bedbound individuals.

52. Range of Motion (ROM)

• Meaning: The full movement potential of a joint, categorized as active, passive, or assisted.
• Example:The carer performs passive range of motion exercises on the resident’s shoulder daily.

53. Fall Risk Assessment

• Meaning: A structured evaluation of a resident’s physical stability, medications, and environment to determine likelihood of falling.
• Example:Complete a new fall risk assessment after any changes in medication.

54. Sensor Mat

• Meaning: An alert device placed on a bed or chair that sounds an alarm when weight is removed, indicating a resident is standing up.
• Example:A sensor mat was placed by the bed to alert staff if the resident attempts to get up unassisted.

55. Fall Mitigation / Prevention

• Meaning: Strategies and equipment used to reduce the frequency or impact of falls.
• Example:Non-slip socks and clear walkways are basic elements of fall mitigation.

4. Medication, Nutrition & Infection Control

56. Medication Administration Record (MAR)

• Meaning: A paper or electronic record logging all medications administered to a resident.
• Example:Sign the MAR immediately after giving the resident their prescribed dose.

57. PRN (Pro Re Nata / As Needed)

• Meaning: Latin abbreviation used in medical prescriptions meaning “as required” or “as needed.”
• Example:He was administered PRN pain relief after complaining of back discomfort.

58. Polypharmacy

• Meaning: The concurrent use of multiple medications by a single patient, increasing the risk of adverse reactions.
• Example:A pharmacy audit was scheduled to address potential polypharmacy issues.

59. Dosage

• Meaning: The specific quantity and frequency of a medicine to be administered.
• Example:Double-check the dosage before dispensing liquid medication.

60. Side Effect

• Meaning: An secondary, unwanted effect of a drug or mental condition occurring alongside its desired therapeutic effect.
• Example:Drowsiness is a common side effect of this antianxiety medication.

61. Route of Administration

• Meaning: The path by which a drug is taken into the body (e.g., oral, topical, sublingual, subcutaneous).
• Example:Check the care plan for the correct route of administration before giving eye drops.

62. Oral Administration (PO)

• Meaning: Giving medication by mouth to be swallowed.
• Example:The antibiotics are ordered for oral administration twice a day with meals.

63. Sublingual

• Meaning: Administered under the tongue to allow direct absorption into the bloodstream.
• Example:Place the tablet sublingually and instruct the resident not to swallow it whole.

64. Topical

• Meaning: Medication applied directly to a specific spot on the skin or mucous membranes.
• Example:Apply the topical steroid cream thinly over the affected rash.

65. Enteral Feeding (PEG Tube)

• Meaning: Nutrition delivered directly into the stomach or small intestine via a tube.
• Example:Flush the PEG tube with water before and after enteral feeding runs.

66. Thickened Liquids

• Meaning: Fluids modified with a thickening agent to slow fluid flow, preventing choking and aspiration in dysphagic patients.
• Example:All drinks served to this resident must be modified to nectar-thickened consistency.

67. Pureed Diet

• Meaning: Food processed into a smooth, cohesive, lump-free paste requiring no chewing.
• Example:The chef prepares a high-protein pureed diet for residents with severe swallowing limitations.

68. Dehydration

• Meaning: A harmful reduction in the amount of water in the body.
• Example:Offer fluids frequently throughout hot afternoons to prevent dehydration.

69. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Meaning: Protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or garments designed to protect the wearer’s body from infection or injury.
• Example:Staff must wear appropriate PPE, including gloves and aprons, when changing wound dressings.

70. Infection Control

• Meaning: Procedures and policies implemented to prevent the spread of infectious diseases within a healthcare facility.
• Example:Hand hygiene compliance is the single most effective measure in infection control.

71. Standard Precautions

• Meaning: Baseline infection prevention practices applied to all resident care regardless of suspected or confirmed infection status.
• Example:Always practice standard precautions, including hand sanitization between residents.

72. Isolation / Barrier Nursing

• Meaning: Separating a resident with a contagious illness from others to prevent cross-contamination.
• Example:The resident was placed under contact isolation following a positive gastroenteritis test.

73. Outbreak

• Meaning: A sudden increase in occurrences of a disease in a facility above normal expectations.
• Example:The facility declared an influenza outbreak and restricted visitor access.

74. MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)

• Meaning: A bacterium responsible for several difficult-to-treat infections due to resistance to common antibiotics.
• Example:Contact precautions must be strictly observed when caring for a resident with MRSA.

75. Norovirus

• Meaning: A contagious virus that causes sudden, severe inflammation of the stomach and intestines (gastroenteritis).
• Example:Rigorous surface disinfection is vital during a norovirus outbreak.

5. Care Management, Ethics & Administration

76. Care Plan

• Meaning: A detailed document outlining a resident’s individual medical, physical, psychological, and social support needs and instructions.
• Example:Review the care plan before assisting a new resident for the first time.

77. Person-Centered Care

• Meaning: An approach to healthcare that prioritizes an individual’s personal choices, values, preferences, and dignity.
• Example:Person-centered care allows residents to choose their own wake-up times and daily routines.

78. Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI)

• Meaning: A standardized framework used to gather clinical and personal information to guide care planning.
• Example:The RAI evaluation must be updated quarterly for every long-term resident.

79. Handover / Shift Report

• Meaning: The process of transferring vital resident care information and accountability from one shift of staff to the next.
• Example:Important updates regarding blood sugar levels were shared during the afternoon shift handover.

80. Progress Notes

• Meaning: Daily records kept by care staff documenting changes, events, treatments, and resident status over time.
• Example:Document any changes in appetite or mood in the progress notes before ending your shift.

81. Incident Report

• Meaning: A formal document recording an unusual event, injury, or accident within the facility.
• Example:File an incident report immediately following any resident slip or fall.

82. Respite Care

• Meaning: Short-term temporary care provided to aged individuals to give primary family caregivers a rest.
• Example:He stayed in the facility for two weeks of respite care while his daughter traveled.

83. Palliative Care

• Meaning: Specialized medical care focused on providing relief from symptoms, pain, and stress associated with serious illness.
• Example:The palliative care team ensures maximum comfort and dignity during advanced disease progression.

84. End-of-Life Care

• Meaning: Support provided during the final stage of life when death is imminent.
• Example:End-of-life care prioritizes pain management, emotional support, and family presence.

85. Advanced Care Directive (ACD)

• Meaning: A legal document stating a person’s preferences for future medical treatments if they become unable to make decisions.
• Example:Consult the resident’s Advanced Care Directive regarding hospital transfer instructions.

86. Power of Attorney (POA)

• Meaning: A legal authorization designating a trusted person to make financial, legal, or medical decisions on another’s behalf.
• Example:The resident’s son holds Power of Attorney and approves care plan adjustments.

87. Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) / NFR (Not for Resuscitation)

• Meaning: A medical order instructing healthcare providers not to attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the heart or breathing stops.
• Example:Confirm the presence of a valid DNR order in the resident’s primary medical file.

88. Dignity of Risk

• Meaning: The principle that individuals have the right to take reasonable personal risks to maintain autonomy and quality of life.
• Example:Respecting her choice to walk independently in the garden honors her dignity of risk.

89. Informed Consent

• Meaning: Voluntary permission given by a resident or decision-maker after understanding the benefits, risks, and options.
• Example:Obtain informed consent from the resident before beginning any new treatment protocol.

90. Duty of Care

• Meaning: The legal and ethical obligation of healthcare workers to ensure the safety and well-being of residents under their care.
• Example:Ensuring the call bell is within reach is a fundamental part of a carer’s duty of care.

91. Elder Abuse

• Meaning: Any single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, causing harm or distress to an older person (physical, financial, emotional, neglect).
• Example:All staff receive mandatory training on how to recognize and report signs of elder abuse.

92. Neglect

• Meaning: The failure of a caregiver to provide necessary care, food, shelter, or medical attention required for health and well-being.
• Example:Failing to answer call lights repeatedly can constitute systemic neglect.

93. Restraint (Physical / Chemical)

• Meaning: Any physical or pharmaceutical method used to restrict a resident’s freedom of movement or control behavior.
• Example:The facility enforces strict policies to eliminate physical restraint wherever possible.

94. Restraint Minimization

• Meaning: Policies aimed at reducing or eliminating the use of physical or chemical restraints in aged care.
• Example:Our facility implements restraint minimization strategies, utilizing floor beds and low beds instead.

95. Quality of Life (QoL)

• Meaning: The general well-being of individuals, encompassing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects.
• Example:Organizing group musical events significantly enhances the residents’ overall quality of life.

96. Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)

• Meaning: A group of healthcare professionals from different specialties (doctors, nurses, physios, dietitians) working together.
• Example:The MDT meets monthly to review complex resident care cases.

97. Social Isolation

• Meaning: A state of complete or near-complete lack of contact between an individual and society.
• Example:Group craft sessions help prevent social isolation among new residents.

98. Call Bell / Call System

• Meaning: A system allowing residents to signal staff members remotely when assistance is needed.
• Example:Place the call bell within easy reach of the resident before leaving the room.

99. Pacing

• Meaning: Managing physical activity and rest periods throughout the day to conserve energy and prevent exhaustion.
• Example:Pacing daily tasks helps residents with chronic fatigue manage their energy levels.

100. Occupational Therapist (OT)

• Meaning: A healthcare professional who helps residents maintain or recover independence in daily activities through adaptive strategies and equipment.
• Example:The OT evaluated the resident’s seating posture and recommended a custom cushion.