Senior care glossary

Physical adaptations of the building: ramps, lifts, adapted bathrooms, wide doorways, enabling access and movement for persons with reduced mobility or wheelchair users.

The process by which a care home for the elderly obtains its operating licence from the Ministry of Labour, demonstrating that it meets minimum quality standards: adequate space, qualified staff, nutrition, hygiene, and safety. Without a licence, the care home operates illegally.

The first 2–4 weeks following a move into a care home. This period can be emotionally challenging for both the resident and their family. Well-run care homes provide a dedicated integration programme comprising: orientation to the facilities, introduction to staff, socialisation activities, and regular communication with the family.

Emergency call device at bedside and in bathroom. Maximum recommended response time: 3 minutes.

The most common form of dementia (60–70% of cases). A progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting memory, thinking, and behaviour. It typically presents after the age of 65, with loss of recent memory, confusion, and disorientation. There is no cure, but it can be managed with medication and cognitive-behavioural therapy. Early diagnosis enables care planning.

National Authority for the Protection of Children's Rights and Adoption. Although its primary focus is child protection, it collaborates with DGASPC in cases involving families with vulnerable elderly persons.

National Agency for Payments and Social Inspection. Institution that inspects care homes for the elderly, verifies compliance with minimum quality standards, and may sanction non-compliant facilities. Receives and resolves complaints.

Specialised pressure ulcer prevention equipment: alternating pressure mattresses, positioning cushions, heel and elbow protectors, barrier creams. Essential for immobilised patients.

Loss of the ability to speak or understand language, usually following a stroke. Types: expressive (Broca's), receptive (Wernicke's), global. Managed through speech and language therapy.

Use of essential oils for relaxation and anxiety reduction. Complements (does not replace) medical treatment.

Elevated blood pressure in the arteries, extremely common in elderly individuals (over 60% after age 65). Major risk factor for stroke and cardiac disease. Requires ongoing monitoring and long-term treatment.

Assistance with meal serving: cutting food, spoon-feeding. Carried out calmly, without haste, respecting the resident's pace.

Common cardiac arrhythmia in elderly patients that increases the risk of stroke fivefold. Requires anticoagulant therapy and regular cardiological monitoring.

For severe disability with need for a permanent attendant. May be used for partial payment of residential care home fees.

Available place in a care home for the elderly. On SeniorHelp, care homes can display available places in real time on their profile page. Availability can change quickly, especially at popular care homes.

The person who receives care services in a residential home or at home. May be: a senior (65+), a person with disabilities, a person with special needs. The official term used in Romanian legislation.

Medical procedure for clearing the airways of secretions (mucus) using a suction device. Required for patients with dysphagia, tracheostomy, or respiratory conditions. Performed by qualified medical personnel.

The maximum number of residents a care home can accommodate simultaneously. Ranges from 10–20 (small, family-style homes with a personal atmosphere) to 200+ (large centres with multiple services). The ideal staff-to-resident ratio is a minimum of 1:3 during the day and 1:8 at night.

The heart no longer pumps sufficient blood to meet the body's needs. Symptoms: fatigue, dyspnoea (difficulty breathing), oedema of the legs. Common in elderly patients with hypertension and diabetes. Treatment: medication, low-sodium diet, monitoring.

Legal agreement between care home and resident: services, price, termination conditions, rights. Read carefully before signing.

Services for persons with disabilities: accessibility, occupational therapy, individualised programme.

Residential centre providing accommodation, meals, supervision and care for elderly persons. May be public (state-funded) or private. The official term is 'residential centre for elderly persons'. On SeniorHelp you can find over 795 care homes in Romania.

Personalised document establishing the resident's needs, short- and long-term goals, and planned interventions: medical, physical, psychological, and social. It is drawn up by the care home's multidisciplinary team and reviewed periodically (at minimum quarterly) together with the family.

A state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion occurring in individuals who provide long-term care for a family member. Signs: chronic fatigue, irritability, social isolation, neglect of one's own health, feelings of guilt. Management: respite care, support groups, counselling.

Health insurance contribution of 10% of pension, automatically deducted. Provides access to free medical services.

Opacification of the eye's lens, the most common cause of vision loss in the elderly. Treated surgically (15–30 minute procedure). Rapid recovery.

Official document issued by the Assessment Commission that establishes the degree of disability (mild, moderate, severe, profound) and the associated entitlements: allowance, free transport, exemptions.

Very common digestive problem in elderly individuals (causes: medication, immobility, dehydration, low-fibre diet). May exacerbate other conditions.

Persistent pain lasting over 3 months, common in elderly patients (arthritis, neuropathy, cancer). Requires multimodal management: medication, physiotherapy, psychological therapy.

Progressive decline in kidney function, common in elderly patients with diabetes and hypertension. Advanced stages may require dialysis or transplantation.

The institution that administers the national health insurance fund and reimburses medical services. It manages the health card and contracts with providers.

The central institution that administers the public pension system in Romania. It establishes pension entitlements, manages the social insurance budget, and coordinates the county pension houses.

A broad spectrum of disorders affecting memory, attention, temporal and spatial orientation, language, and reasoning ability. These may range from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to severe forms of dementia. Assessment is carried out using standardised neuropsychological tests.

Structured activity programme (games, puzzles, thematic discussions, memory exercises) for maintaining cognitive function in seniors with mild-to-moderate dementia.

Complaint regarding irregularities at a care home: lack of licence, inadequate conditions. Online, by telephone or in writing.

Period during which a person has contributed to the social insurance system: years worked, military service, child-rearing leave. Required for establishing entitlement to a pension and calculating the benefit amount.

Progressive respiratory condition, common in elderly smokers. Symptoms: dyspnoea, chronic cough. Requires oxygen therapy in advanced stages.

Territorial institution of the CNPP that manages pension files, issues decisions and receives appeals. Each county has a CJP where pensioners may submit applications.

Obligation of the care home to display the daily menu covering all meals. Transparency standard required by accreditation regulations. Includes adapted menus (diabetes, dysphagia).

Basic activities that a person performs daily: washing, dressing, eating, using the toilet, mobility, transfer (from bed to chair). The degree of dependency is assessed based on the ability to perform them independently. Standard instrument: the Katz scale.

Structure of a day in a care home: waking, personal hygiene, meals, activities, rest. Routine provides security, especially in dementia.

Provides services during daytime hours only (08:00–19:00). The senior sleeps at home. Includes: activities, meals, supervision. Alternative to residential care.

Recumbent position, but also a term used for the complications of prolonged bed rest: pressure ulcers, thromboses, hypostatic pneumonia, and muscle atrophy. Prevention through early mobilisation, physiotherapy, and regular repositioning.

Amounts paid for the care of an elderly parent that are tax-deductible. Includes contributions to care homes, medical services, and home care services.

Formation of a blood clot in the deep veins, usually in the legs. Increased risk in immobilised patients in care homes. May cause pulmonary embolism.

The level of assistance a person requires for daily activities. Classification: independent, partially dependent (requires help with some activities), totally dependent (cannot manage without permanent assistance). Influences the type of care home and the cost.

Official disability classification: mild, medium, pronounced, severe. Obtained through assessment by the Commission for the Evaluation of Persons with Disabilities. Provides access to: monthly allowance, free transport, tax exemptions, personal assistance.

Excessive fluid loss, common in elderly individuals (the sensation of thirst diminishes with age). Symptoms: confusion, dizziness, reduced urinary output. Prevention: minimum 1.5L fluid intake per day.

Acute state of mental confusion with sudden onset (hours–days). Causes: infections, dehydration, medication. It is NOT dementia — it is reversible if the underlying cause is treated. Medical emergency.

A syndrome affecting memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, and learning ability. It is not a disease in itself, but a group of symptoms caused by various conditions: Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia. Diagnosis is made through comprehensive geriatric assessment. Progression varies — some forms are slow, others rapid.

A common disorder in older adults, often undetected or confused with dementia. Symptoms: persistent sadness, loss of interest, sleep disturbances, weight loss, social withdrawal, thoughts of death. Risk factors: bereavement, chronic illness, isolation. Treated with psychotherapy and/or medication.

General Directorate for Social Assistance and Child Protection. A county-level institution that coordinates social services, including those for elderly persons: assessment, placement in state care homes, social enquiries, protection against abuse.

Chronic metabolic disease characterised by elevated blood glucose levels. Very common in older adults (type 2 diabetes). Requires monitoring, an adapted diet, and treatment. See also: Diabetes mellitus.

Chronic disease in which the body does not produce sufficient insulin or does not use it effectively. Type 2 is most common in elderly individuals. Complications include: neuropathy, visual impairment, and poorly healing wounds. Requires blood glucose monitoring, dietary management, and medication.

Monthly benefit by disability grade: severe ~350 lei, pronounced ~260 lei. May be combined with pension.

For loss of working capacity. Grade I (total), Grade II (partial), Grade III (reduced). Granted on the basis of a medical board assessment.

Difficulty swallowing food or liquids. Common after stroke, in Parkinson's disease, and advanced dementia. Major risk: aspiration (entry of food into the lungs), which may cause pneumonia. Requires speech and language therapy assessment and modification of food texture.

Up to a maximum of 5 years before the standard retirement age, with a penalty of 0.75% of the score for each anticipated month.

Any action or neglect that causes suffering or harm to an elderly person: physical, emotional, financial, sexual, or through negligence. A criminal offence punishable by law.

Bed with electric adjustment of height, backrest, and leg section. Essential for immobilised patients — facilitates positioning, pressure ulcer prevention, feeding, and hygiene. Side rails prevent falls from bed.

Care provided in the last weeks/months of life. Focuses on comfort, pain relief and dignity. Includes spiritual and emotional support for the family.

Feeding a patient via gastric or nasogastric tube when normal swallowing is no longer possible. Special nutritional formulae are used. Requires medical supervision and rigorous hygiene.

EU regulations guaranteeing the right to cross-border care, information and consent. Applicable to all patients, including elderly persons in Romania.

Structured programme: balance and strength exercises, medication review, ophthalmological assessment, environmental adaptation. Reduces falls by 30–40%.

One in three people over 65 falls at least once a year. Causes: muscle weakness, impaired balance, medication, poor vision. Prevention: exercise, home adaptation.

Fracture at the level of the hip, extremely common in elderly patients with osteoporosis. Usually requires urgent surgical intervention (prosthesis or osteosynthesis). Recovery takes 3–6 months and involves intensive physiotherapy, often in a specialist care home.

Increased vulnerability state in elderly individuals: weight loss, fatigue, reduced strength, decreased walking speed. Predictor of complications and mortality.

A form of dementia affecting the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Earlier onset (45–65 years). Characterised by personality and behavioural changes.

Legal act by which a person designates, while of sound mind, who will make decisions on their behalf should they become incapacitated. A preventive legal instrument recommended for families of elderly individuals.

Procedure for creating direct access to the stomach through the abdominal wall for feeding purposes. An alternative to the nasogastric tube for long-term enteral nutrition.

Comprehensive medical assessment of the senior across 5 dimensions: physical, cognitive, emotional, functional, and social. Includes standardised tests (MMSE for cognition, Katz for ADLs). Assists in establishing the care plan and selecting the appropriate type of care home.

Medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases in elderly persons. The geriatrician comprehensively assesses the older patient (physically, cognitively, functionally) and coordinates the treatment plan with other specialties.

The science of ageing — studies the biological, psychological, and social processes of ageing. Broader than geriatrics (which is strictly medical). Includes research into quality of life, social policy, and demographic aspects.

Group of ocular conditions that damage the optic nerve, leading to progressive vision loss. Risk factors: age, diabetes, family history. Detected through regular ophthalmological examination.

The minimum pension threshold below which no pensioner should fall. It is granted as the difference between the calculated pension and the minimum threshold established annually by the government.

Legal measure of maximum protection for persons unable to exercise their rights due to mental illness or intellectual disability. The guardian makes decisions on the person's behalf: medical, financial, legal. Established by court order, requires medico-legal assessment. The guardian renders account annually.

A lighter form of legal protection than guardianship (tutela). The curator assists the person in making decisions but does not substitute their will. Applied to persons who retain understanding but cannot manage certain aspects (financial, medical). Established by court order.

Compensation for heating expenses during the cold season, granted to persons with income below a certain threshold, including pensioners. Applications are submitted to the local council.

Reactivation of the varicella virus, common in elderly individuals with reduced immunity. Causes severe pain (post-herpetic neuralgia). A preventive vaccine is available.

Medical and personal care services provided at the senior's home: nursing, hygiene, medication administration, companionship, shopping assistance. Suitable for individuals with a moderate degree of dependency who prefer to remain at home.

Hydrotherapy (therapeutic pool, baths) for mobility rehabilitation, pain reduction and relaxation. Beneficial for arthritis, fractures, Parkinson's disease.

Involuntary loss of bladder and/or bowel control. Very common in older adults — affecting 30–50% of care home residents. Types: stress, urge, and mixed incontinence. Can be managed with Kegel exercises, medication, or absorbent products (adult incontinence pads).

The senior's ability to manage their daily activities independently: hygiene, nutrition, mobility, and medication. The primary objective of good care is to maintain or restore independence, not to replace it.

Annual vaccination recommended for all persons over 65 years of age. Influenza can be fatal in elderly patients. Administered free of charge by the general practitioner.

The patient's right to be informed about treatments and to accept or refuse them. Mandatory prior to any procedure.

Document signed upon admission: confirmation of having been informed about services, costs, rules, rights, and the complaints procedure.

Standardised assessment instrument for the ability to perform basic activities of daily living: bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, feeding. Score 0–6.

Employer's contribution to the social insurance budget that funds the public pension system. The rate varies according to working conditions.

A person designated by law or court order to act on behalf of another person who is unable to exercise their rights: guardian, curator or attorney.

The third most common form of dementia. Symptoms: visual hallucinations, cognitive fluctuations, parkinsonian features. More rapid progression than Alzheimer's disease.

Medical institution for patients who require continuous medical care but no longer need acute hospitalisation. A bridge between hospital and residential care home.

Insufficient nutrient intake. Causes: reduced appetite, dental problems, dysphagia, depression. Consequences: weight loss, frequent infections, slow wound healing.

Care unit combining social services with intermediate-level medical services. Intended for seniors with mixed needs (social + medical).

The amount paid by the patient to supplement the services reimbursed by CNAS. Relevant for older adults who frequently access medical services and rehabilitation programmes.

A unit combining social services (accommodation, meals) with medical services (nursing, physiotherapy). Between a care home and a hospital.

Set of mandatory requirements that a care home must meet, established by ministerial order. Covers: infrastructure, human resources, assessment and planning, rights, ethics. Periodically verified by ANPIS.

Standardised cognitive assessment test used for dementia screening. Maximum score 30: above 24 = normal, 18–24 = mild deficit, below 18 = severe deficit.

The process of returning a patient to active movement following a period of immobilisation. Includes: bed exercises, transfer to chair, assisted walking, independent walking. Carried out gradually, under the supervision of a physiotherapist.

Comprehensive assessment carried out by a multidisciplinary team comprising a physician, social worker, psychologist, and physiotherapist. Purpose: to determine the overall needs of the elderly person and establish the most appropriate care plan.

Use of music for therapeutic purposes: reduces anxiety, stimulates memory even in advanced dementia, facilitates socialisation.

Monitoring residents at night: rounds every 2–3 hours, responding to alarms, assistance with toileting. Ratio: 1 carer to 8–10 residents.

Medical care services provided by nurses: medication administration, wound and pressure sore care, vital signs monitoring, specimen collection, personal hygiene assistance, catheterisation, suctioning.

Therapy that helps seniors maintain or regain their daily living skills through adapted activities: handicrafts, coordination exercises, cognitive activities, simulation of domestic tasks. Aim: maximising independence.

A form of therapy that uses purposeful activities (art, music, gardening, games) to improve the physical and cognitive functions of older adults. Reduces anxiety, stimulates memory, encourages socialisation.

Official document issued by the Ministry of Labour certifying that a care home meets minimum quality standards. Includes requirements regarding: space (min. 6m²/resident), qualified staff, nutrition, hygiene, activities, security. Renewed periodically.

Sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing from a lying or seated position. Causes: dehydration, medication, age. Symptoms: dizziness, blurred vision, falls. Prevention: rising slowly, adequate hydration, medication adjustment.

Loss of bone density that significantly increases the risk of fractures. Very common in post-menopausal women. Hip fractures in the elderly are particularly dangerous — 20% mortality at one year. Prevention: calcium, vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise. Treatment: bisphosphonates.

Specialised care for patients with incurable diseases in an advanced stage (cancer, organ failure, terminal dementia). Focuses on comfort, pain relief and quality of life, rather than cure. Includes emotional and spiritual support for the patient and family.

Chronic neurodegenerative disease affecting the central nervous system, particularly movement. Principal symptoms: resting tremor, muscular rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness), postural instability. Managed with medication (levodopa) and physiotherapy. Progression varies, but many patients require increasing assistance over time.

Monthly income received by a person upon cessation of professional activity, based on contributions to the social insurance system. Types: old-age pension, early retirement pension, invalidity pension, survivor's pension.

Annual adjustment of pensions in line with inflation and/or wage growth. The mechanism varies according to current legislation and has a direct impact on pensioners' purchasing power.

Calculation unit used in pension formulae prior to the 2024 reform. The pension point value was replaced by the new system based on VPR.

The periodic process of recalculating pensions in accordance with legislation (Law 360/2023). It is carried out on the basis of contribution periods and earned income. It affects millions of pensioners in Romania.

Person who receives a pension from the public or private pension system. In Romania there are over 4.6 million pensioners. They have special entitlements: free/reduced transport, tax exemptions, medical services.

Institution that defends citizens' rights. Intervenes free of charge in cases of abuse. Contact: www.avp.ro

Damage to the peripheral nerves, common in diabetes. Symptoms: numbness, tingling, pain in the feet. Increases the risk of unnoticed wounds and falls.

24/7 medical supervision and care, provided by qualified staff: nurses, healthcare assistants, and a physician. Required for patients with severe chronic conditions, total dependency, or risk of medical emergencies.

Level of care with 24/7 medical supervision for seniors with serious chronic conditions. Permanently qualified medical staff on site.

A care philosophy that places the resident's needs, preferences, and life history at the centre of all decisions. Modern quality standard in care homes for the elderly.

Person employed to care for a senior with severe disability at home. May be a family member paid by the state. Application is made at DGASPC.

Assistance: bathing/showering, teeth brushing, dressing, nappy changing. With utmost respect for dignity and privacy.

Number of staff reported to residents. Standard: min 1:3 during the day, 1:8 at night. Indicator of quality.

Adapted dietary regimen: diabetic, low-sodium, gluten-free, modified texture. Established by a nutritionist.

Treatment through physical exercises, massage, electrotherapy, and other techniques for: restoring mobility, reducing pain, preventing falls, improving balance. Delivered by a licensed physiotherapist, based on a medical prescription.

Movement-based therapy that aids in the recovery of motor functions, improvement of balance, and prevention of falls. Carried out under the guidance of a qualified physiotherapist, with a personalised programme. Essential following stroke, fractures, and surgical procedures.

The court's decision by which a person is declared to lack legal capacity due to mental deterioration. It involves the appointment of a legal guardian.

Vaccination recommended for persons over 65 years of age to prevent pneumococcal pneumonia. Administered once or every 5 years, free of charge at the general practitioner's surgery.

Infection of the lungs, particularly dangerous in elderly individuals (mortality rate 15–30% in those over 65 years of age). Prevention: influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, hygiene.

Simultaneous administration of 5 or more medications. Common in elderly patients. Risks: drug interactions, adverse effects. Requires periodic review.

Correct positioning technique for the immobilised bedridden patient to prevent pressure ulcers, contractures, and thromboses. Position is changed at minimum every 2 hours. Pillows, rolls, and specialist positioning devices are used.

Period of care and rehabilitation following a surgical procedure (hip fracture, prosthesis, cardiac surgery). Includes physiotherapy, medical supervision, and daily assistance. Duration: 2–12 weeks. Many care homes offer specialised programmes.

Legal authorisation to act on behalf of another person. Executed before a notary. May be general or special.

Intermediate state in which blood glucose is elevated but not sufficiently to meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes. Common in overweight elderly individuals. Reversible through diet and physical exercise.

Specialised mattress that distributes body pressure evenly, preventing the formation of pressure sores in immobilised patients. Types: memory foam, alternating pressure (air cells), gel. Essential in care homes with immobilised patients.

Lesions of the skin and underlying tissues caused by prolonged pressure, typically in bedridden patients. Common sites: sacrum, heels, elbows. Prevention: repositioning every 2 hours, pressure-relief mattresses, rigorous hygiene, adequate nutrition.

Owned by a private entity. Higher rates but immediate availability, usually superior conditions. Must be licensed.

Voluntary insurance covering medical services additional to the basic CNAS package. May partially cover the costs of care in private residential homes.

Judicial protection measure against abuse, also available to elderly victims of domestic violence. Issued by the court within 24 hours and takes immediate effect.

Psychological therapy adapted for older adults: cognitive-behavioural, reminiscence, group therapy. Effective for depression, anxiety, and adjustment to residential care.

Funded from the public budget. Low fees (calculated from the resident's income), but limited places and waiting lists of 6 months — 3 years.

Non-invasive measurement of blood oxygen saturation using a finger device. Important for monitoring patients with respiratory or cardiac conditions.

Daily programme: art, music, dance, gardening, games. Essential for preventing isolation and cognitive stimulation.

Unit of pension calculation in the Romanian system. In 2026, the reference point value is 81 lei (frozen until 2027). Formula: Monthly pension = total score × VPR. Total score = sum of annual average scores from all years of contribution.

Technique that uses memories, photographs and music from the past to stimulate memory and improve mood in people with dementia.

Person who permanently resides in a care home for the elderly. Preferred term over 'patient' or 'inmate', as it emphasises that the care home is the resident's home, not a medical unit.

Standard form of care in a care home: permanent accommodation, meals (3 meals + snacks), 24/7 supervision, recreational activities, assistance with activities of daily living. Suitable for relatively independent seniors who can no longer manage independently at home.

Specialist who liaises between the resident, family, and care home team. Responsibilities: supporting new residents' adjustment, managing emotional needs, mediating conflicts, organising social activities.

Chronic autoimmune disease affecting the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Common in elderly individuals. Treatment: anti-inflammatory agents, physiotherapy, immunosuppressive medication.

The fundamental right of the resident to receive visits from family and friends. The care home may only restrict visits temporarily, for justified medical reasons (e.g. quarantine). Visiting hours must be clearly communicated.

Progressive loss of muscle mass and strength associated with ageing. Increases the risk of falls, fractures, and dependency. Prevention: strength exercises, adequate protein intake.

Intermediate state in which the senior can perform some daily activities independently but requires assistance with others (bathing, moving outside the room, medication administration). The most common level of dependency among care home residents.

Single: privacy, +20-50% price. Double: sharing with another compatible resident.

Repeated cessation of breathing during sleep, common in elderly individuals. Consequences: daytime fatigue, hypertension, increased cardiovascular risk. Treatment: CPAP.

Guaranteed Minimum Income — social benefit for persons whose income falls below an annually established threshold. Applications are submitted to the local council office of the applicant's domicile. The amount depends on the number of family members and existing income.

The main legislative framework regulating social services in Romania, including those for elderly persons. Defines the types of services and quality standards.

Assessment carried out by a social worker to determine a person's financial, family, and social situation. Mandatory document for admission to state care homes and for obtaining social welfare benefits. Requested from DGASPC or the local council.

Specialist who facilitates communication and conflict resolution between institutions, families, and social service beneficiaries. Intervenes in crisis situations.

Vouchers granted to vulnerable persons (including elderly individuals with low pensions) for food and basic products. Distributed twice a year (Easter and Christmas), value 200 lei.

Specialist who assesses the social needs of elderly individuals and directs them towards appropriate services: residential care homes, benefits, and home care services. Works within DGASPC, local councils, care homes, or NGOs.

Social interaction with other people — essential for mental health. Isolation increases the risk of depression by 65% and dementia by 50%.

Dementia-adapted care: secure environment, cognitive stimulation, adapted communication, stable routine.

Adapted for patients with dementia: coded-access doors, trained staff, daily cognitive stimulation, adapted spaces. Rates +20–50%.

Speech and language therapy for recovery following stroke or in cases of aphasia. Includes dysphagia therapy (swallowing disorders). Delivered by a specialist speech and language therapist.

Sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain. Can be ischaemic (80% — blood clot) or haemorrhagic (20% — bleeding). It is a medical emergency — every minute counts. Post-stroke recovery can take months and requires physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and often care in a specialist residential facility.

The legal procedure for transferring the assets of a deceased person to their heirs. May be testamentary (in accordance with a will) or intestate (in accordance with the Civil Code). Acceptance period: 1 year from the date of death. Carried out before a notary or through the courts.

Organised meetings (in-person or online) for families caring for older adults. They provide practical information, emotional support and reduction of isolation.

For the surviving spouse: 50% (1 dependant), 75% (2), 100% (3+) of the deceased's pension.

The possibility of deducting from tax the amounts paid for the care of a family member. Consult a tax specialist.

Remote medical consultations conducted via video or telephone. Useful for seniors with reduced mobility, for monitoring chronic conditions, and for specialist consultations without the need to travel. Some care homes offer this service.

Short-term stay in a care home (2–4 weeks). Used when the primary carer needs a break (holiday, health issues) or when the older adult is recovering from surgery. Prevents carer burnout and provides the older adult with a socialisation experience.

Secure green space, specially designed for residents. Benefits: reduction of anxiety, sensory stimulation, light physical exercise. Essential for patients with dementia.

Surgical opening into the trachea to secure the airway. Requires specialist care and regular aspiration of bronchial secretions.

Flexible tube inserted into the urinary bladder to drain urine. May be temporary (post-operative) or permanent (severe incontinence, retention). Requires careful management to prevent infection.

Very common in elderly people, especially women and those with a urinary catheter. Atypical symptoms: confusion, agitation, falls. Treatment: antibiotics.

The second most common form of dementia, caused by problems with blood circulation to the brain. It often occurs following a stroke or repeated mini-strokes (TIAs). Symptoms include difficulty concentrating, confusion, and problems with planning. It differs from Alzheimer's disease by its more abrupt onset and stepwise progression.

Surveillance cameras in the common areas of the care home (not in residents' rooms) for the safety of residents. The GDPR legal framework and consent are mandatory.

Family visiting hours. Good care homes have flexible schedules. Excessive restrictions = red flag.

Regular measurement of vital signs: blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen saturation, blood glucose. In residential care homes, this is performed daily or several times a day for residents with chronic conditions. Results are recorded in the medical file.

Volunteering activity that supports residents through companionship, reading, and recreational activities. Reduces isolation and improves quality of life.

At state-run halls of residence, demand exceeds supply. Alternative: private halls of residence with immediate availability.

Bringing a patient from a supine position to a vertical (standing) position, usually with the aid of specialist equipment (tilt table). An important step in rehabilitation following stroke or surgical procedures.

Legal document: authentic (notarised) or holographic (handwritten, dated and signed). May be amended at any time during the testator's lifetime.