Legal & Ethical Standards
A legal document authorizing a designated person to make healthcare or financial decisions if an individual becomes incapacitated.
Durable Power of Attorney
Cleaning hands using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub to prevent the spread of germs.
Hand Hygiene
An approach to caregiving that prioritizes the resident's individual preferences, habits, values, and choices.
Person-Centered Care
Nonverbal communication expressed through posture, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and touch.
Body Language
Position of the body in a straight, natural posture so that muscles, joints, and bones are properly balanced.
Body Alignment
Taking unjust advantage of a vulnerable person, particularly using their money, property, or resources illegally or improperly.
Exploitation
Specialized gear worn to protect healthcare workers from hazardous materials and infectious diseases.
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)?
Treating residents with respect, honoring their individuality, and valuing their worth at all times.
Dignity
Fact-based information collected directly through the senses that can be measured or verified.
Objective Observation
An unexpected event or accident that causes—or has the potential to cause—harm or injury.
Incident
The willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or punishment resulting in physical harm, pain, or mental anguish.
Abuse
Infection prevention practices applied to all resident care regardless of infection status.
Standard Precautions (Universal Precautions)
An independent advocate who protects the rights of long-term care residents and helps resolve their complaints.
Ombudsman
Information reported by the resident regarding their feelings, symptoms, or opinions that cannot be directly measured.
Subjective Observation
Equipment (such as a cane, walker, or grab bar) used to help a person perform daily tasks or move safely.
Assistive Device
A federal law establishing national standards to protect personal health information from unauthorized disclosure.
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
Practices used to reduce the number, growth, and spread of infectious microorganisms (Clean technique).
Medical Asepsis
An individualized, written plan detailing the specific care, goals, and interventions for a resident.
Care Plan
Objective evidence of illness observable by others vs. subjective evidence felt and reported by the resident.
Signs and Symptoms
Using correct posture, balance, and body movements to protect the body from injury when lifting or moving residents
Body Mechanics
Legal documents stating a person's medical care preferences before they are unable to speak for themselves.
Advance Directives
The sequence of steps required for a pathogen to spread from one reservoir to a new host.
Chain of Infection
Keeping private resident information secure and sharing it only with authorized healthcare team members.
Confidentiality
A legal medical record containing a resident's history, care plan, treatments, and nurse aide observations.
Chart
Modified devices (such as special eating utensils or button hooks) designed to help individuals with physical limitations remain independent.
Adaptive Equipment