Senior care glossary
Plain-language definitions of terms you'll meet while arranging care in California.
ADLs — Activities of Daily Living
Basic self-care tasks: bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring, continence. Number of ADLs determines care level.
Aid & Attendance
VA pension add-on for wartime veterans. Up to $3,261/mo in 2026 for married veteran. Requires help with 2+ ADLs.
CDPH
California Department of Public Health — licenses Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs). Different from CDSS.
CDSS
California Department of Social Services — licenses and regulates RCFEs. Inspection records are public.
CalAIM
California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal — can fund some care transitions for eligible low-income seniors.
RCFE
Residential Care Facility for the Elderly — California's license for assisted living and board & care. Licensed by CDSS. Personal care, not medical.
Respite care
Short-term care giving a family caregiver a temporary break — typically days to weeks in a board & care or assisted living setting.
SNF — Skilled Nursing Facility
A nursing home licensed by CDPH providing 24/7 medical care. Different from assisted living (RCFE). Medicare covers short-term SNF stays.