Provide specialized transportation (e.g., wheel chair accessible van or mini-bus) for seniors and/or people with disabilities. Services may offer transportation to senior centers, medical care, shopping malls, or specific appointments.

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder.  It occurs when certain nerve cells (neurons) in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra die or become impaired. Normally, these cells produce a vital chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine allows smooth, coordinated function of the body’s muscles and movement.  When approximately 80% of the dopamine-producing cells are damaged, the symptoms of Parkinson disease appear.

A philosophy that focuses on an individual’s needs, preferences and values rather than the staff’s or institution’s.

Care to help an individual meet personal needs such as bathing, dressing and eating.

An electronic device that enables the user to contact help in case of a fall or other medical emergency. A number of private companies offer PERS systems which link the user with designated contact persons and local emergency services on a 24-hour basis.

A rehabilitation professional who utilizes various therapies to assist individuals in maximizing mobility, and restoring strength and body movement following an illness, injury (e.g., stroke, fall, back injury, etc).

A managed care plan combining aspects of health maintenance organizations and preferred provider organizations. POS offers the option to go to a network provider and pay a flat fee, or to an out-of-network provider and pay a deductible and/or a coinsurance charge.

An illness or disability for which one was treated or advised within a certain time period (typically 6-12 months) before applying for a new insurance policy. A pre-existing condition clause would prohibit coverage of the particular condition during the designated time period.

A group of health care providers that have agreed to provide medical services to a health plan’s members at specific costs. PPO members make their own decisions about their health care instead of going through a primary care physician.

The amount paid, usually monthly or quarterly, in exchange for health insurance coverage.

Under a health maintenance organization or point-of-service plan, a primary care physician is the first contact for health care. A primary care physician (usually a general practitioner) is often used as a “gate keeper” to make referrals to health care specialists, as necessary.

The person (usually the spouse or adult child) that takes on the main or day-to-day responsibility of caring for the physical, psychological, and/or social needs of another person.

Any health care professional (e.g., doctor, nurse or home care worker) or institution (hospital, clinic, or nursing home) that provides health care or related social services.