Caregiving terms explained: a simple glossary
By The You Care team
When families first start caring for an older relative, they often feel lost in the language. Reports, websites, and professionals use terms that are second nature to them but unfamiliar to everyone else. This glossary covers the words that come up most often.
Carer
A carer is anyone who looks after a family member, partner, or friend who needs help because of age, illness, or disability. Most carers are unpaid. They are not the same as professional care workers, who are employed to provide care.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
MCI describes a stage where memory, thinking, or judgement are slightly worse than expected for a person's age, but daily life is still mostly independent. It can be a warning sign for dementia, but many people with MCI do not progress further.
Telecare
Telecare is technology and services that support independent living at home. Examples include personal alarms, fall detectors, and daily check-in services. It is a broad term that covers anything that helps someone stay safe without a person being present.
Welfare check
A welfare check is a contact made to confirm someone is safe and well. It can be done by a family member, neighbour, the police, or a service. Daily check-in reminders are a light form of welfare check.
Daily living aids
These are practical tools that make everyday tasks easier. Examples include grab rails, raised toilet seats, long-handled shoe horns, and pill organisers. They are often the first step in helping someone stay independent.
Needs assessment
In England, a needs assessment is carried out by the local council to work out what help an older or disabled person needs. It may lead to funded support, advice, or a referral to other services. It is free to request.
Understanding these terms makes it easier to navigate the care system, ask the right questions, and find the right support. The language is rarely as complicated as it first sounds.