📚 Peer-Reviewed & Evidence-Based Every term in this glossary includes APA 7th edition citations from peer-reviewed journals and official Australian guidelines. Our sources include: The Lancet , Journal of Alzheimer's Disease , International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry , Dementia Australia evidence briefs, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Board standards, and clinical handbooks from the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre (University of Tasmania) . This ensures the definitions you read are current, clinically accurate, and legislatively informed.
📖 DSM-5-TR — Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders The DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Text Revision — American Psychiatric Association, 2022) is the definitive clinical reference for diagnosing mental health conditions in Australia and internationally. It is the standard used by psychiatrists, psychologists, geriatricians, and GPs when diagnosing dementia-related conditions (classified as Major and Mild Neurocognitive Disorders ), depression, delirium, anxiety disorders, and BPSD.
For professionals and students: Understanding DSM-5 diagnostic criteria helps you understand why a person has been given a particular diagnosis, what symptoms are expected, and how care should be tailored. It is not a tool for lay use — diagnosis requires a qualified clinician — but familiarity with its framework supports better clinical communication and more informed advocacy.
Educational resource. All definitions include APA citations. Each term links to the Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary — a peer-reviewed professional medical reference. This glossary supports learning and does not replace clinical education or professional supervision.
All Categories 🧠 Dementia & Cognitive 🏥 Clinical & Medical 🩹 Wound Dressings & Products 🫁 Respiratory & Inhaler Medications 💊 Vitamins, Minerals & Probiotics ❤️ Cardiovascular Medications 💚 Psychosocial & Wellbeing ⚖️ Legal & Regulatory 📰 Research & Publishing Standards 🏠 Aged Care Systems & Services 👨⚕️ Health Professionals & Specialists 🧠 The Human Brain — Anatomy & Function 🚶 Mobility, Ambulation & Emergency Preparedness 🏛️ Australian Care Systems — Support at Home 2025 🦠 Infection Control & Emergency Preparedness 🚶 Slips, Trips, Falls & Home Safety 👩⚕️ Staff & Clinical Practice ⚡ BPSD — Behavioural & Psychological Symptoms 💊 Pharmacy, Topicals & Medications — Clinical Names & Usage 🔤 Clinical Abbreviations & Word Parts (Prefixes, Suffixes, Roots) 🚶 Wandering, Elopement & Exit-Seeking 🕊️ End of Life, Grief & Bereavement 🌱 Newly Diagnosed & Carer Navigation 🤝 Inter-Service Partnerships & Collaboration 🦠 Common Conditions in Care Settings 🤝 Family Dynamics & Conflict Navigation 💰 Centrelink & Carer Payments 🎓 Centrelink & Student Financial Support 💻 Digital Care Tools, AI & Data Management 🏛️ Organisations, Agencies & Legislation 🎓 UTAS Wicking Courses & Study Pathways
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The Human Brain — Visual Reference The human brain is the most complex organ in the known universe — containing approximately 86 billion neurons (Azevedo et al., 2009) and an enormous number of synaptic connections , with published totals varying widely depending on the counting method (von Bartheld et al., 2016). Weighing approximately 1.4 kg, it controls every thought, memory, emotion, and bodily function.
Understanding the brain's anatomy is foundational to dementia care — each type of dementia targets different brain regions, causing different patterns of cognitive and behavioural change. The terms below cover the key structures, their functions, and their relevance to dementia and aged care practice.
Frontal — behaviour & planning Temporal — memory & language Parietal — spatial & touch Occipital — vision
🧠 Interactive Brain Diagrams — visit the Brain Lab
See how each dementia type damages specific brain regions with our fully interactive, clinically annotated brain diagrams.
→ Open Brain Lab
🧠 Dementia & Cognitive 31 terms Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) Dementia caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the frontal and temporal lobes
Alzheimer's Disease The most common cause of dementia — progressive neurodegeneration from amyloid plaques and tau tangles
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD / DLB) Dementia characterised by Lewy bodies causing cognitive fluctuation, visual hallucinations, and Parkinsonism
Vascular Dementia (VaD) Dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain from stroke, small vessel disease, or other vascular injury
Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA) Visual variant of Alzheimer's disease — progressive degeneration of the occipital and parietal lobes
Parkinson's Disease Dementia (PDD) Cognitive decline developing in established Parkinson's disease — caused by progressive alpha-synuclein pathology
Huntington's Disease Dementia Inherited progressive neurodegeneration causing motor, cognitive, and psychiatric decline from striatal and cortical atrophy
Changed Behaviours Person-first term for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia
BPSD Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
Sundowning Late-day confusion / Sundown syndrome
Aphasia Language impairment
Anosognosia Lack of illness awareness
Executive Function Higher-order cognitive processes
Delirium Acute confusional state
REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD) Acting out dreams during REM sleep
Temporal Orientation Awareness of time / date
Confabulation Unconscious memory fabrication
Apraxia Inability to perform purposeful movements
Agnosia Inability to recognise objects, faces, or sounds
Perseveration Repetitive behaviours or speech
Retrograde Amnesia Loss of previously formed memories
Anterograde Amnesia Inability to form new memories
Lecanemab (Leqembi) Anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody — first disease-modifying Alzheimer's treatment
Donanemab Anti-amyloid antibody targeting plaque-specific amyloid — TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2
ARIA (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities) Brain swelling or small bleeds seen on MRI during anti-amyloid treatment
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) The transitional stage between normal ageing and dementia
Amyloid Plaques & Tau Tangles The pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease
Alpha-Synuclein The protein that forms Lewy bodies — central to Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia pathology
Lancet Commission on Dementia 2024 Updated global evidence on dementia prevention, intervention, and care
Reminiscence Bump The tendency to recall memories from adolescence and early adulthood most strongly
Reminiscence Therapy Structured use of life memories and life history to improve wellbeing in dementia
🏥 Clinical & Medical 57 terms ADLs Activities of Daily Living
IADLs Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
Dysphagia Swallowing difficulty
Aspiration Pneumonia Lung infection from inhaled material
Palliative Care Comfort-focused end-of-life care
Antipsychotics Medications affecting dopamine pathways
PRN Medication Pro re nata — as needed medication
Advance Care Plan (ACP) Future healthcare preferences document
MMSE Mini-Mental State Examination
RUDAS Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale
Cholinesterase Inhibitors Medications boosting acetylcholine
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Bacterial infection of the urinary system
Pressure Injury Pressure ulcer / bedsore
Contracture Permanent shortening of muscle or joint
Restrictive Practice Any practice restricting rights or freedom of movement
Chemical Restraint Medication used to control behaviour
SIRS Serious Incident Response Scheme
Least Restrictive Alternative Minimum intervention for the shortest time
Polypharmacy Concurrent use of five or more medications
Deprescribing Planned reduction or cessation of medications
Home Medicines Review (HMR) Free pharmacist-led medication review
Principle of Double Effect Ethical doctrine in palliative medication
Anticholinergic Burden Cumulative effect of multiple anticholinergic medications
Covert Medication Administration Hiding medication in food or drink
Anticoagulant Blood-thinning medication
Psychotropic Medication Medications affecting mood, behaviour, or cognition
Modified-Release Medication Slow-release or extended-release formulation
Medication-Induced Delirium Acute confusion caused by medications
MIND Diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) Evidence-based dietary pattern designed to slow cognitive ageing and reduce dementia risk
Gut-Brain Axis Bidirectional communication network between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists & Neuroprotection Diabetes medications investigated for dementia risk reduction — early promise not confirmed by phase 3 trials
Antibiotic Stewardship Judicious use of antibiotics to prevent resistance
MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) A 30-point validated cognitive screening tool — more sensitive than MMSE for MCI
Frailty A clinical syndrome of reduced physiological reserve and resistance to stressors
Prescribing Cascade Adding medications to treat side effects of other medications
Cheyne-Stokes Respiration Abnormal breathing pattern of alternating apnoea and hyperventilation
Scabies Highly contagious parasitic skin infestation by Sarcoptes scabiei
Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus from dorsal root ganglia
Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD) Inflammatory skin damage from prolonged exposure to urine or faeces
Venous Leg Ulcer Chronic lower-leg ulceration from venous insufficiency and venous hypertension
Braden Scale Validated pressure injury risk assessment tool
ISTAP (Skin Tear Classification) International Skin Tear Advisory Panel classification for skin tears
Dopaminergic Medications (Levodopa, Sinemet, Madopar) The cornerstone medication class for Parkinson’s disease — restores brain dopamine
Memantine NMDA receptor antagonist for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease
Enteral (Enteral Feeding / Tube Feeding) Delivery of nutrition and medication directly into the gastrointestinal tract via a tube
Proprioceptive / Proprioception The body's sense of joint position, movement, and force without visual input
Axillary Relating to the armpit / underarm — a high-risk area in transfers
Brachial Plexus The nerve network supplying the arm and hand — vulnerable in transfers
Subluxation A partial dislocation where joint surfaces are misaligned but still in contact
Shear (Skin / Tissue) A mechanical force parallel to the skin that causes deep tissue distortion and pressure injury
Neurological Observations Structured recording of conscious state, pupils and vital signs after a head injury or a change in condition
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) The 15-point scale for recording level of consciousness
Pupil Reaction (PERRL) Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light — the pupil check in a neurological observation
Skin Cancer (BCC, SCC & Melanoma) Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma — the three main types of skin cancer
Excoriation Skin abrasion caused by scratching — also called neurotic excoriation or skin picking
Erysipelas Acute bacterial infection of the upper dermis and lymphatics, with sharply raised borders
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) The ratio of ankle systolic blood pressure to arm systolic blood pressure — a test for peripheral arterial disease
🩹 Wound Dressings & Products 13 terms Non-Adherent Wound Contact Layer A silicone or paraffin mesh placed directly on the wound bed so the dressing never sticks to new tissue
Transparent Film Dressing A thin, see-through, waterproof adhesive membrane used on superficial wounds and for skin protection
Foam Dressing An absorbent polyurethane foam dressing for moderate-to-heavy exudate — the most widely used dressing in Australian aged care
Hydrocolloid Dressing A self-adhesive wafer that forms a gel over the wound and gently lifts slough and dead tissue
Alginate Dressing A highly absorbent dressing made from seaweed fibre that forms a gel and helps stop bleeding
Hydrofibre / Gelling Fibre Dressing A carboxymethylcellulose fibre dressing that absorbs fluid vertically — the gold standard for heavily exuding wounds
Silver-Containing Dressing An antimicrobial dressing that releases ionic silver to reduce bacterial load in infected or critically colonised wounds
Honey Dressing (Medical Grade Manuka) A dressing impregnated with sterilised medical-grade honey used for debridement and antimicrobial action
Iodine-Based Dressing An antiseptic dressing that releases iodine to reduce bacterial load — also available as a wound-cleaning paste
Compression Bandaging System Multi-layer bandaging that applies controlled pressure to the leg to treat venous insufficiency and venous leg ulcers
NPWT (Negative Pressure Wound Therapy) Negative pressure wound therapy — also called vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) or topical negative pressure
Tulle Gras / Paraffin Gauze A fine mesh gauze impregnated with soft paraffin — a low-adherence primary dressing for superficial wounds
Wound Cleansers Solutions used to clean a wound and remove debris, exudate and bacteria without damaging new tissue
🫁 Respiratory & Inhaler Medications 18 terms COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Bronchodilator A medication that widens the airways
SABA Short-Acting Beta₂-Agonist
LABA Long-Acting Beta₂-Agonist
SAMA Short-Acting Muscarinic Antagonist
LAMA Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonist
ICS Inhaled Corticosteroid
Spacer Valved Holding Chamber (VHC)
Nebuliser Nebuliser (nebulised therapy)
Qvar Brand of beclometasone dipropionate inhaler
Flixotide Brand of fluticasone propionate inhaler
Symbicort Brand of budesonide/formoterol combination inhaler
Seretide Brand of fluticasone/salmeterol combination inhaler
Anoro Ellipta Brand of umeclidinium/vilanterol combination inhaler
Spiolto Respimat Brand of tiotropium/olodaterol combination inhaler
Atrovent Brand of ipratropium bromide inhaler and nebuliser solution
Ventolin Nebules Brand of nebulised salbutamol inhalation solution
Spiriva Brand of tiotropium inhaler
💊 Vitamins, Minerals & Probiotics 7 terms Colecalciferol (Vitamin D3) The form of vitamin D used in supplements and most medicines in Australia
Multivitamin Supplementation in Aged Care A combined vitamin and mineral supplement given to address suboptimal intake
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Water-soluble vitamin required for collagen synthesis and antioxidant defence
Scurvy Clinical vitamin C deficiency disease
Zinc Essential trace element required for wound healing, immunity and appetite regulation
Probiotic Live micro-organisms taken to support gut health and prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhoea
Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhoea (AAD) Diarrhoea occurring as a direct result of antibiotic treatment
❤️ Cardiovascular Medications 3 terms Diltiazem Diltiazem hydrochloride — a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker
Calcium channel blocker Calcium channel blocker (CCB) — also called a calcium antagonist
SSSI Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument
💚 Psychosocial & Wellbeing 20 terms Person-Centred Care Care focused on the individual as a whole person
Validation Therapy Empathic communication approach
Compassion Fatigue Secondary traumatic stress in carers
Therapeutic Fibbing Compassionate deception in dementia care
Grief & Ambiguous Loss Loss without a clear ending
Music Therapy Structured use of music as therapeutic intervention
Reality Orientation Technique to re-anchor to time and place
Burnout Chronic workplace or carer exhaustion
Meaningful Occupation Purposeful activity as a therapeutic tool
Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) PTSD-equivalent in caring professionals
Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) Positive psychological change after adversity
Moral Distress Suffering from ethical constraint in care
Vicarious Trauma Cumulative transformation through exposure to others' trauma
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) Evidence-based structured group program for mild-to-moderate dementia
Montessori for Dementia Adapted Montessori educational approach for person-centred dementia engagement
Snoezelen / Multisensory Environment (MSE) Controlled multisensory environment for reducing agitation in mid-to-late stage dementia
Doll Therapy Therapeutic comfort object for mid-to-late stage dementia
Spaced Retrieval Training Memory training technique using progressively longer recall intervals
Life Story Work / Life Story Book Collaborative documentation of personal history for person-centred care
Memory Box / Personal Treasure Box Tangible collection of personally meaningful objects for reminiscence
⚖️ Legal & Regulatory 16 terms Aged Care Quality Standards Australian mandatory care standards
Pastoral Care Spiritual and emotional support in health and aged care
Meaningful Ageing Australia National peak body for spiritual care in aged care
Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) Legal authority to act on another's behalf
Restrictive Practices Physical, chemical, or environmental restrictions
Mandatory Reporting Legal obligation to report abuse or incidents
Duty of Care Legal obligation to prevent foreseeable harm
Dignity of Risk The right to take reasonable risks
Supported Decision-Making Assistance to make one's own decisions
Aged Care Code of Conduct The 8 requirements every aged care worker and responsible person must meet
Open Disclosure An open, honest and empathic conversation when something goes wrong with care
Poisons Standard (medicine schedules) The national classification that decides how each medicine can be supplied
Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) An organisation endorsed by the ATO to receive donations that donors may claim as a tax deduction
Australian Business Number (ABN) The 11-digit identifier for a business dealing with the ATO and other government agencies
Vocational Placement A placement required by an education or training course
Student Registration (Ahpra) Enrolment of a nursing or midwifery student with the National Board
📰 Research & Publishing Standards 3 terms Source Check Opening the original source and reading it before a research summary is published
News Release A media statement issued by an organisation — not a peer-reviewed research paper
Withdrawn Research Item A research summary that has been taken down after review
🏠 Aged Care Systems & Services 10 terms Home Care Package (HCP) — legacy program Former government-funded home support package, replaced by Support at Home
CHSP Commonwealth Home Support Programme
Residential Aged Care Care in an aged care facility (nursing home)
RADs & DAPs Refundable Accommodation Deposit & Daily Accommodation Payment
My Aged Care Australian aged care access portal
ACAT / ACAS (superseded terminology) Aged Care Assessment Team / Service — replaced by the Single Assessment System on 9 December 2024
Respite Care Temporary relief for carers
Care Plan Individual plan for care delivery
Emergency Respite Respite arranged at short notice when a carer suddenly cannot continue caring
Clinical Handover The transfer of professional responsibility and accountability for a person's care to another carer or team
👨⚕️ Health Professionals & Specialists 30 terms Geriatrician Specialist doctor in older adult medicine
General Practitioner (GP) Primary care doctor
Registered Nurse (RN) University-trained nursing professional
Enrolled Nurse (EN) Diploma-trained nursing professional
Personal Care Worker (PCW) Non-clinical aged care assistant
Assistant in Nursing (AIN) Aged care support worker assisting nursing staff with direct care
Support Worker Worker who supports a person to live independently
Disability Support Worker Support worker for a person with disability
Home Care Worker Support worker providing care in the home
Health Professionals The collective term for the registered and allied health workforce
Psychologist Mental health and behavioural specialist
Psychiatrist Medical doctor specialising in mental health
Allied Health Professional Non-medical health specialist
Speech Pathologist (Speech-Language Pathologist) Communication and swallowing specialist
Physiotherapist Movement and exercise specialist
Occupational Therapist (OT) Daily function and adaptation specialist
Social Worker Psychosocial support and services specialist
Palliative Care Specialist End-of-life and comfort care expert
Clinical Nurse Leader / Manager Nursing leadership and quality role
Care Coordinator / Aged Care Manager Service planning and liaison role
Dietitian / Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Clinical nutrition and food therapy specialist
Optometrist Eye health and vision care specialist
Podiatrist Foot and lower limb health specialist
Audiologist Hearing and vestibular health specialist
Music Therapist (RMT) Clinical music and therapeutic arts specialist
Diversional Therapist / Lifestyle Coordinator Therapeutic recreation and wellbeing specialist
Continence Nurse Advisor Specialist continence assessment and management nurse
Clinical Pharmacist Medication management and safety specialist
Dementia Consultant (Dementia Support Australia) Specialist dementia advisory and clinical support professional
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner Culturally safe First Nations health care provider
🧠 The Human Brain — Anatomy & Function 21 terms Cerebral Cortex The outer layer of the brain — seat of thought and consciousness
Frontal Lobe Executive function, personality, and behaviour centre
Temporal Lobe Memory, language, and auditory processing
Hippocampus New memory formation hub
Amygdala Emotional processing and threat response
Entorhinal Cortex The brain's memory gateway — an early site of Alzheimer's pathology
Cingulate Cortex (Anterior Cingulate) Emotion regulation, motivation, empathy, and decision-making hub
Insula (Insular Cortex) Body awareness, empathy, taste, pain, and emotional experience
Thalamus The brain's central relay station — routes all sensory and motor signals
Motor Cortex (Primary Motor Cortex) Voluntary movement control — immediately anterior to the central sulcus
Substantia Nigra Dopamine-producing midbrain nucleus — origin of Parkinson's pathology
Parietal Lobe Spatial awareness, touch, and sensory integration
Occipital Lobe Visual processing centre
Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) The brain's CEO — decision-making and emotional regulation
Basal Ganglia Movement coordination and habit formation
Cerebellum Balance, coordination, and fine motor control
Brain Stem Life-sustaining functions — breathing, heartbeat, consciousness
Corpus Callosum Bridge connecting left and right brain hemispheres
Neurotransmitters Chemical messengers between brain cells
Neuroplasticity The brain's ability to rewire and adapt
White Matter & Grey Matter Structural components of the brain
🚶 Mobility, Ambulation & Emergency Preparedness 19 terms Ambulant Able to walk independently or with minimal assistance
Non-Ambulant Unable to walk — requires full assistance or mechanical transfer for all mobility
Ambulation The act of walking — as a therapeutic or functional activity
Persons Requiring Assistance (PRA) Register The official list of non-ambulant or mobility-impaired residents requiring evacuation assistance
Evacuation Chair A specialist chair designed for stair descent during building evacuations
RACE (Fire Emergency Acronym) Remove, Alert, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate
Place of Refuge A protected area within a building where non-ambulant residents can await emergency services during evacuation
Orthosis / Orthoses (plural) An externally applied device to support, align, prevent, or correct a body part
AFO (Ankle-Foot Orthosis) A leg brace supporting the ankle and foot to prevent or correct foot drop
Supine Lying on the back — a baseline resting and assessment position
Semi-Fowler’s / High Fowler’s Position Head-of-bed elevation positions for aspiration, reflux, and respiratory comfort
Trochanter The greater trochanter of the femur — a bony prominence at the hip and a pressure injury site
Log-Roll Turning the whole body as a single unit to maintain spinal alignment
Postural Drainage Gravity-assisted positioning to clear secretions from specific lung segments
Knee Break A bend in the bed at the leg section that prevents the person sliding when the head is raised
Ferrule The rubber tip on a walking stick, cane, crutch, or frame that provides grip
Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV) A plumbing fitting that blends hot and cold water to a safe pre-set temperature to prevent scalds
AS 1428.1 Australian Standard for accessible design — grab rails, handrails, and access
Gait Belt (Transfer Belt / Johnny Belt) A padded belt around the waist giving the carer a secure grip for transfers and walking
🏛️ Australian Care Systems — Support at Home 2025 27 terms Service Agreement The agreement between a resident and a provider — replaced the resident agreement on 1 November 2025
Higher Everyday Living Fee (HELF) The only permitted way a provider may offer extra services beyond the Residential Care Services List
Authorised Proxy (Aged Care Surveys) The only person who may complete a Consumer Experience or Quality of Life survey on a resident's behalf
Support at Home Program Australian Government in-home aged care program (from 1 November 2025)
Single Assessment System Unified aged care needs assessment that replaced ACAT/RAS (from 9 December 2024)
IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) A standardised global framework for texture-modified foods and thickened fluids
AN-ACC (Australian National Aged Care Classification) The residential aged care funding model — replaced ACFI from October 2022
OPAN (Older Persons Advocacy Network) Free, independent advocacy for aged care consumers and families
Dementia Support Australia (DSA) Free specialist dementia behaviour advisory service
Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre (UTAS) Dementia research and education centre at the University of Tasmania
Understanding Dementia MOOC Free online dementia course — Wicking Centre, University of Tasmania
MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) A free, open, online course anyone can enrol in — no entry requirements
Distinguished Professor A senior Australian university title recognising sustained, outstanding academic achievement
Australasian Neuroscience Society (ANS) The professional society for neuroscience researchers in Australia and New Zealand
Dementia Australia Research Foundation The research funding arm of Dementia Australia — funds Australian dementia research
Australian Dementia Network (ADNeT) A national NHMRC-funded network linking Australian dementia researchers, memory clinics and registries
David Wallace Address An annual Australian lecture honouring an outstanding contributor to gerontology
Doctor of Science (DSc) A higher doctorate awarded for a substantial, sustained body of published research
Higher Degree by Research (HDR) An Australian university degree built mainly around supervised research — a research masters or a doctorate
Emeritus Professor An honorary title Australian universities give a retiring professor — no longer a paid post, but the title is kept for life
Hansard The official verbatim record of what is said in an Australian parliament or parliamentary committee
Doctoral supervision The academic supervision of a doctoral candidate — a university staff member who guides a PhD or professional doctorate to completion
Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) Legal death certification — full entry under Common Diseases in Care Settings
Sorry Business Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mourning and ceremonial practice following a death
Care Log / Daily Care Record A structured, dated record of a person's daily health and wellbeing indicators
Grief (Culturally Diverse Expressions) The wide spectrum of culturally specific mourning and bereavement practices
Shift Reminder / Shift Scheduling Automated or structured systems to notify staff of upcoming work obligations
🦠 Infection Control & Emergency Preparedness 7 terms Standard Precautions Universal infection prevention measures — applied to every patient, every time
Hand Hygiene — 5 Moments The WHO-endorsed five critical moments for hand hygiene in healthcare
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Protective clothing and equipment to prevent infection transmission
Outbreak Two or more linked cases of the same illness in a facility
RACE (Fire Emergency Acronym) Fire emergency response acronym — full entry under Mobility, Ambulation & Emergency Preparedness
Asymptomatic Not displaying symptoms of a disease or infection
Cohorting Grouping patients or residents with the same infection together
🚶 Slips, Trips, Falls & Home Safety 14 terms Fall An unplanned descent to the floor or lower surface
Slip Loss of traction between foot/footwear and the floor surface
Trip Loss of balance caused by an unexpected obstruction or surface irregularity
Gait Disturbance Abnormal or impaired walking pattern
Postural Hypotension A sudden drop in blood pressure on standing (also: orthostatic hypotension)
Syncope Transient loss of consciousness — fainting
Visual Acuity Sharpness and clarity of vision
GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale) Standardised neurological assessment tool measuring level of consciousness
Needlestick Injury Puncture wound caused by a contaminated needle or sharp instrument
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Emergency medication to prevent HIV infection after exposure
Intoxication Impaired physical and cognitive function from alcohol or substances
Aspiration Risk Risk of inhaling food, fluid, vomit, or secretions into the lungs
Domestic Squalor Severe home environmental neglect — also called self-neglect or Diogenes syndrome
Polypharmacy Concurrent use of 4 or more medications (in older adult context)
👩⚕️ Staff & Clinical Practice 22 terms No Lift Policy Manual handling safety requirement
Scope of Practice Range of permissible clinical activities
Incident Documentation Recording of adverse or unexpected events
Skin Tear Traumatic wound from shear or friction
Falls Prevention Multifactorial strategy to reduce fall risk
Personal Care Assistance with hygiene and grooming
Handover Transfer of care responsibility between staff
ISBAR Identify, Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation
Clinical Leadership Clinical governance and team direction
Continuity of Care Coordinated care across settings and time
Cognitive Impairment Reduced mental processing ability
Standard Precautions Universal infection prevention measures applied to all patients
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Protective clothing and equipment to prevent infection
MRSA Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Bloodborne virus affecting the immune system
Hepatitis B and C Bloodborne viral liver infections
C. difficile (Clostridioides difficile) Spore-forming bacterium causing severe diarrhoea
Vaccination Requirements (Healthcare Workers) Mandatory and recommended vaccines for aged care staff
Transmission-Based Precautions Additional precautions for specific infectious agents
Clinical Escalation The process of seeking a higher level of clinical review when a patient deteriorates
Vital Signs The four core physiological measurements indicating the state of the body's essential functions
Cognitive Decline Progressive deterioration of cognitive abilities
⚡ BPSD — Behavioural & Psychological Symptoms 17 terms BPSD Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
ABC Charting Antecedent–Behaviour–Consequence Framework
Agitation Excessive motor or verbal activity in dementia
Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) Standardised BPSD rating scale
Abbey Pain Scale Non-verbal pain assessment tool for dementia
Sundowning Late afternoon and evening worsening of BPSD
Elopement Unsupervised exit from a care facility — a critical emergency
Delusion A fixed, false belief not amenable to correction
Capgras Syndrome The imposter delusion — belief a familiar person is replaced by a double
Disinhibition Loss of social and behavioural restraint from frontal lobe damage
Apathy Loss of motivation, initiative, and emotional engagement
Emotional Lability Rapid, exaggerated, or unpredictable emotional changes
Resistiveness to Care Active resistance during personal care activities
Terminal Agitation Restlessness and distress in the dying phase of dementia
Non-Pharmacological BPSD Management Evidence-based first-line approaches to managing BPSD
Person-Centred Care (BPSD) Knowing the person as the foundation of BPSD management
Dementia Support Australia (DSA) Free Australian specialist BPSD advisory service
💊 Pharmacy, Topicals & Medications — Clinical Names & Usage 12 terms Analgesia / Analgesic Pain relief / pain-relieving medication
Aperient A laxative medication that promotes bowel movement
Ophthalmic Preparations — Eyedrops & Eye Ointments Medications applied to the eye for therapeutic or cosmetic purposes
Tinea & Antifungal Creams Fungal skin infections and topical antifungal treatments
Steroid Creams / Topical Corticosteroids Anti-inflammatory topical medications — strength classes and appropriate use
Salicylic Acid (SA) A keratolytic agent used for wart and corn removal, and acne treatment
Daktarin (Miconazole) A topical antifungal cream used for fungal skin infections
Expectorant A medication that thins mucus/phlegm to promote coughing and clearance
Antibiotic Classes & Common Aged-Care Examples Classes of antibiotics used in aged care: penicillins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, and when they are used
Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin) An antiplatelet and pain-relieving medication
Emollient (Moisturiser / Skin Barrier Cream) A topical preparation that hydrates and protects the skin barrier
Hypertonic Saline (Concentrated Salt Solution) A high-concentration salt solution used for wound irrigation, nasal care, and other purposes
🔤 Clinical Abbreviations & Word Parts (Prefixes, Suffixes, Roots) 26 terms -itis Suffix — inflammation
-ology Suffix — the study of
-ectomy Suffix — surgical removal
-ostomy Suffix — surgically created opening
-otomy Suffix — surgical incision (cutting)
-pathy Suffix — disease or disorder of
-scopy Suffix — visual examination using an instrument
-graphy / -gram Suffix — recording / image produced
-algia / -dynia Suffix — pain
myo- Prefix — relating to muscle
neuro- Prefix — relating to nerves or the nervous system
cardio- Prefix — relating to the heart
cerebro- / encephalo- Prefix — relating to the brain
haemo- / hemo- Prefix — relating to blood
hyper- / hypo- Prefixes — above/excess vs. below/deficiency
brady- / tachy- Prefixes — slow vs. fast (cardiovascular)
dys- Prefix — difficult, painful, or abnormal
a- / an- Prefix — without, absence of
Common Clinical Abbreviations (Part 1) Abbreviations frequently used in aged care documentation
Common Clinical Abbreviations (Part 2) More abbreviations used in aged care and clinical documentation
Common Clinical Abbreviations (Part 3) Advanced abbreviations for clinical and aged care professionals
AHPRA Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
NMBA Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia
ACSQHC Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
NHMRC National Health and Medical Research Council
ATAGI Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation
🚶 Wandering, Elopement & Exit-Seeking 8 terms Wandering Goal-directed locomotion without safety awareness
Elopement Unsupervised exit from a care facility — a medical emergency
Exit-Seeking Goal-directed movement toward exits driven by a specific purpose
Lapping / Circling Repetitive circuit walking in a loop pattern
Pacing Repeated back-and-forth walking in the same path
Safe Walking Program A structured, supervised walking activity that addresses wandering need purposefully
Rummaging / Hoarding Repetitive searching through belongings or collecting objects
Environmental Modifications (Wandering) Physical environment changes that reduce wandering risk and elopement
🕊️ End of Life, Grief & Bereavement 9 terms Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) Legal death certification — full entry under Common Diseases in Care Settings
Terminal Agitation Restlessness and distress in the final hours to days of life
Cheyne-Stokes Breathing A cyclical breathing pattern seen in the dying phase
Anticipatory Grief Grief experienced before a death occurs — during a terminal illness
Complicated Grief (Prolonged Grief Disorder) Grief that is persistently debilitating and does not follow normal adaptation
PEPA (Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach) Free government-funded palliative care education program for aged care workers
Dignity of Dying The principle that every person deserves comfort, respect, and individualised care at end of life
EAP (Employee Assistance Program) Free, confidential counselling provided by employers for staff wellbeing
Bereavement Leave Paid leave entitlement following the death of a family member
🌱 Newly Diagnosed & Carer Navigation 13 terms Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) Legal authority for a trusted person to make decisions on behalf of someone who loses capacity
Advance Care Directive (ACD) A legal document recording a person's wishes for future medical treatment
Home Medicines Review (HMR) A free, Medicare-funded pharmacist review of all a person's medications at home, on GP referral, for people living in the community
Single Assessment System The unified Australian Government aged care needs assessment system (replaced ACAT/RAS on 9 December 2024)
Support at Home Program The Australian Government in-home aged care program that replaced Home Care Packages from 1 November 2025
Anticipatory Grief See the full entry under Psychosocial & Wellbeing
Life Story / "This Is Me" Document A biographical profile capturing who a person is — foundational to person-centred dementia care
Decision-Making Capacity The legal and clinical ability of a person to make a specific decision
Younger Onset Dementia (YOD) Dementia diagnosed in a person under 65 years of age
Respite Care Temporary care for a person with dementia to provide the family carer with a break
Dementia Support Australia (DSA) Free Australian Government-funded specialist dementia advisory service
Cognitive Reserve The brain's resilience and adaptability in response to neurodegeneration
Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) A team of healthcare professionals from different disciplines working collaboratively to provide comprehensive care
🤝 Inter-Service Partnerships & Collaboration 8 terms Inter-Service Partnership Formal collaboration between two or more organisations
Intergenerational Program Intentional engagement bringing different age groups together
Service-Level Agreement (SLA) Formal contract detailing partnership terms and commitments
Duty of Care in Partnerships Legal obligation to prevent harm in inter-service activities
Collaborative Risk Assessment Identifying and mitigating risks in inter-service activities
Cross-Sector Collaboration Partnership spanning different industries or service types
Partnership Evaluation & Review Assessing partnership effectiveness and sustainability
Consent & Capacity in Partnerships Ensuring informed agreement and appropriate decision-making
🦠 Common Conditions in Care Settings 19 terms Hypertension Chronically elevated blood pressure (≥130/80 mmHg)
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Chronic metabolic disorder of impaired insulin function
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Irregular heart rhythm — most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia
Heart Failure (HF) Chronic inability of the heart to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's demands
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Progressive lung disease causing airflow limitation and chronic breathlessness
Osteoarthritis Degenerative joint disease — the most common form of arthritis
Stroke (CVA — Cerebrovascular Accident) Sudden brain injury caused by interrupted blood supply
Aspiration Pneumonia Lung infection caused by inhalation of food, fluid, or secretions
Sepsis Life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection
Parkinson's Disease (PD) Progressive neurodegenerative disorder causing motor and non-motor symptoms
Depression (Late-Life) Major depressive disorder in older adults — most undertreated condition in aged care
Cellulitis Bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
Delirium (Acute Confusional State) Acute, reversible disorder of attention and cognition — medical emergency
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) Repeated upper airway collapse during sleep causing oxygen desaturation
Glymphatic System The brain's waste clearance system — active during deep sleep
Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) Structured, progressively loaded strength training for older adults
Sarcopenia Age-related progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and function
Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) Legal document certifying the cause of death — required for death registration and funeral
Coronial Investigation Independent investigation into deaths that are unexpected, unexplained, or under reportable circumstances
🤝 Family Dynamics & Conflict Navigation 12 terms Family Dynamics The complex patterns of interaction, roles, and relationships within a family system
Advance Care Directive (ACD) See the full entry under Newly Diagnosed & Carer Navigation
Not For Resuscitation (NFR / DNAR) Medical order withholding cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Substitute Decision-Maker (SDM) Person legally authorised to make decisions for someone who lacks capacity
Scope of Practice (Family Boundaries) The professional limits of a nurse's role in family conflict situations
Facilitated Family Meeting Structured, professionally facilitated meeting for families in conflict
Financial Elder Abuse The illegal or improper use of an older person's property, finances, or assets
Visitation Rights The legal and policy framework governing who may visit an aged care resident
Anticipatory Grief (Family) See the full entry under Psychosocial & Wellbeing
Executor of the Estate The person legally responsible for administering a deceased person's will
Family Mediation Structured, facilitated negotiation between family members in conflict
Guardianship Tribunal State/territory legal body that appoints guardians and administrators for people who lack capacity
💰 Centrelink & Carer Payments 13 terms Carer Payment Income-support payment for full-time carers of someone with severe disability or frail aged
Carer Allowance Tax-free supplement for carers providing daily care — no income or assets test
Carer Supplement Annual lump-sum payment for Carer Payment/Allowance recipients
Pensioner Concession Card (Carer) Concession card issued automatically with Carer Payment — delivers cheaper medicines, bulk-billing, and utility rebates
Carer Gateway Australian Government service (separate from Centrelink) providing free counselling, respite, coaching, and flexible funding for carers
Constant Care (Carer Payment Requirement) Centrelink definition requiring daily, in-person care to qualify for Carer Payment
Financial Information Service (FIS) Free Centrelink service providing financial information (not advice) for carers and retirees
National Debt Helpline Free financial counselling service for Australians in financial stress
Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) Annual Australian Government payment to assist with continence product costs for eligible people
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card Concession card for people of Age Pension age who don't qualify for a pension
Senior Australians and Pensioner Tax Offset (SAPTO) Tax offset reducing tax payable for eligible seniors and pensioners
Paid Sick and Carer's Leave (Personal Leave) 10 days of paid leave per year for full-time employees, to cover their own illness or to care for a family or household member
Unpaid Carer's Leave (Fair Work Act) Up to 2 days of unpaid carer's leave per occasion under the National Employment Standards
🎓 Centrelink & Student Financial Support 13 terms Youth Allowance (Student) Centrelink income-support payment for full-time students aged 16–24
Austudy Centrelink income-support payment for full-time students aged 25 and over
ABSTUDY Centrelink payment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students of any age
ABSTUDY Fares Allowance Help with the cost of travel between home and where you live while studying, for eligible ABSTUDY students
Rent Assistance (Student) Automatic top-up for students receiving Youth Allowance or Austudy who pay rent
Relocation Scholarship Annual payment for eligible Youth Allowance students who move away from home to study
Student Start-up Loan Optional LOAN (not a grant) for students receiving Youth Allowance, Austudy, or ABSTUDY
Education Entry Payment One-off payment for people transitioning from another income-support payment into study
Pensioner Education Supplement (PES) Regular extra payment toward study costs for people on certain Services Australia or DVA payments — not paid to Youth Allowance or Austudy students
Commonwealth Prac Payment Payment (from 1 July 2025) for eligible students on mandatory unpaid placements in teaching, nursing, midwifery or social work
Student Concession Card Health Care Card issued automatically to Youth Allowance/Austudy recipients, plus institution student ID for discounts
HELP Debt (HECS-HELP) Government study loan repaid through the tax system once your income passes the minimum repayment threshold
Salary Packaging (Not-for-Profit Aged Care) Arrangement some charitable and not-for-profit employers offer, where part of your pay is taken as benefits before tax
💻 Digital Care Tools, AI & Data Management 8 terms eNRMC (electronic National Residential Medication Chart) The national electronic medication chart for residential aged care
AI Care Summary (Clinical Narrative Generator) Artificial intelligence tool that synthesises care log data into a structured clinical narrative
Care Log (Digital) A structured, dated electronic record of a person's daily health and wellbeing indicators
CSV (Comma-Separated Values) A plain-text file format for storing and transferring structured data — compatible with all spreadsheet applications
ICS / iCalendar (.ics file) A universal calendar data format for sharing events between calendar applications
Bulk Data Sync (BulkSheetSync) A tool for importing and exporting large volumes of care log records via CSV for spreadsheet analysis
Means-Tested Care Fee / Non-Clinical Care Contribution Income- and assets-tested contributions towards residential aged care costs, assessed by Services Australia
AN-ACC (Australian National Aged Care Classification) Residential aged care funding model — full entry under Australian Care Systems
🏛️ Organisations, Agencies & Legislation 32 terms ADNeT Australian Dementia Network
CHeBA Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing
Memory clinic Specialist cognitive assessment service
Clinical quality registry Systematic collection of clinical data to monitor and improve the quality of care
Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards The seven aged care quality standards under the Aged Care Act 2024
Aged Care Act 2024 The Australian legislation governing aged care from 1 November 2025
National Dementia Action Plan National Dementia Action Plan 2024–2034
MSAC Medical Services Advisory Committee
PBAC Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee
TGA Therapeutic Goods Administration
PBS Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
Kisunla Brand name for donanemab — anti-amyloid antibody for early Alzheimer's disease
APOE ε4 Apolipoprotein E epsilon-4 allele — the strongest common genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease
Anti-amyloid therapy Monoclonal antibodies that clear amyloid-beta from the brain
ACQSC Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
NDIS National Disability Insurance Scheme
WHS Work Health and Safety
CPD Continuing Professional Development
AIHW Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
DVA Department of Veterans' Affairs
Strong recommendation Strong recommendation (WHO)
Conditional recommendation Conditional recommendation (WHO)
Certainty of evidence Certainty of evidence
WHO World Health Organization
MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PET Positron Emission Tomography
CPR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
PTSD Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
DSM-5-TR Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision
COVID-19 Coronavirus disease 2019 — caused by SARS-CoV-2
UNSW University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
🎓 UTAS Wicking Courses & Study Pathways 9 terms Diploma of Dementia Care (M1D) Undergraduate diploma in dementia care — University of Tasmania
Associate Degree in Dementia Care Two-year-equivalent undergraduate award — University of Tasmania
Bachelor of Dementia Care (M3S) Undergraduate degree in dementia care — University of Tasmania
Diploma of Ageing Studies and Services (M1A) Undergraduate diploma in ageing studies — University of Tasmania
Graduate Certificate in Dementia (M5X) Postgraduate certificate in dementia — University of Tasmania
Graduate Diploma of Dementia (M6X) Postgraduate diploma in dementia — University of Tasmania
Master of Dementia (M7X) Postgraduate master’s degree in dementia — University of Tasmania
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) A government-subsidised university place
MOOC to master’s pathway The Wicking Dementia Centre’s route from free courses to formal qualifications
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