A Guide to Housing Resources For the Elderly In Philadelphia

DEFINITIONS OF TERMST T 1-11
LEASE-PURCHASE
A contract resembling a lease which gives the holder the right to take ownership of the property if certain
circumstances are met. These contracts usually state a fixed price for the home, the amount or percentage of a
resident's monthly payment that is applied towards that purchase price, and the fact that the resident's responsibilities
include those traditionally held by a landlord (e.g. maintenance, tax payments, etc.). In such cases, the lease purchaser
has more rights than those of a tenant. For example, he/she should not be evicted in Landlord/Tenant Court. Legal
services should be used to help the lease purchaser if there is any question or dispute about this kind of contract.
LICENSED
Having a permit to operate or practice issued by an appropriate state or local agency.
LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN)
LIEN
A trained nurse who is licensed by the state. An LPN works under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Legal right to a financial claim on the value of the property by a party other than the owner. A lien is usually based
on financial contracts and involves monies borrowed from a lending institution where the homeowner has offered the
value of the deed to the property as "collateral," or involves "mechanic's liens" filed by contractors who perform work
on the property to increase its value and have not been satisfied in their financial contract. Liens negate the concept of
"free and clear title," but can be erased by the full repayment of the loan or the full satisfaction of the contract.
LONG-TERM CARE
The health, social, and support services available to older people and others on a long-term basis to help them live
independently. There are services for the active and the confined, the chronically ill, the disabled, and the mentally
handicapped. An older person may receive these services in his or her home or by changing his or her living
arrangement.
LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN
A program under the Older Americans Act that requires each state to have a statewide watchdog, or ombudsman,
over nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. The state ombudsman investigates and resolves complaints by
residents and provides information to the state agency responsible for licensing the facilities.
MANUFACTURED HOME
A house that is produced in a factory rather than at the actual home site. Manufactured homes require installation
and connection to appropriate services and facilities at the site. In Pennsylvania all manufactured homes are inspected
by the state.
MEDICAID
See SOCIAL SECURITY ACT OF 1935, Title XIX.
MEDICARE
See SOCIAL SECURITY ACT OF 1935, Title XVIII.
NURSING HOME
A living arrangement that integrates shelter with medical, nursing, psychological, and rehabilitative services for
persons who require 24-hour supervision by skilled nurses.