An activity director plans group singing, art projects and other activities. Such activities help residents of a long-term care facility stay active, alert and sociable.

An administrator runs a facility, such as a nursing home.

An audiologist deals with ear problems, including hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears or "head noise") and lack of balance. Audiologists provide hearing aids and other listening devices.

A certified nursing assistant helps feed and care for disabled adults. To learn these skills, CNAs attend at least 75 hours of classes. A CNA works under a nurse's supervision and must keep taking classes to stay certified.

A chaplain offers spiritual counseling to people in nursing homes and hospitals.

A charge nurse supervises the staff and residents of a floor or unit of a nursing home. The charge nurse's shift usually lasts eight hours. On each shift, day or night, a charge nurse should be available.

A staff or contract dentist cares for the teeth and gums of a facility's residents. Medicare does not cover dental services, but Medicaid covers some dental expenses. Regular dental care is a key to staying healthy.

A dietician makes sure that a facility's residents eat a healthy, nutritious diet.

The director of nursing oversees all nursing activities. These include scheduling and making sure staff members get continuing education. The DON is a registered nurse who has graduated from an accredited school of nursing.

An elder law attorney can help protect residents' rights and prevent elder abuse and financial abuse. Not all attorneys specialize in elder law. Your local bar association can refer you to elder law attorneys in your area.

"Family members" can include people who are important to the resident, whether or not they are related.

A geriatric care manager will help create a plan of care that meets the needs of the older adult and will explain what resources and options are available.

A geriatric psychiatrist is trained to diagnose and treat mental disorders in older adults. These disorders include dementia, depression, anxiety and late-life schizophrenia.

A court-appointed guardian or conservator manages a resident's money and makes health care and living decisions. Becoming a guardian or conservator requires a court order.

The medical director is a doctor who oversees medical care in a facility, such as a nursing home. The medical director may be the attending doctor for some residents and may offer emergency medical care for other residents.

A nurse who works in a nursing home takes care of residents and oversees certified nurses' aides (CNAs) and custodial caregivers. A registered nurse (RN) is a graduate trained nurse who has been licensed by a state authority after passing qualifying examinations for registration. A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a person who has undergone training and obtained a state license to provide routine care for the sick. Some states use the term licensed vocational nurse or LVN.

Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) are specially trained and may help oversee residents' care. In many states, doctor-supervised NPs and PAs write orders for treatment and medication.

An occupational therapist helps residents change their activities or environment so they can eat, dress and bathe. An OT may also help with other tasks, such as cooking, taking medication or driving. And OTs may guide family members and caregivers.

An ombudsman in a long-term care facility helps residents and their families keep their rights and resolve complaints.

The owner is the individual, agency or company that owns the facility. The owner may hire an operator to direct the facility.

A pharmacist offers information about prescriptions, reviews patients' drugs, teaches caregivers and gives out medications.

A physical therapist treats physical disabilities and works with residents to improve general fitness. A physical therapist may also teach a resident how to use a walker, artificial limb or wheelchair.

A physician, or doctor, helps develop a medical care plan for each resident of a long-term care facility. Physicians make medical decisions, such as what medications residents take. They visit nursing home residents. They may also meet with a resident's family to discuss medical conditions or treatments.

A psychologist detects and treats emotional problems. Personality and intelligence testing can help a psychologist diagnose these problems. Treatments include individual, family and group therapy sessions. Psychologists in long-term care facilities also teach staff members how to interact with residents.

A recreational therapist helps residents enjoy activities. For example, the recreational therapist might offer special tools, such as large-print songsheets, to encourage participation.

A social worker offers residents and their families therapy, support services and planning for discharge. Social workers may also teach and counsel staff members.

A speech-language pathologist tests, diagnoses and treats people with speech and swallowing problems.