It is critical to understand the difference between non-medical and medical care. This can aid families in better understanding and utilizing their health insurance coverage and locating financial assistance to care for a loved one.
Non-medical care is assisting elderly or disabled people with their activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) in a non-medical setting (IADLs). Support with eating, bathing, personal hygiene, clothing, toileting, basic mobility, meal preparation, transportation assistance, light house cleaning, washing, and basic shopping are just a few examples.
Companionship and monitoring are examples of non-medical care. Medication assistance is a gray area that blurs medical and non-medical care lines. Pharmaceutical reminders are deemed non-medical. However, medication delivery is considered medical treatment, such as using a nebulizer or hypodermic needles.
Most individuals desire to stay at home as long as possible, but diseases and impairments make this challenging. Personal care services at home are the most excellent methods to age in place. A certified assistant delivers medical and non-medical services in the comfort of your own home with in-home care.
What Are the Advantages of Non-Medical Care?
Non-medical care may play a crucial role in aiding seniors in keeping their independence and allowing them to remain in their own homes. This sort of care is sometimes only required momentarily, such as during the recovery from an illness or accident.
Other times, it is permanently needed due to the natural aging process. In many circumstances, without non-medical in-home support, seniors are more
Non-medical care can be received in respite care for seniors who live with a family who provides them with regular care help (in-home or out-of-home). Primary carers can take a break from their caring responsibilities with respite care. Non-medical care can also provide family members peace of mind, knowing that their loved ones are being watched after and assisted with things required to live independently.
Who Can Benefit from Non-medical Home Care?
Regardless of their age or skill level, many people can benefit from personal home care services.
- Seniors seeking Companionship or transportation aid
- People who are recovering from surgery
- Persons with disabilities
- People who have a long-term illness
- Primary caregivers in need of a break
Services offered by Non-medical Home Care
Non-medical home care usually includes a wide range of non-medical services, such as:
- Bathing, toileting, clothing, and grooming are examples of activities of daily living (ADLs) that require assistance.
- Housekeeping basics (cleaning, yard work, laundry, etc.)
- Meal preparation and delivery
- Companionship (reading aloud, playing games, chatting, etc.)
- Ambulation, transfer, and fall prevention assistance
- Reminders to take medications
- Attendants for errands and appointments
- Attendants during therapy or rehabilitation treatments
Who is qualified to provide non-medical care?
Friends, spouses, and other family members are frequently the ones that give this sort of care. There is, however, a whole sector of private caregivers and even government officials that offer care on an hourly basis. Non-medical care can only be done at home, according to a prevalent misunderstanding.
Adult daycare centers frequently give non-medical care to the elderly during the day. Assisted living facilities are live-in apartments that provide non-medical care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Even skilled nursing facilities provide non-medical care. However, the line between medical and non-medical care is typically blurred at that level.
What Is the Cost of Non-Medical Care?
Non-medical care costs vary significantly across the United States. While the national average was $22.50 per hour, state-by-state averages ranged from $16.88 in Louisiana to $30.00 in New York (in Washington). On the other hand, the Southern states were generally less costly, ranging between $17.00 and $21.00 per hour. Still, the Northeast and West Coast had hourly rates comparable to, if not higher than, the national average, ranging between $22.00 and $28.00 per hour.
Is it possible to get financial help for non-medical care?
Yes, various financial resources are available to aid with the expense of non-medical treatment. It’s worth noting, however, that neither original Medicare nor MediGap plans cover the expense of non-medical care. However, specific Medicare Advantage plans may be able to help with the cost.
Most states include programs for low-income seniors who need assistance managing their everyday tasks. These “nursing home diversion programs” are frequently available to those who might otherwise be put in a nursing home.
Financial support may be offered through a state’s standard Medicaid program, Medicaid HCBS Waivers, local Area Agencies on Aging, and non-profit organizations. The Veteran-Directed Care Program and the Aid & Attendance Pension are also available to veterans.
Is There Any Non-Medical Care Regulation?
Many states have laws requiring non-medical caretakers to complete background checks and get licenses, while others do not. Even where regulations exist, carers frequently labor privately and are paid under the table.
How to Begin Using Non-Medical Home Care Assistance
“What is non-medical home care?” is a question we’ve addressed. You’ve come to the correct spot if you’re ready for at-home care but don’t know where to begin.
An in-home care evaluation is the first step in acquiring non-medical or medical care at home. Your caregivers and medical team can learn about your particular issues and daily routine through home assessments. This enables them to build a well-informed care plan tailored to your specific requirements.
Should you hire through an agency or on your own?
As the family caregiver, you will have to determine if you want a service provided by an agency or if you want to employ one yourself. Agencies charge extra, but their caregivers often have more in-home experience and have previously passed a background check.
You’ll have to locate your caretaker if you don’t want to work with an agency or can’t afford it. Independent providers generally have greater flexibility. Since they have fewer clients, you may develop a more personal relationship with them.
Request references and do a comprehensive background check when screening independent suppliers. You may provide a list of your loved ones’ needs during the interview so the caregiver can determine whether they can do those activities.
