For Those Who Care
Medical Vs Non-Medical As I go through my daily work, there is one thing I seem to encounter daily. I can not remember a day that I have not had to explain to someone the difference between the terms “medical” and “non-medical”, when explaining or helping someone sift through the uncharted waters they have found themselves in when beginning to take care of a loved one. This may seem self explanatory, but not so. These two terms have baffled numerous intelligent people who thought it to be very simple. These terms to a lay person have a totally different meaning than that of an insurance company, health care facility or government agency. The same is true of the term “Home Health Care.” Non-medical homecare is what it sounds like, care at home that does not involve a skilled nurse or therapist. Caregivers often do not have formal training. This doesn’t mean that many homecare givers are not greatly skilled and compassionate about what they do. Non-medical home caregivers can provide companionship, supervision, light housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation, assistance with bathing, personal care, transportation and shopping, etc…. They can remind seniors to take medication at the proper time and help to make sure prescriptions are refilled when they need to be. Most seniors do not need the services of a nurse, but do need someone to help out with things they can’t perform easily for themselves at home. If you decide to hire privately because it is less expensive, remember, you will be responsible for paying the employer’s share of social security and any other unemployment or disability insurance your state requires. Also remember, the private person is probably not insured for any injuries they may incur while on the job leaving you liable. Please do not forget, you’ll have income tax and any other financial records to maintain, and you may be left holding the bag if your caregiver either quits or doesn’t come to work one day as expected. Costs vary widely. If you decide to go with an agency, you can always expect to pay more for a caregiver. Though the rate may be higher, they are responsible for all the state regulations, workers compensation, employer’s share of social security, bonding, etc…. If there are two people in the home, you may have to pay a higher rate, and usually they have minimum daily stay requirements. The best way to find an agency is through a referral from a trustworthy source. Medical Homecare provides medical services such as a licensed nurse or therapist who will come to a home to give treatment ordered by a doctor. The cost of medical homecare is often covered by Medicare if the patient meets strict criteria, including the requirement that the patient be “homebound” and not be able to get out for regular medical treatment. Providers of medical homecare usually come to the house (not on a scheduled time), provide whatever treatment is necessary, and then leave. Rarely is the stay over an hour or so, and their duties are limited to medical care. If the Doctor has ordered an aide, the aide will usually straighten up the patient’s bed and bathroom. He or she will not generally do other housekeeping or prepare meals. Medical homecare is usually time limited. As soon as the medical condition no longer needs regular attention by a skilled medical profession the patient will be discharged, even though there may still be a need for regular non-medical assistance. If your loved one needs care and supervision for the long haul, then medical home care will probably not be the long term answer. When you begin to enter into the “no man’s land” of trying to care for a loved one, do not tread too far without help. It can be very confusing. Do not hesitate to call on someone that has knowledge, and will help guide you through this uncharted territory. |