Has your senior loved one been diagnosed with a chronic health condition? Are they still recovering from major surgery or illness? You’re looking at your options between skilled and non-skilled home care services to find the best option for your loved one. In part one, we discussed skilled home care services, also known as skilled nursing care. In part two of this series, we are going to look at non-skilled services and discuss the differences between both.
What Is Non-Skilled In-Home Health Care?
Non-skilled in-home care refers to supportive home care including social care, domiciliary care, and other non-medical services. The term “non-skilled” is used to differentiate care from home healthcare services that patients may receive from a nurse or nursing assistant. We provide home care services in Philadelphia, Allentown, and throughout Montgomery County, Bucks County, and Lehigh County, PA. Our home care services include personal and lifestyle support including,
Personal Care
- Walking and wheelchair assistance
- Bathing, grooming, and dressing assistance
- Medication reminders
- Fall prevention and personal safety
- Status reports to family members
- Incontinence and toilet assistance
- 24/7 monitoring after hospitalization
Lifestyle Support
- Housekeeping
- Health and nutrition services
- Meal preparation
- Laundry and bedding
- Groceries and errands
- Transportation
- Light exercise and outdoor activity
- Community engagement
- Companionship
What’s the Difference Between Skilled and Non-Skilled Care?
The difference between skilled and non-skilled care comes down to one factor – medical need. Skilled nurses provide medical assistance with medication, wound care, and other recovery and medical needs. Non-skilled, or home care, providers assist with the everyday care and needs of seniors.
How Do I Know What Services My Senior Loved One Needs?
Home health care, or skilled nursing, services are requested by your health care provider. If your senior’s doctor has indicated that they need in-home nursing services, we can work with the doctor and referral services to set up necessary appointments.
Often, your loved one will need more than just home medical care, especially if they are recovering from surgery or managing a chronic illness. Our home health care aides can do it all – from managing medication injections to meal preparation and everything in between. At Caring Family, we tailor all of your senior’s home care and health care services to their needs.
What Services Are Covered Through Medicare?
Ensuring your loved one receives the care they need means asking one of the most difficult questions – how do we afford care? Fortunately, in-home health care is often more affordable than extended hospital stays or nursing homes. Many Medicare plans cover in-home health care, making it the ideal option to help your senior heal and recover their independence. You can learn more about Medicare and home healthcare here and at medicare.gov.
Does Medicare Cover Non-Skilled Home Care?
Typically, Medicare does not cover home care. However, there are exceptions based on medical need and circumstances. For example, if your loved one needs personal care in addition to home health care services, some of those personal care needs may be covered by Medicare. Our support staff at Caring Family can help you determine what coverage is available for your loved one.
Are You Ready to Build Your Loved One’s Independence?
Home care and home health care services help seniors regain and maintain their independence. Contact us today with questions and we will help you set up an appointment with one of our care experts.
