Non-medical home care refers to supportive services provided in the home by non-licensed personnel, which are aimed at helping individuals with their daily activities and maintaining their independence. Unlike medical home health care, non-medical home care focuses on aiding with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) rather than providing medical care. Here are the primary services included under non-medical home care:

Personal Care:

  • Assistance with ADLs such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility.
  • Help with getting in and out of bed, chairs, and wheelchairs.
  • Assistance with meal preparation and feeding, if necessary.

Homemaker Services:

  • Light housekeeping tasks like cleaning, laundry, and dishwashing.
  • Running errands such as grocery shopping and picking up prescriptions.
  • Meal preparation and cooking.

Companionship:

  • Social interaction and engagement to keep the individual mentally active and socially connected.
  • Accompanying the individual to appointments, events, or social outings.
  • Monitoring for safety and providing reminders for medications (but not administering them).

Transportation:

  • Providing or arranging for transportation to doctor’s appointments, social events, shopping, and other activities.

Respite Care:

  • Offering temporary relief for primary caregivers, allowing them to take a break from the demands of caregiving.

Non-medical home care services are often utilized by:

  • Seniors who wish to age in place but need assistance with daily activities.
  • Individuals with disabilities who require support to live independently.
  • People recovering from surgery or an illness who need help with household tasks but do not require medical care.
  • Families who need temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities.

These services can be arranged for any amount of time needed, from a few hours a week to 24/7 care, depending on the individual’s needs. Non-medical home care is usually paid out-of-pocket or by long-term care insurance, as it is not typically covered by standard health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.