For many of us, living our best life means being able to stay safe and happy in the home we love. If we struggle with daily routines, however, we might need a bit of extra help – and that’s where a professional in-home caregiver comes in.
At FirstLight, we provide non medical home care and are often asked how it compares to medical home care. While this depends on the needs of the individual, there are some key differences. In either case, getting the right care can greatly improve a patient’s quality of life, and might be the deciding factor if you’re looking at home health care vs nursing home for your loved one – so it’s worth doing the research to ensure the best possible outcome.
What Is Non-Medical Care?
Non-medical care is often referred to as “assisted living,” “transitional care,” or “private duty” care. This type of home care is usually provided by caregivers, certified nursing aides (CNAs) and home health aides (HHAs), and takes place in the comfort of our clients’ homes, wherever home may be – a residence, assisted living facility, retirement community, etc. Non-medical care includes services such as:
Personal Care Personal Care helps with activities of daily living (ADL), like getting dressed, showering, transferring from a bed to a chair and more.
Companion Care Too often seniors are lonely and need someone to talk to and help them around the home. Companion caregivers can help prepare meals, do laundry, perform light housekeeping duties, take the senior to bingo, or help with the shopping and errands. FirstLight in-home caregivers do not administer medications, but we do offer help with medication reminders.
Who Can Benefit From Home Caregiving Services?
Non medical home care isn’t just for seniors. At FirstLight Home Care, many of our younger clients are recovering from plastic surgery or an orthopedic procedure. Our caregivers make sure you get the rest you need, enabling you to recover at home faster without doing too much too soon and hampering your recovery. Plus, who doesn’t want to be in their own bed among familiar surroundings that are comfortable?
Our other services include home help for new moms who need a little help around the house, chronic care management for young adults suffering from multiple sclerosis, cancer, diabetes or other chronic illnesses, and assistance for veterans and others living with disabilities.
What Is Medical Care?
Medical home care is usually prescribed by a doctor after an injury or hospital stay. This type of skilled nursing care is provided by licensed registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), physical therapists, occupational therapists and physician assistants. These professionals can administer medications, insert catheters and provide wound care.
How to Pay for in Home Care
Medicare, Medigap, Managed Care Medicaid and private pay absorb the costs of skilled care. Non-medical care is usually paid for privately or is covered by a portion of veterans benefits and some medical and long-term care insurance. On occasion, some healthcare insurance plans offer limited respite care, which is care provided while the family is away and usually consists of around 80 hours per year. Skilled care is usually temporary, whereas home care can go on indefinitely.
The following chart further explains the differences:
| Medical Care | Non-Medical Care | |
| Duration | Usually temporary. | Can be short or long term. |
| Staff | LPNs, LVNs, RNs, physical therapists, occupational therapists. | Caregivers, certified nursing aides and home health aides. |
| Care | Medical procedures such as wound care, medication changes, ostomy, injections, tracheotomy care and ventilator support. | Personal and companion care, bathing, transportation, running errands, mobility, conversation, grocery shopping and meal preparation. |
| Who Pays | Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap, Veterans benefits and private pay. | Some medical and long-term care insurance, private pay, and Veterans benefits. |
Both medical and non-medical providers are either licensed or certified and both focus on one thing: helping clients get stronger, safely.
Live Comfortably in the Place You Love Most
If you or a loved one needs non medical home care, the caregivers at FirstLight Home Care are dedicated to keeping you in your home and independent. To learn more about how an individually tailored care plan could help your family member live their best life in safety and comfort, contact FirstLight Home Care’s friendly team for more information today!