Q: I am confused. I thought In-Home Care included medical, but the more I have talked to people involved in In-Home Care, medical is separate. Could you clarify this for me?
A: Great question, and one that addresses confusion experienced by many. Home “Health” is medical in nature. This is prescribed by your physician, and a nurse or other licensed medical professional will come to the home and attend to whatever has required the visit. It could range from wound care, administering medication, pain management, checking vitals, etc. The visit is very quick in nature, tasks accomplished, and they’re gone in usually less than an hour. Insurance will pay for Home Health if prescribed by a doctor.
Home “Care,” on the other hand, is non-medical and assists with what is called “Activities of Daily Living,” or ADLs, defined as the things we normally do on a daily basis, including any activity we perform for self-care such as bathing, dressing, transferring from bed or chair, walking, eating, toilet use, and grooming. Home Care also provides assistance in the area of “Instrumental Activities of Daily Living”, or IADLs, that include preparing meals, managing money, managing medications, shopping for groceries or personal items, performing light or heavy housework, and using a telephone. A great website for more information on ADLs and IADLs is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Activities_of_daily_living. Medical Insurance does not pay for Home Care, and unless there is a Long Term Care policy in place, is primarily private pay. Most Long Term Care policies will require assistance with at least two ADLs, usually requiring an assessment from your physician, before you can activate coverage. Other coverage options could result if the reason for Home Care needs is a result of a work related injury or automobile accident. Normally, however, the need arises as our loved ones age, wish to remain in their own home, but are no longer able to safely perform ADLs and IADLs.
Myles McNamara is a certified senior advisor and the owner of Comfort Keepers In-home Care, providing assistance to seniors in the comfort of their own home. For more information, please call 661-287-4200 and www.comfortkeepers.com .