Article Series
Back

What Constitutes Non-Medical Care?

Article submitted by Lisa Rabito of Home Instead Senior Care.
For more information she can be reached at 504-455 -4911.

The statistics on aging are impressive. Currently, approximately 35 million people, or 12 % of the population, are age 65 or older. It is estimated that the senior population will increase by 102% to over 70 million between 2000 and 2030. And not only are Americans living longer, but more important, they are healthier! They feel better about themselves-by exercising, eating nutritiously, staying active and involved, keeping their minds stimulated, and having a positive outlook, seniors today can live to be 80, 90, 100, or even older.

With an increasingly older population comes a greater need for care. Not so much medical, or skilled care, but those non-medical services that seniors may require as they age. Some may need a little assistance with driving, some with cooking or bath assistance, or some seniors may need help with housework. Enter the non-medical service provider!

So what exactly does constitute non-medical care? Generally, non-medical care is any care that could safely be provided by those who are not trained, licensed, medical professionals. In contrast, skilled care is provided under a doctor's order and includes administering medication, intravenous injections, tube feedings, or sterile dressing changes and wound care. However, different states may restrict certain care, such as transferring (from chair to bed and back) or personal and incontinence care. Non-medical services offered can also vary from company to company depending on the insurance coverage and the training of the employees. So, if one non-medical company claims that its employees can transfer a client or provide personal care, it is very important to ask the following questions:

So, be judicious when selecting a company and the safety of our most precious asset, our seniors, will be preserved.

Back