Most seniors or disabled adults who wish to continue residing in their own homes or with a family member often require support and assistance with daily living tasks. While regular doctor’s appointments and prescription refills may be necessary, specialized medical services may not be required.
Non-medical home care services, however, can make all the difference in supporting the health, happiness, and well-being of dependent adults. Providing non-medical support at home ensures that clients are maintaining a balanced diet, getting the exercise or movement they need, staying socially engaged with their friends and favorite activities, and that they are receiving additional support with daily living tasks when needed.
It’s important to determine whether your loved one needs support via medical or non-medical assistance (or a combination of both) when searching for the right in-home care providers.
Explore our guide, Home Care vs. Home Health Care, to learn more about how to distinguish the difference between medical and non-medical home care services. Or, keep reading for some examples and frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding non-medical home care services.
Examples of Non-Medical Home Care Services
If you have an eldery loved one who’s living at home, you may be worried about their health and well-being as they age. Often, aging seniors don’t need medical care while at home but can benefit from non-medical help around the house (thinking cleaning, cooking, etc.) or with daily life activities (like dressing, bathing, transportation, etc.).
The following are examples of non-medical home care services that an experienced in-home care company could provide to your loved one as they age in place:
Companionship
Seniors and disabled individuals living alone often experience isolation, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and a more rapid mental decline. Providing a companion to keep clients company, read, play games, listen to music, attend social functions and outings, run errands with, walk pets, and more can make a world of difference.
These companions serve a dual role, not only as social companions but also as attentive caregivers. A qualified senior specialist keeps an eye on your loved one from day to day, or week to week, notifying the agency and immediate family contacts if there are signs of personal neglect or mental/physical decline. This proactive approach ensures that additional senior care services can be implemented, reducing the risk of unnecessary hospital readmissions.
Micro-services that are included in companion services are:
- At-home or community-based exercise sessions
- Plant watering
- Medication reminders
Clients are pleasantly surprised to observe an improvement in their loved one’s emotional well-being and quality of life with the introduction of companion services.
Meal Preparation and Dining Company
Dehydration and malnourishment are prevalent concerns among the elderly and disabled individuals. Recognizing these challenges, our caregivers go the extra mile to prepare a nutritious meal tailored to the client’s dietary recommendations from their physicians. However, it’s not just about the food, it’s also about the company. Sharing a meal together enhances the dining experience and fosters social connection. Both contribute to the development or exacerbation of mental and physical decline.
Eating well is a foundation of physical/mental well-being, balance, and healthy immunity. The benefits of proper nutrition extend beyond the dining table, positively impacting various aspects of daily life. Clients who receive nutritious meals while enjoying company often experience a higher quality of life, improved mobility, and increased mental alertness.
Personal Care (dressing, bathing, and daily hygiene tasks)
Is your loved one struggling to get up and dressed each day, tying their shoes, bathing safely, or observing other general hygiene tasks? Do they need help with toileting or getting in and out of adult diapers? Home care providers are there to provide compassionate assistance with these activities and other tasks to keep clients feeling fresh, clean, confident, and energized.
Transportation and Driving Services
Home care providers can assist or accompany clients when using public transportation or professional driving services, so they can attend regular appointments, social engagements, religious or spiritual services, eat meals outside, or enjoy outings in good weather. This level of mobility helps clients stay connected with their communities and any outdoor activities that they love.
Respite care
Caring for a loved one is a rewarding but demanding responsibility. You can bring respite care in at any time, relieving regular caregivers for a few hours, a full day, overnight, or for extended periods to enjoy a well-deserved vacation, ensuring they can provide the best care possible when they return.
Miscellaneous Services As Needed
Flexibility is a hallmark of non-medical home care services. Senior home care providers tailor services as needed to the individual client. The services mentioned above are some of the most common services offered. Additional services that can be added as needed include:
- Light housekeeping for looks, health, and safety
- Organization for a more accessible home
- Staying awake overnight for supervision
- Medication reminders
FAQs About Non-Medical Home Care Services
Now that you know more about the specific non-medical home care services available for your loved, you may have some questions about non-medical home care in general. Here are some of the most common questions prospective clients have about home care services.
How much does non-medical home care cost?
This one is impossible to answer because costs are dependent on how often caregivers are needed, the duration of their shifts, and the services offered. What is proven is that bringing non-medical care into the home to support client independence is typically far less expensive than other residential living options.
Read, The Cost of In-Home Care for Seniors, and, Paying for Senior Care, to gain further insights about general facts, figures, and things to consider in terms of financial planning for senior care.
Do we have to use all of the services?
Absolutely not. As a non-medical home care services provider, we have clients who start with a basic companion or meal preparation once a week, and we have clients who utilize live-in caregivers to provide 24-hour care, seven days a week.
Clients and their families have the freedom to customize their care plans to suit their needs. The services, frequency, and duration of the service can be increased or decreased accordingly.
How do I know caregivers are qualified and trustworthy?
You are right to be concerned about the safety and security of senior loved ones when bringing strangers into the home. It can feel very unsettling at first until a rapport and bond are formed. Hiring caregivers from licensed, experienced agencies is the best thing you can do to feel confident about your choice.
Hiring an independent caregiver may seem more affordable at first cost-comparison. However, working with licensed and experienced agencies ensures that caregivers undergo rigorous background checks and DMV checks. They also participate in ongoing education and training in senior care to maintain their expertise. Additionally, we can provide substitute caregivers on short notice if a regular caregiver requires time off or isn’t feeling well.
Scheduling in-home assessments with two or three different home care agencies in your area will give you a good sense of the best provider for your loved one’s care.
Our experienced caregivers are dedicated to providing the highest level of care and support to enhance the lives of seniors and disabled individuals. Your loved one’s well-being is our top priority, and we’re here to assist you every step of the way. If you’re interested about our senior home care services, just click the link below to learn more.