Healthcare professional, Elmer Alegado, explains what non-medical care means and how it can benefit your loved ones.
As our family members and loved ones get older, they sometimes find themselves needing assistance with everyday tasks that are not medically related. In addition to helping the elderly, caregivers also help disabled persons perform their activities of daily living (ADLs). For many, non-medical care gives them the freedom and independence they desire, allowing them to stay in their own homes compared to nursing home facilities.
Elmer Alegado, CEO of Medbrightcare Management LLC, defines non-medical care as assistance provided by individuals that do not have formal medical training. These caregivers are trained to help patients complete essential tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing, and toileting. They can also offer assistance with cooking, transportation, house cleaning, laundry, and shopping.
Although non-medical caregivers can remind patients to take medicine, they cannot administer medication by nebulizer or needles. Injecting medicine would be considered medical care, only administered by a nurse. Elmer Alegado notes that since not everyone needs medical care, it’s essential to have other options for assistance.
Non-medical care has many benefits for both the patients and their families. Seniors and disabled persons can maintain their independence without relying on friends and family for basic needs. They can stay in the comfort of their own home with their pets, instead of moving in with a family member or relocating to an assisted living facility. Elmer Alegado notes that for some, non-medical care is permanent for the rest of their lives due to disability or aging. For others, non-medical care is only temporary as they recover from an illness or injury.
For patients who do live with a relative that provides daily care, another non-medical care option is available. Elmer Alegado explains that respite care, available both in-home and out-of-home, gives the primary caregiver a break from their duties. Family members can have peace of mind as they travel or take care of other matters.
There are many outstanding organizations out there like Medbrightcare Management LLC, which provide private, non-medical care. Most companies in the industry offer care by hourly rates, so patients can request caregivers only at times when they really need them. Another benefit to hourly non-medical care is the ability to use it both inside and outside of the home. Non-medical care is available at many adult day centers and other locations.
Hourly rates tend to be reasonably affordable, with the national cost for non-medical care averaging at approximately $22.50 per hour. Some families, however, are unable to pay those rates and worry about fitting the expense into their budget. Instead of going without much-needed care, do some research on financial assistance.
According to Elmer Alegado, several sources of financial assistance are available to help with non-medical care costs, including some Medicare Advantage plans. It is also wise to see if your state offers programs for low-income seniors, also known as “nursing home diversion programs.” Non-profit organizations may also be a valuable resource for families in need.
