Home Care 101: Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions

Personal care, home care, companion care, and homemaking care are all about helping people at home so they can stay independent and feel good. It's key to know the difference between medical and non-medical home care. Medical home care includes professional medical tasks, while non-medical care is all about personal support and help. In this post, we'll tackle some common questions about non-medical home care.

1. Does my insurance cover home care?

Depending on your insurance, you may be covered for a certain number of home care hours! Typically home care can be covered under the Medicare waiver if you are eligible. Long term care insurance also offers coverage for home care. Check out our previous blog post on long term care insurance if you are interested in learning more!

2. What can my home care aid do?

Our home care aids are able to perform a large variety of tasks including but not limited to:

• Assistance with personal care including:

  • Bathing

  • Oral hygiene

  • Hair care

  • Hand and foot care

  • Application of cosmetics

• Nutrition assistance including:

  • Meal planning

  • Meal preparation and clean up

• Assistance with elimination including:

  • Assistance with bed pan or bedside commode or to the toilet

  • Incontinent or involuntary care

  • Emptying urine collection and colostomy bags

• Provision of safety:

  • Identify and eliminate safety hazards

  • Light housekeeping tasks to maintain home safety

  • Waste disposal

  • Medication reminders

  • Transporting client to run errands or attend community events

• Assistance with pet care

  • Feeding and watering

  • Walking and potty breaks

3. What CAN'T my home care aid do?

Home care aids can do an awful lot-- but what can't they do?

Our home care aids are not authorized to provide medical care such as;

• Dosing and administering medication

• Wound care

• Pain management

Our home care aids also do not:

• Provide deep cleaning and junk removal

• Manage the client's finances

4. Can I request a different aid if I don't get along with mine?

Home care is often referred to as companion care for a reason; companionship is one of the most important benefits our clients receive when they sign up for our services! Of course we know that not all personalities are compatible, so you are welcome to call the office at any time to request a different aid.

5. How often can an aid come to my house?

Depending on your needs, our aids can come as frequently (or infrequently) as needed! Typically we require a 4 hour minimum, meaning that we schedule aides to come to your home for a minimum of 4 hours at a time. If you need less time than that you may request it and we will see if we can add you to an existing shift in your area!

6. Can I get 24/7 care?

We provide care 24/7, 365. If 24 hour care is required, we can work to set up a rotation of aides so you can expect to always have an aid who is fresh and well-rested.

7. How do I sign up for home care?

If you are interested in home care for yourself or a loved one call Total at 219-937-2811 to schedule an in home assessment today!