FAQ
What is non-medical home care for the elderly?
Non-medical home care provides services to seniors who prefer to continue to live at home but need assistance to do so. Services may be provided at their own homes, the homes of their children or assisted living residences. Non-medical home care provides an extra pair of eyes for families to insure that their loved one is safe. Because these services are already performed, the time that is spent by families with their loved ones can be quality time.
How does Southwest Home Care differ from other home care?
“Regular” home care is actually “skilled home care.” Licensed personnel are sent to the home to perform skilled services, i.e. dressing changes, diabetic management, injections, etc. The personnel sent are Registered Nurses, Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapists, etc. The level of care personnel training needed is much higher than provided by non-medical home care. It is more “medical” in nature. Each visit is usually less than 1 hour spent with the patient & usually occurs during normal business hours. Non-medical home care generally has a minimum time spent per visit - usually 2 to 6 hours. It can be performed 24/7 including weekends & holidays. It’s more “fun” in nature both for the senior & the personnel.
What services does Southwest Home Care provide?
Services include but are not limited to companionship, shopping & errands, incidental transportation, light housecleaning, laundry, meal planning & preparation, medication reminders, & personal care (bathing, grooming & dressing).
What if I need both?
If your loved needs both kinds of services, skilled & non-medical, it can be provided. Generally, the skilled personnel are in the senior’s home for an hour & most often during business hours. The non-medical personnel are able to cover the gap that is often created when the skilled personnel leave.
How is it paid for?
Non-medical home care is, unfortunately, not covered by Medicare. However, some long-term care insurances are now paying for this type of service if certain qualifications are met because they realize this is less expensive than a nursing home or assisted living facility. For the most part, though, this service is covered by private pay, out of pocket either for the senior or their families. Our rates are based on when the care occurs: weekdays, weekends, holidays, and overnight "sleepover" care. Please call the Main Office at (608) 348-4558 for current pricing information.