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Many are left confused in knowing the difference between skilled care and non-skilled care. We understand there isn\’t much literature to assist when searching for the proper care you need when Googling for services, leaving you confused and feeling out of options on the right fit home care that may fit your needs.
Isn\’t it funny, neither your doctor knows the difference between the two, they\’ll point you right in the direction of skilled services without even thinking exactly if its skilled services you need, nor will your insurance company explain the difference when setting up for medical insurance if private.
That\’s why we want to assist you with knowing and understanding the difference in skilled services and non-skilled services. Let\’s take a dive into some simple and easy information to get you on the right track of finding your right fit home care services.
What is Skilled Care?
You may notice when Googling for services we automatically type in HOME HEALTHCARE. This name is another term for SKILLED services. It can be confusing because also many HOMECARE AGENCIES use the home healthcare term, don\’t let this confuse you for there should be plenty of information on their website to assist you with scoping out the difference in their services.
Now, what is Skilled Care or Home Healthcare, this type of care is for those who are in need of certain services that a non-skilled or non-medical homecare agency can provide such as: Physical therapy, Occupational Therapy, wound care, administer medications as well as providing Home Health Aides to assist with one ADLs (Active Daily Living) needs. You may ask yourself if this is the service that you or your loved one needs. This will depend on their medical condition. Examples:
- What is the level of their mobility (are they bedridden, use a Hoyer lift
- Or maybe their mental capacity doesn\’t allow them to be left alone, or not capable of administrating their own medication, therapy, or wound care)
Understanding Non-skilled Care:
This is where it gets interesting, for many are directed to non-skilled care also known as non-medical or just plain ole\’ Home Care Services when being assisted for search in services. When Google you may also see many Home Care agencies that may populate under the \”Home health\” term, just because there really isn\’t a separate place to put non-medical services for, we are under one umbrella.
Non-medical is exactly what the term is, providing no other than non-medical services that doesn\’t include medical (skilled) care. Examples:
- Transfer Assistance
- Medication reminder
- Bathing Assistance
- Meal preparation
- Light Housekeeping
- Light laundry
- Companionship
- Errands (recreational only)
Now that these services have been identified for non-medical home care, you are now able to identify your needs. These services are for those who are in need of assistance only with no major medical conditions that may cause a need for skilled services.
How do I know if my insurance covers either service?
It\’s important to first know what type of coverage you have. Many may carry private insurance such as Humana, United Healthcare, or maybe even Anthem, while others may be under a government program such as Medicaid. Knowing if your coverage covers skilled services or non-medical is a start by reaching out and asking these simple questions using the proper terms, SKILLED or NON-SKILLED services.
This will also assist with knowing which route to go when searching for your right fit home care services.
If you are still left unsure on which step to take first, please feel free to contact us and let our team be your guide to your right fit home care services.