Non-Medical Services FAQ

What is non-medical home care?
What are caregivers not allowed to do?
Who can receive non-medical home care?
How is meal planning and cooking usually managed by an agency?
Will Medicare pay for in-home non-medical personal care?
Does the Veteran's Administration pay for in-home personal care?
Are the home care workers insured while coming to my home?
How do family members and caregivers manage the client's daily chart?
Why should I select Professional Heatlhcare at Home Non-Medical care?

 What is non-medical home care?
Non-medical care can best be described as assistance with activities of daily living, the common things that a healthy person would do for him/herself on a daily basis. This would include personal care (bathing, dressing, help with the bathroom), light housekeeping, laundry, linen changes, meal preparation, transportation, running errands and medication reminders. It also consists of things like supervision and companionship.

 What are caregivers not allowed to do?
In-home caregivers cannot do anything that would be described as clinical or invasive. They cannot administer any medications. If the client does need more than just reminders, then a loved one would have to manage the sorting of the pills and the schedule. If the client requires insulin, or other injections, these would have to be administered by the client or another trusted member of the family. A caregiver should also not be monitoring vitals such as blood sugar, blood pressure, etc.

 Who can receive non-medical home care?
Individuals of all ages and with a variety of personal care needs can receive non-medical home care services. If you feel that you or a loved one may benefit from home care, we are only a phone call away.  A member of our experienced staff can meet for a complimentary in-home assessment to determine if home care is right for you.

If you prefer to be contacted via e-mail, please Contact Us and we will promptly reply to your request.

 How is meal planning and cooking usually managed by an agency?
This is mostly determined by the family and/or the client. If the client has specific nutritional needs, then these should be clearly communicated and documented. The caregiver will do his or her best to make healthy, appetizing meals, but it always helps to discuss any preferences. Meals are a huge part of non-medical care, and have a major effect on each client's health and sense of well being, not to mention the pleasures that appetizing meals offer. It is very important that caregivers have experience with meal planning, basic nutrition, shopping and cooking.

 Will Medicare pay for in-home personal care?
It depends on the type of help that you need. If your doctor has prescribed clinical help that would be administered by a registered nurse, physical therapist, or occupational therapist, Medicare will pay. Also, while under the care of an in-home clinician, a home health aide can be assigned under Medicare coverage for bathing and certain other types of personal care. Medicare will not pay if you need help with activities of daily living like non-prescribed personal care, meal preparation, medication reminders, housekeeping and such. The only insurance that does cover these services is long term care insurance which is privately purchased.

 Does the Veteran's Administration pay for in-home personal care?
VA benefits are not automatically given; they must be applied for, and recipients must meet certain requirements. Veterans with spouses could receive over $23,000 annually toward in-home care, assisted living or nursing home care. Spouses of deceased veterans may be eligible for over $12,000 annually.

 Are the Home Care workers insured while coming to my home?
Yes.  All staff members are fully insured.  In addition, all are fully bonded against theft.

 How do family members and caregivers manage the client's daily chart?
Agencies typically arrange for family members to have full access to the charts, and the notes can be scanned and emailed if you wish. With a live-in caregiver, supervisory visits are usually once per month, and the client's charts are reviewed at that time. Most families find this is often enough. However, if you would like more frequent visits, that can be arranged.

 Why should I select Professional Healthcare at Home?
Professional Healthcare at Home is the San Francisco Bay Area's leading provider of total home health care, including skilled non-medical care. Founded by nurses, we have served local families for over 17 years, and have built a strong reputation for dedication to the highest standards of compassionate, attentive in-home care.