Traditionally, nonmedical home care involves the engagement of a caregiver to care for a loved one that is a senior or someone who cannot care for himself/herself. In recent times, the nonmedical home care industry has evolved into a very demanding and at times very regulated business, to protect the consumer. For example, in the State of Texas, nonmedical home care agencies or personal assistance service (PAS) agencies are licensed through the Department of Aging and Disabilities division of the Department of Health and Human Services. You can access their website for more information:
If you have a loved one that needs assistance in one or more activities of daily living (ADL’s) or if you need a break from being a caregiver for a loved one, then consider engaging the services of a nonmedical home care agency that is licensed, bonded, and insured.
Nonmedical home care agencies offer a variety of services including:
- Companionship
- Medication Reminders
- Dress/Hygiene Assistance
- Transportation
- Light Housekeeping
- Meal Preparation
- Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care
- ALS Care (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
- In Hospital/Assisted Living Companionship
- After Surgery Or post Hospitalization Assistance
- Other Services
The vast majority of Americans want to live at home as long as possible: Nearly 90% of people over the age of 65 said so in a 2010 AARP survey www.CNNMoney.com/May2013).
“Our caregivers become an extension of the family”, said Carla Aphayboun, Senior Vice President of Operations at Preferred Care at Home in Cedar Park, Texas. ( www.PreferHome.com).
As you evaluate options for caregivers, make sure the agency you have engaged requires
background checks and extensive training for their caregivers. Devise a care plan that suits primarily the needs of your loved one but also include conveniences for other family members and caregivers. You can even arrange to interview the agencies’ caregivers jointly with their representatives to insure the “right fit” to your needs.
Unfortunately, nonmedical home care is not paid by Medicare at this time and Medicaid
assistance varies from state to state. In addition, there are long term care insurance plans that cover nonmedical home care costs. Please call (512) 238.0222 or visit www.preferhome.com for more information. Hourly rates vary based on the acuity of the situation and/or the length of the assignment. Current rates in the Travis/Williamson Counties area hover around $20.00 per hour. If you have a loved one in need of nonmedical home care to assist them in one or more activities of daily living, please call Preferred Care At Home for a free consultation and assessment. (512) 238.0222 or www.preferhome.com). Preferred Care At Home has many trained caregivers available and will customize a personalized care plan that fits your needs. Preferred Care At Home serves Burnet, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties and is licensed, bonded, and insured