Definition: Non-Medical In-Home Care
Non-medical in-home care is a service that helps people continue to live independently at home, by assisting the individuals in the home with their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). It is designed to help individuals, as well as family caregivers.
This type of caregiving is typically provided by people who do not have formal medical training.
Other terms used
We talk with many families who are confused by the terms used in referring to this kind of care. Non-medical in-home care is also referred to as attendant care, non-medical senior care, companion care, non-medical home care and personal care. If you are ever confused, note that most agencies or organizations that provide these services, or provide assistance to help individuals pay for the care, will typically refer to “Activities of Daily Living” when describing it.
Many times, you will see in-home care agencies (or other organizations) offer companion care services as part of their non-medical in-home care service and visa-versa.
It can be provided by home-care agencies, individual caregivers (such as family, friends, neighbors or paid caregivers) or other organizations in your community. If not provided by family or friends, it typically is provided on an hourly fee basis.
To be clear, non-medical in-home care does not have to be provided by a company. It often times starts with family or friends, then the larger family unit will bring in a company to help as needs continue to change.
Non-medical in-home care tasks
There are many activities or tasks someone could be provided by an in-home care professional, such as:
- Meal preparation
- Bathing
- Transportation
- Getting dressed
- Going to the bathroom
- Transfers from bed to chairs
- Managing medications
- Companionship
- Laundry
- Housekeeping
- Assisting other self-care or tasks in-home
One should know that non-medical in-home care does not have to be provided in a person’s home. Some times you will see it provided in other settings, such as adult day care, assisted living or nursing homes.
