Evaluating Need: Type of Care - Custodial LTC Care
Although not supported by Medicare, the role and influence of custodial caregivers cannot be discounted. There are two primary options in terms of Long-Term Care services, custodial care and skilled care. Although a clear line has been drawn in terms of financial support between the two elements of care, custodial and skilled care providers often do the same tasks. The difference is not in the kind of service but whether a licensed medical professional renders it. Although custodial services alone are not generally covered by Long-Term Care insurance, custodial services rendered in conjunction with skilled care are often covered. Most nursing homes, for example, offer primarily custodial services.
Get an instant quote from a provider offering LTC coverage in your area >>
Elements of Custodial Care
As custodial caregivers, home health aides help elderly, convalescent, or disabled persons live in their own homes. They provide services under the direction of medical professionals. Most home health aides work with elderly or disabled persons who need more extensive care than family or friends can provide. There are also some who help discharged hospital patients with short-term needs.
For more detailed information on the role of a Home Health Aide, please click here >>
Custodial Care Tasks May Include:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Walking
- Getting up and down
- Help getting to the bathroom or with incontinence
- Feeding and preparing meals
- Help with the house and lawn
- Medication
- Help with transportation
Get an instant quote from a provider offering LTC coverage in your area >>
Medicare and Medicaid cover these services in some instances. However, Medicare pays for custodial care only in a Medicare-approved nursing home or hospice. Medicaid covers patients with chronic medical problems but it is becoming more and more difficult to qualify for LTC under this program.
Custodial nursing aides work under the supervision of nurses and other medical staff in skilled care facilities. Aides also observe patients’ physical, mental, and emotional conditions and report any change to the nursing or medical staff. Nursing aides in nursing homes and other LTC facilities are often the patient’s primary caregivers.
Essentially, Custodial care is necessary care that can be safely administered by people who are not medical professionals. To be covered by Long-Term Care insurance, services must typically be approved by a physician and rendered as part of a physicians’ written treatment plan. When these criteria are met, the services, and the related supplies, can be covered; as long as it is shown that custodial care is contributing to the relief or slowing the deterioration of the patient’s condition.
Long-Term-Care.org is not a long term care insurance broker or carrier, and we cannot issue insurance policies. We are not associated with the companies profiled on Long-Term-Care.org and we make no representation, express or implied, that you will receive a quote from a specific company profiled herein. This site provides free information on insurance providers and coverage options. Products and policies may not be available in all states, and product and policy information is subject to change without notice. Please direct all insurance questions to your insurance company or broker.
|
