Long-term care is an essential aspect of healthcare that supports people with chronic conditions or disabilities who need assistance with daily activities. This type of care can be provided in medical and non-medical settings, depending on the individual’s needs and the level of care required. Medical care typically involves skilled nursing care, while non-medical care focuses on assisting with daily living tasks. In this guide, we will explore the key differences between medical and non-medical care for long-term care.
Types of Long-term Care
Long-term care can be provided in different settings, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home care, and adult day care. The type of care an individual requires depends on their medical condition, level of independence, and personal preferences. Let’s look at some of the common types of long-term care:
Medical Care
Skilled healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants, provide medical care. This type of care is usually required by individuals with chronic medical conditions or disabilities that require frequent medical attention. Medical care can be provided by a home health agency in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or the individual’s home. Some of the medical care services that are provided include:
- Medication management
- Wound care
- Rehabilitation services
- Disease management
- Monitoring of vital signs
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
Non-medical Care
Non-medical care is focused on assisting individuals with their daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and housekeeping. This type of care is typically provided by personal or home health aides. Non-medical care can be provided in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or the individual’s home. Some of the non-medical care services that are provided include:
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Companionship
- Transportation
- Housekeeping
- Meal preparation
- Errands and shopping
- Medication reminders
Cost of Long-term Care
The cost of long-term care can vary depending on the type of care required and the location where the care is provided. Medical care is typically more expensive than non-medical care because it involves skilled nursing care and medical equipment. Let’s explore the cost differences between medical and non-medical care:
Medical Care
Medical care costs vary depending on the location and level of care required. For example, in nursing homes, the average cost for a semi-private room is $7,756 monthly, while a private room costs $8,821 monthly. In assisted living facilities, the average cost is $4,051 per month. Home healthcare services can cost anywhere from $21 to $100 per hour, depending on the location and services required.
Non-medical Care
Non-medical care is typically less expensive than medical care because it does not involve skilled nursing care or medical equipment. In-home care services can cost anywhere from $12 to $30 per hour, depending on the location and services required. Adult daycare services cost an average of $75 per day, while assisted living facilities cost $4,051 monthly.
Next Steps
In conclusion, long-term care is a critical component of healthcare that assists individuals with chronic conditions and disabilities in managing the complexities of their medical circumstances. Depending upon need and desire, this care can include medical and non-medical services aimed at helping individuals remain independent for as long as possible. The cost of long-term care will vary based on the type of care required and the place where it is provided, so be sure to understand all available options before making a decision. Do not hesitate to reach out today and request a free quote – don’t wait until it’s too late!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does the cost of medical and non-medical care differ?
Medical care costs tend to be higher than non-medical care due to the involvement of trained medical professionals, advanced technology, and specialized equipment.
What is the difference between medical and non-medical care?
Trained healthcare professionals provide medical care to treat illnesses and injuries, while non-medical care focuses on assisting with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.