What Is Custodial Care of Elderly?

When an elderly individual needs long term assistance with daily tasks because of medical or psychological problems this is considered long term care . If the person assisting is not a medical health care professional it is called custodial care.

Definition

• Elderly custodial care is offered by people that are not medically licensed or trained.

  The American College of Medical Quality, explains custodial care is "the provision of services and supplies that can be given safely and reasonably by individuals who are neither skilled or licensed medical personnel."

Significance

• Health insurance payments are made based on defining the type of caregiver and care required.

  Thomas Day, Director of the National Care Planning Council, points out that custodial care is "a term used by the medical community and health care plans such as health insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid and the Veteran's Administration. This designation helps determine eligibility for health insurance coverage.

Features

• Monitoring medication intake is an example of custodial care.

  Medicare says that support or custodial care is "activities of daily living like dressing, bathing and using the bathroom. It can also include care that most people do for themselves, for example diabetes monitoring."

Insurance Coverage

• Coverage for custodial care is influenced by benefit plans, diagnosis, and patient functional abilities.

  There can be limited or no custodial care insurance coverage under some insurance plans. Coverage is determined based on diagnosis, doctors orders regarding continuing care, plan benefits and the patient's condition. Talk with your doctor or home health care agency provider to help maximize custodial coverage.

Considerations

• Custodial care of the elderly helps ensure their health and well being.

  Seniors with health problems may require the help of skilled licensed professionals like registered nurses or physical therapists. Friends, family or hired aides can offer custodial care assistance with elderly self-care needs. Both care levels may be needed depending on the diagnosis and functional abilities of the patient. Determining appropriate care needs can be critical in maintaining the patient's health and safety.