Commonly Asked Questions When Using a Long Term Care Insurance Policy for In-Home Care Services

What are considered the six activities of daily living in order to use my long term care policy?

It is always best to carefully review your long term care policy. In order to use your long term care insurance policy generally the long term care insurance company requires that at least two activities of daily living be conducted by a licensed caregiver. The following are the general activities of daily living:

Bathing

Often times clients are fearful of a fall should they shower or bath alone. Having a caregiver available during bathing will give clients peace of mind. Whether the aide is on stand by assistance allowing for privacy or assisting a client with proper hygiene, the bathing activity should be documented in the care notes of service.

Dressing

It is very common for a decrease in mobility requires an additional set of hands to assist in dressing due to a healthcare setback. Whether a client needs help taking on or off items of clothing with the assistance of an aide can alleviate any unnecessary stress.

Continence

Eating

Toileting

Transferring

What is considered light housekeeping? I would like to get rid of my housekeeper.

Light housekeeping is designed for a caregiver to maintain the cleanliness and walking path of the area in the home for their patient. Light housekeeping is wiping down the kitchen countertop after preparing a lunch and wiping down the shower door. Light housekeeping does not mean heavy scrubbing, moving furniture or cleaning out cupboards.

Can a Companion help with hands on personal care?

A: Companions often referred to as a “sitter” means a person who spends time with or cares for an elderly, handicapped, or convalescent individual. Companions referred to clients at Accountable Home Care are either licensed home health aides (HHAs) or Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). Unlike an unlicensed individual, these caregivers are professionally trained and licensed to transfer and care for the elderly. The caregivers we refer have their Level 2 Background Check, current CPR certification, general liability insurance, driver’s license among other credentials required by the State of Florida.