Does Medicare Pay for an In-Home Caregiver?

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Medicare provides limited coverage for in-home caregivers, with eligibility primarily determined by a senior’s specific care requirements as defined by government guidelines. These needs are typically detailed in a care plan created by a physician or nurse, which the senior receives after being discharged from a hospital or Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). However, the comprehensive care that many seniors require often exceeds what Medicare will cover.

Medicare will only cover a non-medical, part-time in-home caregiver if the caregiver works in conjunction with another professional providing skilled care in the home, such as a nurse, physical therapist, speech therapist, or occupational therapist. Medicare does not cover 24-hour home care, meal delivery, or non-care-related services like house cleaning.

Medicare generally does not cover assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which are crucial for many seniors, unless these services are provided alongside skilled care. ADLs include tasks like bathing, dressing, feeding, and toileting. For more detailed information on ADLs, click here.