Homemaker services are defined as tasks that help seniors maintain their household but are not necessarily personal care tasks. Homemaker services can vary from agency to agency, depending on their definition. However, in general, homemaker services include:
- Meal planning.
- Grocery shopping.
- Meal preparation, including storing leftovers.
- Transportation to/from appointments and escorting the senior throughout the process.
- Transportation to/from social events, family gatherings, etc.
- Light housekeeping.
- Laundry and linen services, including stripping and washing linens weekly or as otherwise arranged.
- Running errands with or on behalf of the older adult.
Some nonmedical home care agencies also consider companionship a part of homemaker services, which can include visiting with the older adult, coming with prepared activities to do together, and planning upcoming excursions into the community.
In a few rare instances, assistance with personal care, such as support with bathing, dressing, grooming, and other activities of daily living, is also included in homemaker services. Generally, though, this type of support does not fall under the homemaker services category.
In all cases, homemaker services are provided by caregivers. Depending on the state, these caregivers might have been trained in certain tasks by their agency before arriving at the senior’s home. Most nonmedical home care agencies have a comprehensive training program for their caregivers and oversight by a manager, who can sometimes be a nurse or clinician.
Covered Services
An individual can receive any of the three types of homemaker services. All homemaker providers may monitor an individual’s well-being while in the home, including safety.
Homemaker/Cleaning services include light housekeeping tasks. Homemaker/cleaning providers deliver home cleaning and laundry services.
Homemaker/home management providers deliver home cleaning services and, while onsite, provide assistance with home management activities as needed. Home management activities may include assistance with:
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Arranging for transportation
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Laundry
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Meal preparation
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Shopping for food, clothing, and household supplies
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Simple household repairs