:: LONG TERM COMPANION CARE

What is companion care?
Simply, companion care is an alternative to long term placement in a facility or the care of someone who does not need that level of care, yet. Companion care is most often the assistance and supervision of a person who is either disabled or elderly and in need of assistance with their daily needs. This care can be intermittent - just a few hours per day or week or can be comprehensive up to 24 hour care.


What are the companions there to assist the consumers with?
Direct support professionals can be provided to meet the needs of just about any individual from those just requiring supervision such as a patient with dementia to those requiring more comprehensive care such as a stroke patient. The staff perform or assist in the performance of personal care and grooming, ambulation, light housekeeping, meal preparation, assistance with doctor and therapy visits and outings for personal and leisure activities.

Are the services covered by insurance?
Some consumers receiving companion services utilize a long term care policy. Less frequently, group health plans may offer some coverage. The most frequent method of covering these services is on an out of pocket basis.


What about consumers who do not have access to these resources?     
There are some state funded programs offered through PDI to assist individuals who do not have insurance or other means of accessing the services. Unfortunately, many of these programs carry extensive waiting lists and the individuals may have to wait several months before actually receiving their services. Preplanning for this eventuality is a sure way to have the resources needed when that time arises.

--from www.pdihealthcare.com