What is the difference between skilled and custodial care?
A skilled service is a service that has to be provided by licensed professional (i.e. restorative therapies, wound care, dressing changes, tube feedings). A non-professional (i.e., family, friend) can provide custodial care. Custodial needs are generally chronic and occur when the individual requires ongoing supervision and assistance with activities of daily living (i.e., bathing, dressing, eating, and medication).
: My uncle was placed in a convalescent care facility approximately 1 1/2 years ago. Medicare and AARP paid their maximum benefits for skilled care.My aunt’s insurer now refuses to pay any benefits since they believe the care to be “custodial”. Essentially, my uncle’s care hasn’t changed since he entered the facility. The administrator of the facility told my aunt that the facility only provides skilled care and not custodial care. Bills are escalating would appreciate any thoughts or observations you might have. Guide Responds: What a difficult situation. Generally care is considered skilled when a trained professional must do it, because the care is changing frequently and needs professional assessment of efficacy or condition. Care is considered to custodial when the patient is stable and the care needs have not changed nor are they expected to change much and the care is routine enough to teach any competent adult to perform this care. Medicare and AARP (I’m assuming this is a Medi
