01
What Medicare does not cover
Many families assume Medicare will cover a caregiver when a parent needs help at home. However, Medicare is designed to treat medical conditions, not to provide ongoing daily assistance. It does not cover nonmedical home care, which includes help with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, or supervision.
- 24-hour care at home
- Meals delivered to the home
- Homemaker services like shopping or cleaning
- Personal care if it is the only care needed
02
When Medicare provides coverage
Medicare Part A and Part B cover eligible home health services only under specific conditions. Your parent must be under a doctor's care, and the doctor must certify that they are homebound and need intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, or continued occupational therapy.
- The care must be ordered by a doctor.
- The patient must meet the strict definition of being homebound.
- The services must be part-time or intermittent, not full-time.
- The care must require a skilled medical professional.
03
Planning for nonmedical care costs
Because Medicare limits coverage to medical needs, families usually pay for nonmedical home care through other methods. These can include private savings, long-term care insurance, or specific Veterans Affairs benefits. Understanding these boundaries early helps you plan realistic support for your parent.