What Is a Non-Medical Home Care Agency in Colorado?

If you've recently noticed that a parent or loved one is struggling to bathe safely, manage meals, or get around the house without help, you're not alone — and you don't have to figure it out alone either.

A non-medical home care agency helps seniors and individuals with disabilities stay safely in their own homes by providing hands-on support with everyday tasks. It's not nursing. It's not therapy. It's the kind of practical, compassionate help that makes the difference between someone thriving at home or moving into a facility before they're ready.

This guide explains what non-medical home care covers, how it differs from skilled home health, who qualifies, and how Colorado Medicaid programs may help pay for it.

What Does a Non-Medical Home Care Agency Actually Do?

Non-medical home care focuses on daily living support — the tasks that become harder as someone ages or lives with a disability. A trained caregiver comes to the client's home and helps with:

For clients enrolled in Colorado Medicaid programs, caregivers may also assist with Health Maintenance Activities (HMA) — specific delegated tasks approved by a registered nurse under IHSS (In-Home Support Services).

Non-Medical Home Care vs. Skilled Home Health: What's the Difference?

This is one of the most common questions families ask, and it's an important one.

Non-medical home care is provided by trained caregivers and focuses on personal care, homemaker services, supervision, and daily support. No physician's order is needed to start private-pay services, though Medicaid programs have their own authorization process.

Skilled home health care is provided by licensed medical professionals — registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists — and requires a physician's order. It covers wound care, IV therapy, injections, and post-surgical rehabilitation.

Many families use both at the same time. For example, a nurse may visit twice a week to manage a wound while a caregiver provides daily personal care and companionship.

Non-medical home care does NOT include: IV therapy, wound care, skilled nursing procedures, physical therapy, or medical diagnosis.

Who Uses Non-Medical Home Care?

• Seniors who want to age in place in their own home rather than move to a facility

• Adults with physical or developmental disabilities who need daily support

• Children with disabilities who require personal care assistance

• Individuals recovering from illness, surgery, or hospitalization

• Medicaid waiver participants receiving HCBS, IHSS, or CFC (Community First Choice) services

• Families who need relief from the demands of full-time caregiving (respite care)

Does Colorado Medicaid Cover Home Care?

Yes — for eligible individuals, Colorado Medicaid (Health First Colorado) covers non-medical home care services at little or no cost. Coverage is available through:

• HCBS Waivers (such as the EBD Waiver for elderly and disabled adults)

• IHSS (In-Home Support Services) — covers personal care, homemakers, and HMA services

• CFC (Community First Choice) — provides attendant care and personal support

Authorized hours depend on a functional assessment, medical necessity, and the individual's approved care plan. A case manager coordinates services and determines which program is the best fit. Many Colorado families are surprised by how much Medicaid covers.

How to Choose the Right Home Care Agency in Colorado

When evaluating a non-medical home care agency in Colorado, ask these key questions:

1. Is the agency licensed in Colorado?

2. Does the agency accept Medicaid?

3. Are caregivers trained, background-checked, and supervised?

4. Does the agency understand HCBS and IHSS rules?

5. How does scheduling and communication with families work?

Ready to Talk About Home Care for Your Loved One?

At Premium Home Health Care, we've helped Colorado families navigate Medicaid home care programs for years. Whether you're just beginning to explore options or you already have services authorized, we're here to help. We serve Aurora, Denver, Lakewood, Thornton, Westminster, Centennial, and the surrounding Denver Metro area.

We're happy to answer your questions, explain available programs, and coordinate with your case manager — at no obligation: 720-486-6390

✉ Premiumhealthcare@hotmail.com.

About Premium Home Health Care: Premium Home Health Care is a licensed, Medicaid-enrolled non-medical home care agency serving Aurora and the Denver Metro area. Our caregivers are trained, background-checked, and supervised. We specialize in HCBS, IHSS, and Community First Choice (CFC) programs. For questions, call 720-486-6390 or email Premiumhealthcare@hotmail.com.