Basic Care Services in North Dakota

A basic care facility provides a place for people with lower incomes to receive health care. Residents are typically those who do not qualify for traditional Medicaid but need assistance to help pay for care.

• Health monitoring and support, such as medication management, vital signs monitoring, and meal preparation and feeding assistance
• Household support, such as housekeeping, laundry, shopping and errands
• Personal care for activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, grooming, using the bathroom and moving around).
• Personalized support to help with mental health issues or cognitive impairments
• Safety and supervision, such as ensuring living spaces are clear for easier mobility, and providing oversight for those with cognitive impairments who may be at risk for wandering
• Social engagement, such as companionship and activities and outings that promote physical, mental and emotional well-being
• Transportation, such as help getting to appointments and community events

Basic care in North Dakota is a Medicaid service designed to help people who need assistance with daily living activities and some health-related services, but do not require the higher level of care that a nursing home provides.

It provides a lower-cost alternative to full-time medical care for those who need more than what assisted living can provide.

• Level of care: Assisted living traditionally provides minimal assistance with daily activities while basic care provides a higher level of medical and personal care.
• Payment and eligibility: Assisted living is typically a private pay service, with Medicaid possibly helping in some cases. Basic care is funded through Medicaid for eligible individuals.
• Medical support: Assisted living focuses on personal care and independent living. Basic care provides more medical supervision and is designed for people who need ongoing health monitoring and assistance with medical tasks.
• Setting: Assisted living is typically in a standalone building while basic care is often provided in a specialized unit within a nursing home.

It's easy to gloss over a problem your parents have just been "dealing with" on their own.

Ask them questions they might not have considered yet, like:

• Can you do everyday tasks easily, without assistance?
• Are you eating as healthily or as well as you should be?
• Do you always feel safe in your own home, and when you're running errands?
• Do you wish more people were around to talk with?

Have them take a closer look and consider how their lives might be better with a little assistance.