Nonmedical home care is ideal for daily support like bathing, meals, and companionship. Skilled nurses (RNs or LPNs) provide medical care like injections and wound care. Most families don’t need full medical care—and nonmedical care is significantly more affordable.
Choosing care for a loved one is a big decision—and understanding your options can be confusing. Many families think they need a nurse at home, but the truth is, most people don’t require medical care. They need help with daily living, routines, and companionship. That’s where nonmedical home care becomes a life-changing solution.
If you’ve been considering hiring a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), this post is for you. We’re breaking down the real differences between skilled nursing and nonmedical care—so you can make a confident, cost-effective choice.
What Is Nonmedical Home Care?
Nonmedical home care helps with everyday activities—not medical tasks. At Absolute, our caregivers support seniors and adults with:
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- Bathing and dressing
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- Light housekeeping and laundry
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- Meal prep and grocery help
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- Medication reminders
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- Transportation to appointments
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- Emotional support and companionship
We design care plans around comfort, safety, and independence. There’s no prescription needed, and it’s an affordable option for long-term care.
What Do RNs and LPNs Provide at Home?
Unlike nonmedical caregivers, RNs (Registered Nurses) and LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses) provide clinical services under physician direction. These services are necessary if your loved one is recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or needs injections or wound care.
Here’s what they typically provide:
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- Administering IV medications or injections
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- Wound and surgical site care
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- Monitoring vital signs
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- Catheter care
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- Tube feedings
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- Managing complex conditions (e.g., diabetes, post-op recovery)
While these services are critical in some situations, hiring an RN or LPN can be expensive—especially if your loved one doesn’t need medical treatment every day.
The Cost Gap: Skilled Nursing vs. Nonmedical Home Care
Let’s talk money.
Hiring an LPN or RN for in-home care can range from $80 to $100 per hour depending on licensing level, location, and medical need. Many of these services are billed through medical agencies or insurance with strict limits on hours and coverage.
In contrast, nonmedical home care services through Absolute typically cost between $35 to $45 per hour. You’re not just saving money—you’re getting exactly the support your loved one needs.
For many families, skilled nursing is overkill when the goal is simply keeping Mom or Dad safe, fed, and socially engaged at home.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s a helpful visual to see what services each type of care includes:
| Service Needed | Nonmedical Home Care | Skilled Nursing (RN/LPN) |
|---|---|---|
| Bathing Assistance | ✅ | ✅ |
| Dressing Assistance | ✅ | ✅ |
| Medication Reminders | ✅ | |
| Administering Medications | ✅ | |
| Wound Care | ✅ | |
| Companionship | ✅ | |
| Meal Preparation | ✅ | |
| Light Housekeeping | ✅ | |
| Transportation to Appointments | ✅ | |
| Vital Sign Monitoring | ✅ | |
| Tube Feedings | ✅ | |
| Catheter Care | ✅ |
When Do You Need a Nurse?
You may need RN or LPN care if your loved one is:
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- Recovering from a recent surgery
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- Managing wounds or infections
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- Requires injections, IVs, or medical monitoring
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- Has been discharged from the hospital with a physician’s orders for home health
In these cases, medical home health can be life-saving. But for most seniors aging in place, nonmedical care is more than enough.
Absolute Home Care Keeps It Simple
At Absolute, we don’t try to oversell care you don’t need. We offer:
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- Custom care plans
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- Affordable hourly rates
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- Flexible schedules (part-time or full-time)
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- Caregivers who feel like family
We focus on preserving dignity and independence—not turning your home into a medical facility.
Let’s Find the Right Care Together
If you’re unsure what kind of care your loved one needs, we’re here to help. We’ll walk through your options and help you build a plan that works for your family—and your budget.
📞 Call Absolute today at (813) 368-2029 or learn more about our nonmedical home care services in Tampa
