Custodial care is a term used in healthcare to refer to non-medical, routine care provided to individuals who are unable to meet their own daily living needs due to physical, cognitive, or mental conditions. This type of care is often provided in long-term care settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospices.
Custodial care typically involves assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and mobility. It may also encompass instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) such as meal preparation, medication management, housekeeping, transportation, and companionship. The main aim of custodial care is to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and comfort of individuals who are unable to perform these tasks independently.
Unlike medical care provided by healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses, custodial care does not involve clinical or therapeutic interventions. It focuses on meeting individuals' basic needs and maintaining their quality of life. Examples of custodial care services include assistance with personal hygiene, grooming, medication reminders, light housekeeping, and meal preparation.
Custodial care can be provided by both professional caregivers, such as certified nursing assistants, home health aides, and personal care attendants, as well as by family members or informal caregivers. It plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or advanced age to maintain their overall health, dignity, and independence.
