What you need to know about attendant care

Whether you work at a hotel, construction site, office, hospital or anywhere else, you take pride in the job you do. After all, you put your knowledge, skills and talents to work every time you clock in. If you sustain a job-related injury, though, you may never be able to work again.

Like other states, North Carolina has a workers’ compensation system that helps you cope with life after an occupational injury or illness. If your on-the-job injury renders you incapable of performing everyday tasks, it may also help you with attendant care.

Purpose

When you are at home, you likely engage in hundreds of activities without giving any of them much thought. Still, if you have certain types of illnesses or injuries, completing ordinary functions may be virtually impossible. With attendant care, a qualified professional comes to your home to help you with bathing, cooking and other essential activities. The individual further works to ensure that you do not sustain additional injuries when trying to take care of yourself.

Staffing

Your home is an intimate and private place. Accordingly, you may be nervous about welcoming an attendant into your house. Those who serve in the role usually understand the importance of professionalism and discretion, however. Nonetheless, if you qualify for attendant care services, a family member may be able to do the job. If so, he or she may be eligible to receive an hourly wage.

Eligibility

As you may suspect, proving eligibility for attendant care can be somewhat challenging. In broad terms, the benefit is available to injured individuals who need assistance but can still live at home. While workers’ compensation benefits should cover this type of care, insurers may be reluctant to pay for it. As such, you may have to work diligently to win approval for payment of attendant care services.

If you have sustained a serious injury or developed a life-altering illness at your place of employment, your quality of life is apt to suffer. You may be able to receive some help with everyday tasks. By understanding attendant care, you can better plan for thriving in your post-injury life.