What is the difference between a Home Health Agency and Hospice?

To know the difference between the two, we must first define each one.

Home Health – Home Health is when health care professionals, usually nurses, therapists, home health aides and social workers, visit the client at home to provide care. Care is based on a care plan that is reviewed and approved by the attending physician. The best part of this type of health approach is that the client stays in his or her very own residence while health care professionals conduct regularly scheduled visits to promote health management and prevent health complications.

Hospice Care – Hospice Care is for clients with limited life expectancies. It is usually for health conditions that prompt palliative care and pain management because there is little chance for a cure. Individuals with cancer, HIV and other similar diseases are referred by their physician for Hospice Care.

Comparative Table for Home Health and Hospice

Home Health Care	Hospice Care
Rehabilitative Therapy for the individual	Palliative Care or Increasing Comfort/ Pain Management
Provided in the client’s home	May be provided at home or in a home-like setting
Funded by Medicare, Medicaid or Private Insurance	Paid by for Medicare Part A Medicaid or most private insurance
Care is provided for as long as necessary or deemed appropriate by the physician	Care is provided for as long as the life expectancy determined for the individual
Patient-Focused Care	Patient-Focused Care with Family Support (Bereavement Support for the Surviving family members for at least 1 year)
On-call services available after visits or after hours	24/7 Availability of Hospice Care staff to respond to emergencies if any