The primary differences between the two services depend on the stage of the patient's illness progression.

Home health is beneficial for patients that are recovering from an illness or injury, needing to restore function through therapy, or those recently diagnosed with a chronic disease.

Hospice services are beneficial for patients that are nearing end-of-life, specifically those with an illness prognosis of six months or less.

Visit our Home Health vs. Hospice page to learn more, or take our Homebound Assessment and Hospice Quiz to get an idea of the right fit. Please contact us with any questions as well.

Home health allows patients to receive the most effective and up-to-date medical treatments in the home setting. Patients and their families are able to retain control of their environments and be actively involved in their own care while attaining their optimum level of health.

Yes. State and federal reviewers inspect home health agencies periodically. In order to provide care and maintain their operating license, home health agencies must meet state regulatory standards and licensure requirements. Home health agencies must also comply with federal regulations in order to be approved for reimbursement under Medicare.

The decision to receive Home Care services begins with a patient’s doctor, and the patient should contact them to make an appointment.

• If the doctor decides that Home Care is the right choice, the patient communicates they would like to receive care.

• The doctor will work with the patient to determine the best type of care.

• The doctor will contact us to discuss the Home Health plan of Care.

• We will contact the patient to schedule the first evaluation.

We work closely with the patient’s doctor to determine the type of care that is needed. The amount of visits performed varies by patient. Different patients have different needs. We create a plan so the appropriate health care professionals will visit at the frequency that is best for the patient.

Home health services are delivered on an intermittent basis. Visits are scheduled to respond patient needs and preferences. Since care is designed to optimize patient wellness and independence, visits are usually more frequent at first, and taper off as the patient regains health.

Yes. Your personal physician will order home health and remain in charge of your medical care. The home health care team will communicate with your physician on an ongoing basis to ensure that you are receiving the most appropriate care and that your particular needs are being met.

We provide Home Care any place that is considered a permanent residence. This can be:

• A house or condo

• An apartment

• A relative’s home

• An assisted living facility or home for the elderly

The goal of Home Care is to serve patients who have an illness or health concern that makes it difficult for them to leave their home, it is important to determine each individual’s Homebound Status.

To be homebound means:

Because of an illness or injury, you have problems leaving your house without assistance (such as using a cane, wheelchair, walker, or crutches; special transportation; or support from another person); or leaving your home isn't advised given your condition.

You rarely leave your house, and even when you do, it requires a great deal of effort.

Most often, patients use Home Care services when they are recovering from a surgery or managing a chronic illness. Most plans follow the Medicare guidelines when considering coverage. The Medicare guidelines include the following criteria:

• The services must be ordered by a physician.

• There must be a skilled need. Skilled nursing or therapy services (such as physical, occupational, and/or speech) are needed on an intermittent basis.

• A patient must be homebound. The patient’s ability to leave their home requires abnormally taxing effort. This is considered the ‘Homebound Status’, and it needs to be confirmed and certified by the patient’s doctor.

If you have:

• Medicare or Medicaid Insurance – Click the link to view more detailed requirements: The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services guide, “Medicare and Home Health Care (PDF).”

• Private Insurance – Contact the insurance company to determine Home Care eligibility.

Of course, we are always available to speak with you about your options. Please feel free to contact us.