As a family caregiver for an aging loved one, navigating care options can feel overwhelming. You have lots of choices, but without the right information, you may not know where to turn. You’ve likely heard about home health care and hospice care, but picking the right option is easier said than done. While both services can be provided in the comfort of your own home, they serve very different purposes and cater to distinct stages of a person’s health journey. So, let’s take a deep dive into home health care, hospice care, and how they compare.

What Is Home Health Care?

Let’s start by establishing some definitions. Generally speaking, home health care provides a wide range of medical services and support in a patient’s home. The primary goal is to help patients regain independence and improve their overall health while remaining in familiar surroundings. Home health care can focus on several things at once, including rehabilitation, recovery, and managing a chronic condition.

What Is Hospice Care?

Unlike home health care, hospice care focuses exclusively on a patient’s comfort and quality of life—not rehabilitation or curative treatment. This level of care is reserved for people with terminal illnesses and a life expectancy of six months or less. The philosophy behind hospice care centers on dignity, comfort, and emotional well-being for both patients and their families. This approach recognizes that death is a natural part of life and aims to make the final stages as peaceful and meaningful as possible.

The Differences Between Home Health Care and Hospice Care

While these two levels of care sound similar, they are actually very different. As you decide between home health care vs. hospice, be sure to consider these distinguishing factors:

The Purpose of Care

Home health care aims to restore or maintain health and independence. The focus is on helping patients recover from illness, injury, or surgery while teaching them to manage their conditions effectively. Conversely, hospice care emphasizes comfort and quality of life when curative treatments are no longer effective or desired. The goal shifts from healing to ensuring the patient remains as comfortable and pain-free as possible during their final months.

Scope of Services

Expect a different set of services depending on the level of care you choose. Home health services often include skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medical social services, and personal care assistance. These services target specific health issues in hopes of improving a patient’s outcomes. However, hospice services focus mostly on pain and symptom management. Providers might offer spiritual counseling, medical equipment, and bereavement support for families, but no services are offered that intend to cure the condition.

Eligibility and Duration

Most people can request home health care if they feel it would help their overall health. Insurance coverage, however, is a different beast. Insurance providers might only cover the costs if the patient is homebound or has a physician’s order. Medicare does not offer unlimited benefits for home health care. Hospice care is similar in that a physician’s certification is required to unlock Medicare benefits. However, hospice benefits can be renewed as long as necessary—there’s no lifetime limit on how long your loved one can receive this type of care.

Care Team Composition

Home health teams focus primarily on medical professionals who can address specific health needs. A patient’s team might vary depending on their specific diagnosis and recovery goals. Hospice teams, on the other hand, take a much more comprehensive approach. These teams are often made up of doctors, nurses, chaplains, social workers, and even volunteers who can provide emotional support.

Medicare Coverage

Medicare Part A covers both home health and hospice services, but with different requirements and limitations. Home health coverage requires that services be medically necessary, ordered by a physician, and provided by a Medicare-certified agency. Hospice coverage under Medicare is often more comprehensive. It usually covers all medications, medical equipment, and supplies related to the terminal diagnosis, as well as respite care for family caregivers.

Is It Better to Be at Home or in Hospice?

The answer to this question is very personal. Some folks do well with home health care, while those with a life-limiting illness will likely get more benefits from hospice. It’s important to remember that hospice care can take place at home, too—in fact, the team at Agape Hospice NW only offers these services in the comfort of a patient’s home. Here’s a quick breakdown of when each of these options is most advantageous:

When to Choose Home Health Care

Home health care is appropriate when a patient needs medical supervision but can remain safely at home. Recovering from surgery, managing diabetes complications, wound care, and physical therapy after a stroke are common reasons why someone might prefer home healthcare. Essentially, this option works well for patients who can participate in their recovery, have family support, and live in a safe home environment.

When to Choose Hospice Care

Hospice care is often necessary when curative treatments are no longer working or cause more distress than benefit. If your loved one prefers to focus on quality of life over a cure, in-home hospice care is likely the best option. Families also find hospice services invaluable, especially when they need professional support and emotional guidance during this difficult time.

Here to Help You Make the Choice

Choosing between home health and hospice care requires careful consideration. You’ll need to account for your loved one’s medical needs, their personal preferences, and insurance coverage. Remember, the decision isn’t permanent and can always change as their care needs evolve. At Agape Hospice NW, we are honored to work with families across Portland, OR, providing top-tier hospice care in the comfort of home. Learn more about our extensive services when you contact us.