Understand the Difference Between Home Health vs. Hospice Care

Whether you’re a patient or health caregiver, it’s important to understand the difference between home health vs hospice care. However, these are a type of healthcare services misunderstood by many people. There are many similarities and differences between these healthcare services; hence, we come up with this guide elaborating on the differences between home health and hospice.

What is Home Health?

Home health care is a service provided by doctors after a patient is discharged from a hospital. There are many healthcare agencies that monitor and treat patients at home by developing a plan as per their needs. In this healthcare service, medical professionals such as nurses and therapists visit the patient's home to help them get better as soon as possible.

What is Hospice?

Hospice care is quite similar to home health, which is designed to provide comfort care to patients at their homes. It is certified by physicians for patients with no chance of betterment and a prognosis of six months or less. It can be said that it is a life-sustaining treatment. Usually, this service is provided by nurses, aides, counselors, and other medical professionals. They help patients and their families through the needful resources in critical times.

Difference Between Home Health and Hospice Care

As individuals age or experience chronic medical conditions, they may require specialized care to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Home health and hospice care are two options that can provide patients with the care they need. While these two types of care may seem similar, they differ in various criteria, such as eligibility, goals, and services.

• Eligibility Criteria

Home health care is typically available to patients who require ongoing medical care, have a physician’s order, and are homebound. Homebound means that leaving home requires a considerable and taxing effort, and the patient requires assistance from a caregiver or medical professional. In contrast, hospice care is available to patients who have a life expectancy of six months or less and have chosen to focus on comfort care rather than curative treatment.

• Goals

The goal of home health care is to help patients manage their medical conditions and recover from acute illnesses or injuries in the comfort of their own homes. Home health care services are typically provided for a limited period of time until the patient has made progress towards recovery, or their medical condition has stabilized. On the other hand, hospice care aims to provide comfort and support to patients and their families during the final stages of life. It is provided until the patient’s death and focuses on ensuring that the patient is comfortable, free from pain, and able to live their remaining days in dignity.

• Services Provided

The services provided by home health care and hospice care also differ. Home health care services are focused on medical care and may include skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medical social services. On the other hand, the services provided by hospice care are focused on providing comfort and support to patients and their families and may include pain management, symptom control, emotional and spiritual support, and bereavement counseling for family members.

Takeaway

Home health care and hospice care are two distinct types of care that provide patients with specialized medical services. While both types of care may be provided in the patient’s home, they differ in their eligibility criteria, goals, and services provided. It’s important for us to be updated on all the changes and new technologies in home health and hospice care. At Conference Panel, you can join live webinars and be assured of gaining updates. It’s beneficial for medical professionals as well as the patient’s family members.