Home Health Questions

Hospice Questions

We know this is a very difficult topic. We have provided some frequently asked questions below for guidance but please contact us for further assistance.

Home Health vs Hospice Comparison

This is your or your loved ones health so we really want to be sure you have all the information. We have provided some of the differences between these two services.

Choice Health at Home is a leading provider of hospice and home health services. These services share some things in common, but there are two distinct approaches to each type of patient. Hospice is intended for terminally ill patients with a limited life expectancy when curative medical treatments are ineffective. Home health, by comparison, seeks to progressively improve functionality intended to help patients recover from their injury or illness. Please contact us if you would like to learn more or have questions.

Philosophy of Care

Home Health

Hospice

To provide compassionate care to promote well-being and quality of life
To manage pain, symptoms and side effects
To support independent living in home of choice
To prevent unnecessary hospitalizations
To counsel patient and family through end-of-life process

To relieve caregiver burden and stress

How Long is care provided?

The length varies by type of care and the patient's needs.
Home Health
The length of service is determined by the goals of care. The amount, frequency and time period of the services need to be reasonable and the condition must improve or be maintained through therapy.
Hospice
The patient receives unlimited visits for six months or longer, as long as the patient continues to have a limited life expectancy, as determined by a physician.

Can the service be received in a long term care facility?

Home health care cannot be given to patients in a long-term care facility.
Home Health
Home healthcare is provided in the patient’s private residence and cannot be given to patients in a long-term care facility (skilled nursing facility). It can be received in an assisted living and independent living facility.
Hospice
Hospice services are brought to patients anywhere they call home, including long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, but they may also reside in a private home.

Are medications covered under Medicare?

With hospice, the Medicare hospice benefit covers all prescription and over-the-counter drugs related to the patient's terminal diagnosis.
Home Health
Medications are not covered for home healthcare patients under the Medicare home health benefit.
Hospice
The Medicare hospice benefit covers all prescription and over-the-counter drugs related to a hospice patient’s terminal diagnosis.

Are supplies and medical equipment covered?

Supplies are covered under Medicare in varying amounts depending on type of care.
Home Health
For home healthcare patients, medical equipment and supplies must be ordered by their physician and are covered 80 percent when approved under Medicare Part B qualification guidelines.
Hospice
Under the Medicare hospice benefit, all equipment and supplies related to the terminal diagnosis are provided and covered 100 percent. The need for equipment, oxygen and other products is determined by the patient’s palliative plan of care.

Is care available 24-7?

Hospice can provide up to 24 hours/day of skilled nursing and hospice aide services for certain patients.
Home Health
The Medicare home healthcare benefit does not cover 24-hour care.
Hospice
Hospice can provide up to 24 hours/day of skilled nursing and hospice aide services for patients who need acute symptom management and want to remain at home.