Blog

Hospice vs Home Aide Organizations vs Licensed Home Health Agencies

Contact:

Debbie Mosbacher

832.410.3192

As the demand for care and services in assisted living and residential care increases, so too does the use of home care, home health, and hospice. But it can be confusing to understand the difference between these providers and the services they offer. Fortunately, the Accredited Hospices of America services provides a clear beakdown of these important providers:

Medicare Certified Home Health Agencies: Provide skilled nursing services (part time/ intermittent), therapy services (physical, speech, or occupational therapy) medical social services and home health aide services. They employ physicians,registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, certified home health aides, nutritional specialist, and social workers. They accept Medicare and often accept private pay, private health insurance and Medicaid.

Licensed Home Health Agencies: Provide skilled nursing services (part time /intermittent), therapy services (physical, speech, or occupational therapy) medical social services and home health aid services. They employ physicians, registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, certified home health aides, nutritional specialists, and social workers. They often accept private pay and private health insurance.

Home Care Aide Organizations: Provide non-medical personal care support with activities of daily living, such as meal preparation, bathing, toileting, and dressing. Services may include housekeeping, transportation, assistance with handling finances and companionship. They employ caregivers which may be certified nurse assistants or certified home health aides. They often accept private pay, and private health insurance.

Hospices: Provide palliative care, psychological, and spiritual care for the patients with life altering illnesses for their families. They employ physicians, registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, certified home health aides, nutritional specialists, social workers and spiritual counselors. They often accept private pay, private health insurance, Medicaid and Medicare. Medicare part A virtually covers all hospice expenses.

Tags: home care, home health, Hospice

Share this article