Both home health and hospice services help patients and their families with clinical needs and other support in the comfort and convenience of their homes. Highly trained nurses, therapists, and other staff provide a wide range of services.

When it’s time to choose the right care for you or a loved one, it can be difficult figuring out where to start. The first step is education. Here’s a quick view of the differences between home health and hospice services.

Home Health

What is it?

Home health includes skilled services provided by nurses, therapists, and other highly-trained clinicians who help people recover, regain or maintain their independence – in whatever setting they call home. Physicians refer patients to home healthcare and provide direction and feedback as long as there is a skilled need.

Who is it for?

People returning home after a hospital stay or post-operation, managing a serious or chronic disease, or dealing with multiple diagnoses or co-morbidities.

What is provided?

• Skilled nursing services
• Therapies including: Occupational, physical, and speech
• Medication management
• Nutrition management
• Teaching and training

Hospice

What is it?

Hospice is compassionate care and comfort for patients, and their loved ones, when a cure is no longer possible. It is centered on caring for the whole person and their family – focusing on quality of life through clinical, emotional, and spiritual care and support.

Who is it for?

Hospice provides care and support for those with a life expectancy of six months or less if the diagnosis you were given should run it’s normal course.

What is provided?

• Physician services
• Nursing services
• Pain management
• Educational tools
• Social services
• Bereavement services
• Spiritual care and support

For us, it’s all about helping people.  If you or a loved one could benefit from Health and Hospice services, visit lhcgroup.com to find a location near you and contact us today.