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Understanding the Difference Between Home Health Care and Hospice for Older Adults

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Understanding the Difference Between Home Health Care and Hospice for Older Adults

August 01
01:39 2020
Understanding the Difference Between Home Health Care and Hospice for Older Adults

Many people wonder what the difference is between home health care and hospice services. Because there is confusion, it is best to learn more before you’re in a position to need the services. Keep reading to find out more.

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice care provides comfort-related care for any patient who has a prognosis of six months or less. This is something that must be verified by a physician. When this happens, then a service like https://www.wilshirehospice.org can be called.

What is Home Health Care?

Home health care offers services that are given to individuals who require intermittent skilled nursing services, speech-language pathology services, physical therapy services, or ongoing occupational services that have been prescribed by their physician. If a patient is insured or is  eligible for Medicare benefits but unsure about the care that is needed, talking to experts in the field, like those from Wilshire Health & Community Services, Inc. is a smart move.

Who Provides Care for Each?

Each care service has a team that is properly trained to suit a person’s diagnosis and needs. For example, most people will receive hospice services from a hospice organization that is Medicare-certified. This will provide the patient with all the care providers needed who come to the patient’s home as needed. With home health, an agency will bring its services to a patient’s private home who requires skilled care related to the diagnosis they have received. This includes occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, certified nursing assistants, and registered nurses. Care can also be provided within an assisted living or care facility.

How Long Will Care be Provided?

The length of care will vary based on a patient’s specific needs. For hospice, a patient will typically receive unlimited care for as long as they are on service. This is true if the patient continues having a limited life expectancy based on a physician’s recommendations.

For home health, the length of the service is dependent on the care goals. The duration, frequency, and amount of care services that are needed should be reasonable and the person’s condition must be maintained or improved through this therapy. Once the goals are reached, then the team at https://www.wilshirehomehealthcc.org/contact/ will finish service with the patient.

How Often Do Patients Need to Be Recertified for Continued Services?

The length of service ranges from 60 days up to six months based on a patient and their specific needs. For hospice, doctors have to recertify a patient if they outlive the six-month prognosis given. For home healthcare services, patients must be recertified every 60 days.

Understanding the difference between hospice and home healthcare services will help a person and their family understand what option is right for their needs. Remember, finding the right service provider is also essential. Take some time to review all the information here and then talk with doctors and service providers to make a decision that works for everyone involved. Being informed is the best way to make this important decision.

Media Contact
Company Name: Wilshire Health & Community Services, Inc.
Contact Person: Media Relations
Email: Send Email
Phone: (805)547-7025
Address:285 South Street, Suite J
City: San Luis Obispo
State: CA
Country: United States
Website: www.wilshirehomehealthcc.org

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