Home Health, Hospice, and Palliative Care vs. Non-Medical Home Care
Understanding Home Health, Hospice, and Palliative Care vs. Non-Medical Home Care
When seeking care for yourself or a loved one, understanding the differences between home health, hospice, palliative care, and non-medical home care is essential. While these services share the common goal of supporting individuals at home, they serve distinct purposes, require different levels of medical expertise, and are covered by varying payment sources.
At Assisting Hands® Dana Point, we provide non-medical home care services that often supplement home health, hospice, and palliative care, ensuring continuity of care and enhancing the overall quality of life for our clients.
What It Is
Home Health Care
Home health care provides short-term skilled medical care in the home for individuals recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery. This care is prescribed by a doctor and is typically focused on rehabilitation and recovery.
Hospice Care
Hospice care provides comfort-focused medical care for individuals with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less. The goal is to manage symptoms rather than cure the illness, prioritizing quality of life.
Palliative Care
Palliative care is specialized medical care for individuals with serious or chronic illnesses, such as cancer, heart failure, or Parkinson’s disease. Unlike hospice, it can be provided at any stage of an illness, alongside curative treatments. The focus is on relieving pain and symptoms to improve overall comfort.
Who Provides It
Home Health Care
- Registered Nurses (RNs)
- Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPNs/LVNs)
- Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists
- Home Health Aides (under nurse supervision)
Hospice Care
- Hospice Physicians
- Nurses and Nurse Practitioners
- Social Workers and Chaplains
- Hospice Aides (assist with personal care)
Palliative Care
- Palliative Care Physicians
- Advanced Practice Nurses
- Social Workers and Spiritual Counselors
At Assisting Hands® Dana Point, we provide non-medical home care services that often supplement home health, hospice, and palliative care, ensuring continuity of care and enhancing the overall quality of life for our clients.
Home Health Care
Hospice Care
Palliative Care
What It Is
Home health care provides short-term skilled medical care in the home for individuals recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery. This care is prescribed by a doctor and is typically focused on rehabilitation and recovery.
Hospice care provides comfort-focused medical care for individuals with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less. The goal is to manage symptoms rather than cure the illness, prioritizing quality of life.
Palliative care is specialized medical care for individuals with serious or chronic illnesses, such as cancer, heart failure, or Parkinson’s disease. Unlike hospice, it can be provided at any stage of an illness, alongside curative treatments. The focus is on relieving pain and symptoms to improve overall comfort.
Who Provides It
- Registered Nurses (RNs)
- Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPNs/LVNs)
- Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists
- Home Health Aides (under nurse supervision)
- Hospice Physicians
- Nurses and Nurse Practitioners
- Social Workers and Chaplains
- Hospice Aides (assist with personal care)
- Palliative Care Physicians
- Advanced Practice Nurses
- Social Workers and Spiritual Counselors
How It’s Paid For
Home Health Care
Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance (when medically necessary and physician-ordered)
Typically limited to intermittent visits based on medical necessity
Hospice Care
Medicare Hospice Benefit (covers most hospice services at 100%)
Medicaid or private insurance Some nonprofit organizations provide hospice at no cost
Palliative Care
Medicare Part B (for physician services and treatments)
Medicaid or private insurance (coverage varies)
What It Does Not Cover
Home Health Care
- 24/7 personal care or long-term support
- Help with daily activities like meal preparation, housekeeping, and companionship
- Ongoing non-medical support that extends beyond skilled medical needs
Hospice Care
- 24/7 in-home caregiving
- Ongoing assistance with personal care beyond hospice aide visits
- Non-medical needs such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and companionship
Palliative Care
- 24/7 in-home support
- Assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and toileting
- Non-medical needs such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, and transportation
How It’s Paid For
Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance (when medically necessary and physician-ordered)
Typically limited to intermittent visits based on medical necessity
Medicare Hospice Benefit (covers most hospice services at 100%)
Medicaid or private insurance Some nonprofit organizations provide hospice at no cost
Medicare Part B (for physician services and treatments)
Medicaid or private insurance (coverage varies)
What It Does Not Cover
- 24/7 personal care or long-term support
- Help with daily activities like meal preparation, housekeeping, and companionship
- Ongoing non-medical support that extends beyond skilled medical needs
- 24/7 in-home caregiving
- Ongoing assistance with personal care beyond hospice aide visits
- Non-medical needs such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and companionship
- 24/7 in-home support
- Assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and toileting
- Non-medical needs such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, and transportation
How Non-Medical Home Care Fills the Gaps
At Assisting Hands® Dana Point, our Home Care Aides (Caregivers) provide essential daily living support that complements home health, hospice, and palliative care. Unlike the medical services listed above, our non-medical home care focuses on enhancing quality of life and providing continuous, customized support based on individual needs.
Our Caregivers Can Assist With
- Personal Care: Bathing, dressing, toileting, and mobility assistance
- Companionship: Social engagement and emotional support
- Meal Preparation: Nutritious meals tailored to dietary needs
- Medication Reminders: Ensuring adherence to prescribed regimens
- Housekeeping: Light cleaning, laundry, and maintaining a safe home environment
- Transportation: Assistance with doctor visits, errands, and outings
- Respite Care: Support for family caregivers to prevent burnout
Choosing the Right Level of Care
If your loved one is receiving home health, hospice, or palliative care, but still requires ongoing daily support, non-medical home care is the missing piece. At Assisting Hands® Dana Point, we work alongside medical professionals and families to ensure that seniors and individuals with chronic conditions receive the personalized, compassionate care they deserve.
Call us today at (949) 426-7300 to discuss how we can help bridge the gap in care and provide the best support for you or your loved one.