Understanding Home Care and Hospice: Answers to Your Questions
Navigating care options for yourself or a loved one can be overwhelming. Many families wonder: What is the difference between home care and hospice, and how do I know which is right for us? At Sholom, we provide compassionate, personalized care and guidance to help families make informed decisions. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Home Care?
Home care is designed for individuals who need support to maintain independence and quality of life at home while managing a medical condition or recovering from illness. Services are coordinated with your doctor and tailored to meet your unique needs.
Sholom Home Care offers:
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Nurse visits
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Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
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Social work services
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Home health aides
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Palliative care (on a case-by-case basis)
A dedicated Home Care Case Manager, who may be a nurse or physical therapist, works with you, your caregivers, and your doctor to create a personalized plan of care and monitor progress toward your goals.
Who pays for home care?
Many services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care plans, private insurance, and private pay options. Referrals can come from physicians, social workers, family members, or even patients themselves.
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice provides specialized care for individuals with a life-limiting illness, focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life rather than curative treatments. Hospice care is a team-oriented approach that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Sholom Hospice services include:
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Symptom and pain management
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Emotional and spiritual support
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Home health aides and medical supplies
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Music and massage therapy
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Grief support for families
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Short-term inpatient care if needed
Our Hospice Team includes doctors, nurses, social workers, spiritual caregivers, volunteers, and complementary therapy specialists. Services are available wherever you or your loved one live—home, assisted living, nursing facility, or other settings.
Eligibility for Hospice Care:
You may qualify when:
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A physician determines a life-limiting illness with a life expectancy measured in months, not years.
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You accept comfort-focused care instead of aggressive curative treatment.
Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, most private insurers, and private pay options.
What About Grief and Bereavement Support?
At Sholom, support doesn’t end when a loved one passes. Bereavement services help families cope with loss through:
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Anticipatory grief education
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End-of-life planning guidance
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Supportive phone calls, in-person support, and support groups
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Pet therapy visits and art-based grief practices
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Educational workshops and community programs
We also offer resources and guidance to schools, businesses, and community organizations navigating grief and loss.
How to Decide Between Home Care and Hospice
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Home Care: Ideal if your loved one needs support with daily activities, therapy, or recovery but still benefits from curative treatment or wants to maintain independence.
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Hospice: Best if your loved one has a life-limiting illness, prioritizes comfort and quality of life, and may no longer pursue curative treatments.
Our care teams are here to guide you through the decision-making process and ensure your loved one receives the support they need—wherever they live.
Learn More or Get Started
Sholom Home Care and Sholom Hospice are committed to compassionate, personalized care for every stage of life. Contact us today to explore services, eligibility, and how we can support you and your family.
