In short
Home health is part-time skilled nursing and therapy at home for people who are homebound and expected to improve or stay stable, under a doctor's care. Hospice is comfort care for a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less. Medicare pays for both, under different rules.
Written by the Senior Choice Care teamUpdated October 9, 2026. Facts are checked against the sources listed at the end of this page. General information; every family is different.
Side by side
^ Hospice and home health compared
| Home health | Hospice | |
|---|---|---|
| --- | --- | --- |
| Goal | Recovery or stability | Comfort |
| Eligibility | Homebound, needs part-time skilled care | Terminal illness, six-month prognosis, chooses comfort care |
| Includes | Nursing, therapy, aide visits | Nursing, aides, drugs, equipment, counseling, respite |
| Medicare cost | $0 for covered services | Up to $5 per prescription; 5% for inpatient respite |
| After-hours | Varies by agency | Nurse and doctor on call 24/7 |
Questions families ask
Can you have hospice and home health at the same time?
Not for the same terminal illness; hospice covers care related to it.
Which is better at the end of life?
Hospice is designed for it, with on-call support and family services.
Does home health require being homebound?
Yes, under Medicare.
Can someone switch from home health to hospice?
Yes, when they qualify and choose hospice.