In short
Hospice is comfort care for a terminal illness, delivered wherever someone lives. A nursing home is a place that provides nursing care, 24-hour supervision and help with daily activities. They aren't alternatives: hospice can come into a nursing home. Medicare pays for hospice but not for long-term nursing home room and board.
Side by side
^ Hospice and nursing homes compared
| Hospice | Nursing home | |
|---|---|---|
| --- | --- | --- |
| What it is | A program of comfort care | A residence with nursing care |
| Where | Home, assisted living, nursing home | The facility |
| Medicare | Covers hospice care | Short-term skilled care only |
| Daily hands-on care | Family or facility staff, with hospice aide visits | Facility staff |
Choosing a setting
If family can't provide care at home, a nursing home with hospice is one option. Hospice inpatient care is for symptoms that can't be managed elsewhere, not for long stays.
Questions families ask
Is hospice cheaper than a nursing home?
Hospice care itself costs a Medicare patient very little; the question is who provides daily care.
Can someone live in a nursing home on hospice?
Yes.
Does hospice provide 24-hour care?
Only during short crises (continuous home care). Otherwise, family or facility staff give daily care.
Does Medicare pay for a hospice house?
For general inpatient or respite care the hospice arranges, yes; room and board for living there, no.