Frequently Asked Questions

We at Dignity know the prospect of having someone come to your home to provide care can be overwhelming and stressful for both the patient and their family. Our staff has been counseling patients and families through the home health process for over 4 years, and have collected a list of Frequently Asked Questions that are commonly discussed between our staff and patients and their family.
As you begin the process of considering hospice care, let us be your resource during this difficult time. If you do not find the answers you are looking for from our FAQs, do not hesitate to contact us. Our staff will be happy to help you and your family during this difficult time.

What is the difference between hospice and home care?

The focus of hospice is comfort and support. The goal is to enable the patient to live free of pain and as fully as possible. Home care is for patients for whom cure and rehabilitation is the goal. A home care patient must be homebound.

What is home health?

Home health is a physician-ordered service designed to enable patients to maximize their ability to function safely at home by teaching patients and their caregivers how to provide effective, appropriate care. Symptom management, medication management, mobility and home safety issues are among the many needs covered.

How do I get this service? Can I call in my own referral?

​We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the many services we provide. However, we must have a physician’s order to provide care. Talk to your doctor about your need for home-based services.

How do I qualify for home health?

Your physician must determine your need for home-based care and write an order for the care. Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance companies have homebound and skilled needs requirements.

I’ve read that in order for in-home services to be covered by Medicare, Medicaid or even private insurance, the patient must be “homebound.” What does this mean?

You may be considered “homebound” if you have difficulty leaving home by yourself, require assistance to leave home, and do not leave home frequently, due to your medical condition. The nurse or therapist will determine your homebound status as part of the initial assessment visit.