Comparing Home Health and Hospice Care: What Families Should Know

Choosing care for a loved one can feel overwhelming, especially when you're navigating terms like "home health" and "hospice." Though they sound similar, these services support very different stages of life. At Ballinger Home Health & Hospice, we provide both with the same commitment to compassionate, in-home care.

What Is Home Health Care?

Home health care supports recovery from illness, surgery, or injury, and helps manage chronic conditions at home. It is typically short-term and focused on restoring independence.

Common Reasons for Home Health:

• Recovering from surgery or hospitalization
• Managing chronic conditions like diabetes or heart failure
• Needing physical, occupational, or speech therapy
• Wound care or medication management

Key Features:

• Physician-directed care plans
• Skilled nursing and therapy services
• Focus on recovery and independence

What Is Hospice Care?

Hospice care provides comfort and quality of life for individuals with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less, as certified by a physician. The goal is to reduce discomfort, not to cure, while supporting both patient and family.

Common Reasons for Hospice:

• Terminal diagnosis
• Declining health despite treatment
• A shift toward comfort rather than curative care

Key Features:

• Pain and symptom relief
• 24/7 access to the care team
• Emotional and spiritual support
• Education and relief for family caregivers

How Ballinger Supports You in Either Path

Whether you're helping a loved one recover or facing end-of-life decisions, Ballinger is here. Our interdisciplinary team includes nurses, aides, therapists, and social workers who work closely with families to ensure continuity, comfort, and dignity.

Learn more about our values: Our Philosophy

Questions to Ask When Choosing Care

• Is the goal to improve health or provide comfort?
• Has your loved one had recent hospital visits?
• Are treatments being declined or no longer helping?
• Would your loved one prefer to remain at home?

Find answers to more common concerns in our FAQs

You Don't Have to Decide Alone

Choosing the right care is a big decision, but you don’t have to do it by yourself. Our team is here to guide you with kindness, clarity, and honest recommendations.

Want help deciding? Call us today at 325.365.3889 or 325.365.2375, or visit our homepage to explore how Ballinger Home Health & Hospice can support your family every step of the way.