What is Home Health Care?

In its broadest definition, home health care describes a wide range of necessary medical, nursing, therapeutic, social, and supportive care services that are delivered in the home and community to people from infancy to old age and at all stages of life between birth and death.

Most people prefer the comfort and security of their own homes for recovery and rehabilitation after an illness or injury. In recent years, home care has gained heightened emphasis because it offers highly skilled, reliable, affordable care in the friendly setting of one's home. In addition, the middle-aged children of elderly parents are increasingly dependent upon home care agencies to provide safe and reliable health and supportive services to their parents to help them remain independent in their own homes.

For decades, home health care was synonymous with Visiting Nurse Associations (VNAs). With the rapid growth of the hospice movement, however, the practice of home care has been divided into clinical specialty areas.

• Home health care most frequently describes the wide variety of clinical and supportive services that were historically provided by VNAs.
• Hospice care refers specifically to end-of-life care that is provided to people of all ages, as well as the support that is given to their loved ones.
• Supportive care is a general term for homemaking and companion services that are available to all clients, both through home care and hospice.
• Community health clinics and Support groups remain important tools for health education and outreach.
• Private duty services (Excellence in Care) are provided by paraprofessional and nursing staff, often for extended blocks of time. Payment is usually the responsibility of the patient.

What Makes Home Health & Hospice Care Unique?

There are several attributes that identify HHHC as different from other home care agencies.

• HHHC has a 124-year history of service to area residents.
• HHHC is an independent, freestanding health care provider, independently owned and operated.
• HHHC has dedicated clinical specialty teams.
• HHHC has extended referral hours to include weekends.
• HHHC's website allows physicians to make online referrals.
• HHHC owns and operates the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH.

These are a few examples of the Home Health & Hospice Care difference.

Payment Options

Home care and hospice services are paid for in a variety of ways. HHHC accepts reimbursement for services through medical insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and private fees. The agency has provider contracts with most major insurance companies for your convenience. To the greatest extent possible, services are available to all who need care, regardless of ability to pay. For people who have limited incomes or unusual financial circumstances, a sliding scale is applied to service fees. We receive funding from local, state, and federal grants. We are also assisted by private donations, memorials, special events, the support of the Good Cheer Society, municipal funding, and the United Way of Greater Nashua. Every client's needs and financial circumstances are unique. Home Health & Hospice Care staff will work with you to determine how to handle all challenges -- physical, emotional, and financial.

back to top