Glossary

Home Health Aide

(HHA) A Nurse Aide who has been tested and proven competent in home health skills. Home Health Aides are able to work in the private home.

Home Health Service

Services that allow you to remain safely at home with some assistance in daily living, whether it’s medical, personal hygiene, companionship, rehabilitation and support to aid the healing process after illness, surgery or injury.

Home Infusion

Supplies essential nutrients, fluids, electrolytes, medication, blood or blood products directly into the patient’s blood stream. Specific therapies include antibiotics, diuretics, pain control, hydration, chemotherapy and total parenteral nutrition.

Home Medical Equipment

(HME) Equipment used by the patient to support attainment of highest level of independent function. HME includes hospital beds, walkers, bath benches, trapezes, oxygen and ventilators.

Homebound

Inability to leave home without a taxing effort, the assistance of someone else, or the use of crutches, cane, walker, wheelchair or special transportation.

Homemaker Service

A person who performs general household duties such as cooking, cleaning, child care and shopping for a client unable to perform these for themselves. A homemaker is not trained to provide personal care.

Hospice

A coordinated program of palliative and supportive care for individuals with terminal illness. An interdisciplinary team of professionals and volunteers provides services in the patient’s place of residence or in an inpatient setting during the illness and period of bereavement.