Hospice Aide and Homemaker Services

40.1.7 - Hospice Aide and Homemaker Services (Rev. 141, Issued: 03-02-11, Effective: 01-01-11: Implementation: 03-23-11) A hospice aide is a person who meets the requirements described in the Conditions of Participation. Hospice aides may provide personal care services. Aides may also perform household services to maintain a safe and sanitary environment in areas of the home used by the patient, such as changing the bed or light cleaning and laundering essential to the comfort and cleanliness of the patient. Hospice aides are assigned to a specific patient by a registered nurse who is a member of the interdisciplinary group. Written patient care instructions for a hospice aide must be prepared by a registered nurse who is responsible for the supervision of a hospice aide. CMS’ Conditions of Participation define a qualified homemaker as an individual who meets the requirements described in 42 CFR 418.202(g) and who has successfully completed hospice orientation addressing the needs and concerns of patients and families coping with a terminal illness. Homemaker services may include assistance in maintenance of a safe and healthy environment and services to enable the individual to carry out the plan of care.