The National Association for Home Care & Hospice , the industry 's largest , oldest and most respected trade group , represents the interests of nearly 25,000 home care agencies and hospice organizations ( including approximately 11,500 Medicare-certified home health and hospice agencies ) that serve nearly nine million Americans annually as well as home care aide organizations , nurses and other caregivers and their clients . NAHC members believe that quality home care and hospice , a humane and cost-effective alternative to institutionalization , is the right of all Americans . Home care and hospice reinforce and supplement the care provided by family members and friends and encourage maximum independence of thought and functioning as well as the preservation of human dignity . Visit NAHC 's Web site at http : / / www.nahc.org.