Glossary H
Glossary H
Home care means care for dying patients in the home. Home care is the choice of care for the majority of terminally ill patients, though sometimes problematic for family members. Home care means nursing and other ancillary services delivered to individuals in their places of residence; not distinguished by any specific kind of illness
A Home Exercise Program (HEP) is a structured, individualized set of physical exercises and activities prescribed by a clinician for a patient to complete independently between appointments. In a psychology context, HEPs are closely related to behavioral homework and activation assignments, where structured at-home practice reinforces therapeutic goals, builds self-efficacy, and supports behavior change between sessions. Adherence to such programs is understood through psychological mechanisms, including motivation, habit formation, self-regulation, and the therapeutic alliance, making patient engagement as important as the clinical content itself. Digital delivery tools—such as app-based programs with reminders, video demonstrations, and adherence tracking—can reduce barriers to participation and provide clinicians with patient-reported data for follow-up. Ultimately, a HEP supports, but does not replace, the treating professional's assessment and clinical judgment.