Hospice care is provided at four levels, each designed to meet the patient’s medical and caregiving needs. These levels ensure that patients receive the right amount of care, whether at home or in a facility.
Routine Home Care
Standard hospice care provided wherever the patient lives (home, nursing home, assisted living, etc.). Patients with stable symptoms who do not need continuous medical supervision.
Services Include:
- Regular visits from nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers.
- Pain and symptom management.
- Emotional, spiritual, and bereavement support.
Continuous Home Care (Crisis Care)
Intensive, short-term nursing care provided in the home to manage a severe symptom crisis (e.g., unmanageable pain, breathing distress, severe agitation). Patients experiencing a medical crisis that requires round-the-clock attention but can still be managed at home.
Services Include:
- Nursing care for 8-24 hours per day until the crisis is under control.
- Additional support from hospice aides and other team members.
General Inpatient Care (For Severe Symptom Management)
Short-term hospice care in a hospital, hospice facility, or skilled nursing facility when symptoms cannot be managed at home. Patients needing short-term hospitalization for symptom stabilization. Once stabilized, they return to home hospice or another setting.
Services Include:
- 24/7 intensive medical and nursing care.
- Symptom management for severe pain, uncontrolled nausea, seizures, or respiratory distress.
Respite Care (Caregiver Relief)
Short-term inpatient care (up to 5 days) to give family caregivers a break. Patients whose family caregivers need rest, travel, or relief from caregiving duties.
Services Include:
- 24/7 care in a Medicare-approved hospice facility, hospital, or nursing home.
- All routine hospice services continue during the stay.