Once a patient has decided to enter hospice care, the next step is to assess what level of care is most appropriate for the situation.
There are four levels of hospice care that must be offered by Medicare-certified providers:
- Routine care
- Continuous care
- Inpatient care
- Respite care
Which one the patient chooses will depend on a few factors, including the level of care they prefer, the amount of support they have from caregivers (both professional caregivers as well as family and friends), and the severity of their symptoms. Patients can also choose to move from one level of care to another as their condition evolves.
Here’s what to expect from each level of care.
Routine Care
Also known as routine home care or intermittent
home care, routine care is the most common level of care for hospice patients. It’s possible for patients to stay at this level of care throughout their time in hospice care. Some patients do, however, move to other levels of care as needed.
Routine care is tailored to the specific needs of the patient and usually involves regular visits from a health care provider who assists with pain relief, the management of symptoms, physical therapy, and other forms of medical and social support.
Continuous Care
Continuous care is geared toward patients who require a higher level of care to manage their symptoms, reduce pain, and maintain an acceptable quality of life. These patients typically have acute symptoms that need around the clock supervision, including overnight care. This level of care is also appropriate when the patient is approaching the very end of life and both they and their family need continuous support to manage the transition.
Inpatient Care
Inpatient care is similar to continuous care, except that it involves the patient receiving care in a dedicated facility, such as a nursing home, assisted living facility, or hospice care center. Some patients choose this level of care as a matter of preference, and for some it’s a matter of necessity as their symptoms are so severe that they need immediate medical attention.
Respite Care
Respite care is different from the other levels of care in that the primary recipient of the care is not the patient, but the patient’s primary caregiver. This level of care is an option when the patient is not receiving inpatient care or continuous care at home and the caregiver is not a medical professional.
Being a caregiver for a relative or loved one is extremely demanding. In order to protect the caregiver’s own health and well-being, it’s important that they have access to support and breaks from providing care so that they can rest, relax, and attend to the important events in their own lives. Respite care offers this flexibility to caregivers for up to five days at a time.
How to determine the right level of hospice care
The best way to assess which level of care is right for your situation is to consult with hospice care providers. We have the experience and knowledge to help you evaluate your current and future needs. To find out more about the different levels of hospice care, contact us today to schedule your consultation.
How can I get started with hospice care for my loved one?
Please call us
818-644-5357 to discuss your loved one’s needs and schedule an assessment to determine eligibility and develop a personalized care plan.
