RESPITE & INPATIENT HOSPICE CARE

Additional levels of hospice support when care needs temporarily change.

Most hospice care is provided in the patient’s usual setting, but there are times when a different level of hospice care may be appropriate for symptom needs or caregiver relief.

LEVELS OF CARE

The level of support should match the patient’s current needs.

Hospice includes different levels of care defined by clinical need and the patient’s plan of care. Respite care and general inpatient hospice care are not simply alternative housing options; they are used under specific circumstances and for specific purposes.

The hospice team evaluates the situation, explains available options, and coordinates an appropriate level of care when criteria are met.

TWO DIFFERENT PURPOSES

Understanding respite care and inpatient hospice care.

Respite Care

Respite care may provide a short period of relief for a family caregiver when the patient meets applicable hospice requirements and the service is arranged through the hospice plan of care.

General Inpatient Hospice Care

General inpatient hospice care may be considered when pain or other acute symptoms cannot be effectively managed in the patient’s current setting and require an inpatient level of hospice support.

Routine Home Care

Routine home care remains the most common hospice level of care and can be provided in a private home or other appropriate residential setting.

WHEN A CHANGE MAY BE CONSIDERED

The hospice team evaluates each situation individually.

Symptoms become difficult to manage in the current setting
A short period of caregiver relief may be needed and applicable respite criteria are met
The patient requires closer clinical observation for uncontrolled hospice-related symptoms
The care team determines a temporary higher level of hospice care is appropriate
The patient can return to the usual care setting when the need for the higher level of care has resolved

HOW DECISIONS ARE MADE

A coordinated decision—not something families have to arrange alone.

1. Call the hospice teamExplain what is happening, including symptoms, caregiver concerns, or changes in condition.

2. Clinical assessmentThe hospice team evaluates whether the patient’s needs meet criteria for another level of care.

3. Coordinate the settingIf appropriate, the hospice team helps arrange the temporary level of care and communicates with the family.

4. Transition backWhen the acute need resolves, care can transition back to the appropriate routine setting.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW

Availability depends on clinical circumstances and the hospice plan of care.

Respite and general inpatient hospice care are specific hospice levels of care. Eligibility, duration, setting, and coordination depend on the patient’s condition, applicable requirements, and the clinical judgment of the hospice team.

If you are unsure what level of support is appropriate, call the hospice team rather than trying to determine it on your own.

If the current care situation is becoming difficult, call us.

We can assess what is happening and explain whether a different level of hospice support may be appropriate.

☎ Call (818) 280-3249

or email us at care@metromedhospice.com