Levels of Care
routine Home Care
Care in the home or care facility is provided by the hospice team through regularly scheduled visits which can be once a week to daily depending on the needs of the patient and family.
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Location: Provided in the patient's home or a long-term care facility.
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Frequency: Typically the most common type of hospice care, involving regular visits by a hospice team.
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Services: Focuses on managing symptoms, pain control, and emotional support.
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Flexibility: Allows patients to remain in a familiar environment while receiving care.
inpatient care
Inpatient care is provided for pain and symptom management at a participating hospital, long term care facility or specialized hospice inpatient unit. Short term inpatient care is provided for the patient for pain control and symptom management.
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Location: Administered in a specialized facility, such as a hospice inpatient unit or hospital.
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Intensity: Used for patients with severe symptoms that cannot be managed at home.
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24/7 Support: Provides around-the-clock medical attention and monitoring.
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Transition: Patients may transition to inpatient care temporarily for symptom control and then return home.
continuous care
An intensive or crisis level of care can be provided to hospice patients when their symptoms cannot be managed at the routine level of care. Continuous Care is provided on a short term basis (1-5 days) to maintain the patient in their home or care facility. Nursing care is usually provided for 8-24 hours a day and some of the hours may be provided by a home health aide.
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Intensity: Delivered during periods of crisis, requiring more intense care and monitoring.
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Duration: Temporary, used when symptoms are acute and need continuous attention.
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Team Presence: Involves regular and frequent visits by hospice team members.
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Purpose: Designed to avoid unnecessary hospitalization during a crisis.
respite care
Respite Care is short term inpatient care provided to relieve those caring for the patient in their home. Care is normally provided in a contracted nursing home for up to five consecutive days at a time.
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Purpose: Provides short-term relief for primary caregivers, offering them a break.
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Duration: Usually limited to a few days, allowing caregivers to recharge.
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Location: Often provided in an approved facility, giving families peace of mind.
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Support: Patients receive care while caregivers attend to personal needs or take a brief respite.