What Is Hospice Care and What Are Its Purposes?

For Patients & Families

Why choose hospice care services? When medical science has done all it can and the search for a cure gives way to the need for comfort, the meaning of hospice care is to offer families a place to turn for help and hope.

Hospice is a medically directed, nurse-coordinated program of care serving terminally ill patients and their families, wherever they reside.

All Medicare and Medicaid-certified hospices are required to provide four levels of care, depending on the needs of individual patients. Below explains what hospice care is and what its purposes are when services are provided by A & H Hospice.

Routine Care

This is the most common level of hospice care, meaning patients are cared for in their homes, whether it be a private residence or nursing home. Routine hospice care might include services like symptom management, pain management, emotional counseling for the patient and their family, help with daily living tasks, meal assistance, and other therapeutic services. Care is scheduled based on the patient’s needs.

In-patient Level of Care

Used for short periods of time to control symptoms of pain/discomfort that CANNOT be managed at home. The IPU length of stay is generally 2-7 days before the patient is discharged home. The goal is to control severe pain and stabilize symptoms so the patient may return to their normal living arrangements.

Continuous Care

In times of medical crisis during hospice care, meaning IPU is not an option, many families feel overwhelmed and need additional support. The Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), in consultation with the patient and family, will decide if Continuous Care is the optimal way of meeting the patient and family needs. Continuous Care is generally limited to 1-5 days. If so, a hospice team member will be present at least 8 hours per day.  During this time, the family can step back from the caregiver role and focus on being there for their loved one emotionally as a family member.

Respite Care

This level of care is used when a patient who is being cared for at home by family members is unable to be left alone for an extended period of time and the family needs a “respite,” usually to attend an out-of-town wedding or special occasion. There are times it is used to just offer families a bit of “respite,” meaning hospice care professionals will be available round-the-clock to provide symptom management in your absence. This level of care is limited to no more than 5 days in a Benefit Period.

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Do you have a loved one who could use more advice about the meaning of hospice care? Our professionals are ready to listen and guide you. Tell us about your situation and why you may need hospice care. There is always a way to enhance comfort and quality of life even when we face terminal illness. Talk to us soon about hospice in California.