Hospice Care
Different Levels of Hospice Care
Hospice care brings comfort to patients wherever they call home—whether that’s a private residence, nursing home, assisted living community, residential care facility for the elderly, or a hospice house. It’s all about meeting people where they are with care that feels personal and supportive.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services outlines four distinct “levels” of hospice care. A patient might move through all four in just a week or two, while another might stay at one level for months. Each level is designed to fit specific needs, because every hospice patient’s journey is unique.
What Are the Four Levels of Hospice Care?
Every Medicare-certified hospice provider, including 24/7 Care at Home, offers these four levels of care:
- Hospice Care at Home
- Continuous Hospice Care
- Inpatient Hospice Care
- Respite Care
Hospice Care at Home
This is the most common way hospice care is provided. At 24/7 Care at Home, we support patients and families who want care in the comfort of their own space, wherever that may be. Our team makes regular visits to ensure patients feel at ease and maintain their dignity. We also provide diagnosis-specific equipment, supplies, and medications at no cost, making sure everything is tailored to the patient’s needs.
Continuous Hospice Care
When symptoms get intense and need extra attention, continuous hospice care steps in. At 24/7 Care at Home, we offer round-the-clock support to manage acute symptoms and keep patients comfortable without needing a hospital stay. This level of care continues until symptoms stabilize, and routine care can pick back up.
Inpatient Hospice Care
Sometimes, symptoms can’t be fully managed by visiting nurses and around the clock care is needed in order to control pain and other symptoms . In those cases, 24/7 Care at Home clinical team provides continuous inpatient nursing support at bedside until pain and symptoms are under control, all in the skilled nursing care setting.
Respite Care
Caregiving can be exhausting, and respite care gives primary caregivers a much-needed break. During this time, patients stay in a Medicare-certified inpatient hospice setting for a short period. This helps caregivers recharge so they can keep providing loving, effective care. At 24/7 Care at Home, we make sure families feel supported every step of the way.