Inpatient Respite Care
The respite level of hospice care is provided on an occasional basis and offers a planned, short-term break for up to five nights for an unpaid family caregiver from the challenges of assisting a loved one with an advanced illness. It can only be provided at a Medcare-certified inpatient hospice facility, hospital, or skilled nursing facility that has the ability to provide around-the-clock nursing care. Make sure to prearrange and get approved by your hospice provider. Family members who take time to rest and recover are better caregivers. They suffer less burnout and have more energy to devote to their loved ones.
What are some needs for inpatient respite?
- You are physically or emotionally exhausted.
- You become ill and need time to recover.
- The caregiver may need help with pain or other symptoms.
- The caregiver may want to attend an important event.
What to Expect
The Attending Physician continues the patient’s primary medical management while coordinating with the hospice team in directing care.
The Hospice Medical Director meets with the team members, reviews the patient’s medical record, consults on the plan of care and collaborates with the attending physician.
Registered Nurses visit the patient as often as needed, evaluating the physical needs of the patient. The hospice nurse provides education to the family members about the disease process. The hospice nurse is very knowledgeable about pain and symptom control and is able to be the consistent eyes and ears of the physician.
Social Workers review the overall emotional and practical needs of the patient and family. They research and introduce community resources, help in planning patient setting changes and provide emotional and psychological support to the entire family during this vulnerable time.
Chaplains provide spiritual support for the patient and his or her family.
Hospice Nursing Assistants provide personal care for the patient, including bathing, dressing, changing bed linens, grooming and light household tasks.
Volunteers provide companionship, emotional support, practical household tasks, or allow the caregivers respite time.
The Physical Therapist may evaluate the functional capabilities of the patient and/or teach the family various transfer techniques.
Speech and Occupational Therapists are available for patients with unique needs.
With a family centered approach to care, the team develops an individualized plan of care with the patient/family. The plan of care will include all necessary medications to control symptoms and all medical equipment needed for comfort and care, at no cost to you.
Do you Have Questions about hospice care?
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns anytime.
We’re here to help.