This is a review of one of the four care levels that is covered by the Hospice benefit: RESPITE CARE. Respite is a service that provides care for a patient when the family needs a short period of a few days having someone else provide all care for the patient. Circumstances for this are typically unique that the family/caregivers need to leave the patient. A few examples of possible reasons for seeking respite care include: traveling to attend a wedding or graduation, to have home repairs performed, or to attend to their own health needs. The patient must be at their baseline and unable to be by themselves for those few days in order for Respite care to be offered. Respite care is often under utilized.
The hospice provider coordinates with the family through the Social Worker to arrange the time and coordinate transportation. The family can pack clothing for a few days and any other creature comforts the patient might need for a few days away from home to make their stay comfortable. Caregivers in the home work very hard to provide for the needs of their loved one. They need and are entitled to have a break. Hospice will cover this care during these times.
The patient would receive care from the staff at the facility, where the respite care is provided. The staff will help the patient with their Golden Hour activities and administer medications. During the stay, the family is encouraged to allow the staff to provide the care and accept the 'time' given back to them and not visit the patient as it can upset the patient to have family visit and may not understand why the family does not take them back home.
All of this is a covered benefit and as long as all the criteria are met, this does not have any charge to the patient or family.
