What You Need to Know about the Four Levels of Hospice Care

What You Need to Know about the Four Levels of Hospice Care

Reaching the end-of-life process can be a struggle, not just for the patient, but for their family and friends, as well.

There’s a lot of information to take in and not a lot of time to make decisions.

One unique aspect of hospice care that’s helpful to understand is that there are four unique levels, each of which provides its own services. In order to make the most informed decisions for your loved one, here’s what you need to know about the four levels of hospice care.

The Four Levels of Hospice Care

Though many hospice patients only experience one level of hospice care, others may experience more than one or even all four.

To figure out what’s best for your loved one, here are each of the four levels of hospice care and what you can expect from them.

At-Home Hospice Care

Although most hospice care takes place in a facility, it is possible to find hospice care for patients who would prefer to stay at home. This type of care consists of managing pain and symptoms, spiritual counseling, dietary education, and more.

Respite Care

For patients who are receiving at-home hospice care, there may come certain times when they need to be temporarily moved to a hospice care facility. Such a move can occur for a variety of reasons, including the flaring up of certain symptoms or if the patient’s family needs a break.

Inpatient Hospice Care

When most people think of hospice care, they think of inpatient hospice care. This type of care is primarily for patients whose conditions cannot be taken care of at home. In order to ensure the highest quality of care and comfort, inpatient hospice care is ideal for patients in the final phase of their life.

As with at-home hospice care, hospice facilities provide social workers, chaplains, and other forms of emotional aid.

Continuous Hospice Care

Continuous hospice care is much like inpatient, in that the patient remains at a hospice facility in a full-time capacity. The difference, however, lies in the amount of attention the patient requires. For patients in severe condition who require 24-hour care, continuous hospice care is likely what’s required.

Not only is continuous hospice care helpful to patients, but it also allows family and friends to reassume their domestic roles and allow hospice workers to handle treatment.

Hospice Care for Every Type of Patient

No matter the type of patient, there’s a form of hospice care that’s made for them.

Whether the family of the patient merely needs some extra help at home or the patient requires around-the-clock care at a facility, you can rest assured that everything will be done to assure the patient is as comfortable and content as possible.

Are you considering hospice care for your loved one? Reach out to Divinity Hospice online or by phone (281-339-7079). We’ll give your loved one the respect, attention, and personalized care they deserve.