“What are the four levels of hospice care?”
This is often the first question families ask when a doctor shares that a loved one is terminally ill.
At Caring Arms based in Seattle, we understand how important it is for families to choose the right level of hospice care for their loved one. When families begin exploring hospice, one of the first questions they ask is, “How many levels of hospice care are there?” The answer is four. Each level was created to support patients through changing needs, ensuring that no matter what stage of the journey they are in, compassionate care is available.
Understanding these levels can help you feel more prepared and reassured as you make decisions for your loved one. Please reach out to us here to find out more about how we can best support you and your family.
Stages of Hospice Care & Definition
Our Hospice care is a specialized approach designed for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses. Rather than focusing on curing disease, hospice emphasizes comfort, dignity and quality of life. It is guided by our Caring Arms team of professionals who address physical, emotional and spiritual needs while also supporting families through this sensitive period.
The different levels of hospice care provide flexibility to the patient and families. They are structured to ensure that every patient receives the right type of support at the right time.
The Four Levels of Hospice Care
1. Routine Home Care
Routine home care is the most common level of hospice. It’s provided wherever the patient feels most at home. This could be in a private residence, assisted living or a retirement home setting. Caring Arms offers different options to suit the individual patient. The focus is on managing symptoms, offering emotional and spiritual support, as well as maintaining as much comfort and familiarity as possible.
2. Continuous Home Care
There may be times when a patient experiences severe symptoms that cannot be managed with routine visits alone. In these moments, continuous home care offers short-term, intensive support. Nurses and aides are available for extended hours to stabilize the patient, allowing them to return to routine care once their condition is under control.
3. Inpatient Respite Care
Caring for a loved one can be both meaningful and demanding. Inpatient respite care was designed to provide caregivers with a much-needed break. You don’t need to go it alone. The patient may stay in a hospice facility or hospital for up to five days while receiving professional, compassionate care. This gives families time to rest and recharge, knowing their loved one is safe and supported with anything they may need at their disposal.
4. General Inpatient Care
For patients whose symptoms are too complex to be managed at home, general inpatient long term care provides around-the-clock medical attention. Delivered in a hospice facility, hospital, or nursing home, this level of care focuses on comfort, dignity and relief from pain or distress during the most challenging times.
How Families Use the Levels of Care
It is important to remember that patients may move between levels of hospice care as their needs change. Some may only require routine home care, while others may experience continuous or inpatient care at different points in their journey. The design of these four levels ensures that families are never left without the appropriate support and can choose whichever works best for the patient. At Caring Arms, the patients’ care and well-being, as well as our supporting families, are our top priorities.
FAQs
What are the stages of hospice care?
The term “stages” often refers to the four official levels of hospice care which are: routine home care, continuous home care, inpatient respite care, and general inpatient care.
How many levels of hospice care are there?
There are four levels. Do all patients experience every level of care?
Not necessarily. Hospice is always personalized. Each patient’s plan is created to match their unique needs and circumstances.
Conclusion
Hospice care is flexible, compassionate, and designed to meet families where they are. By understanding the four levels of hospice care, you can feel confident that support will be available at every stage of your loved one’s journey. Caring Arms is here to help. Learn more about Caring Arms assisted living care here.
If you are considering hospice for someone in your family, Caring Arms is here to guide you with warmth and understanding. Learn more about our Hospice Care Services in Bonney Lake or reach out to speak with a member of our care team today so we can find the best care for your loved one. Contact us today at (253) 334-5383 or via email here.
