What qualifies you for an Inpatient Level of Care?

What qualifies you for an Inpatient Level of Care?

MAIN IMAGE Inpatient level of careIt is important to understand what is provided to you under your hospice election.  There are 4 levels of care that are available based on condition and location.

In Home Level Hospice Care

Routine Home Hospice is the general level of care that most people will qualify for.  This level of care is routine at any place that a patient calls home, a private residence, and Assisted Living facility, a Skilled nursing/Long-term care facility, or a Memory Care facility.

Continuous Level Hospice Care

Continuous Care is provided when a home patient is in need of more care due to an unmanaged symptom or frequent medication and medication dosing changes.  At this time a nurse may come to stay until symptoms are managed, medication is proven to be effective, and family and/or caregiver can manage the regimen.  This is used short term for hours, to days at maximum.

Respite Level Hospice Care

Respite Care is for home patients who require a few hours up to 5 days of placement for caregiver relief.  Care can be provided at home, in a healthcare facility.

It is important to understand what is provided to you under your hospice election.  There are 4 levels of care that are available based on condition and location.

In Home Level Hospice Care

Routine Home Hospice is the general level of care that most people will qualify for.  This level of care is routine at any place that a patient calls home, a private residence, and Assisted Living facility, a Skilled nursing/Long-term care facility, or a Memory Care facility.

Continuous Level Hospice Care

Continuous Care is provided when a home patient is in need of more care due to an unmanaged symptom or frequent medication and medication dosing changes.  At this time a nurse may come to stay until symptoms are managed, medication is proven to be effective, and family and/or caregiver can manage the regimen.  This is used short term for hours, to days at maximum.

Respite Level Hospice Care

Respite Care is for home patients who require a few hours up to 5 days of placement for caregiver relief.  Care can be provided at home, in a healthcare facility.

Inpatient Level of Care

General Inpatient level of care (GIP) is enhanced care and a higher level of medical care, which is provided in a skilled nursing/long-term care facility, or inpatient hospital setting.  The facility must have a registered nurse present at all times to qualify for GIP care.  This level of care is appropriate if and when a patient is in a medical crisis, has uncontrolled symptoms, or is unsafe for discharge according to the physician.  Some examples would be if someone was experiencing uncontrolled pain, requiring a high volume of oxygen, or is at the very end of life where transferring to another location would not be tolerated.  During your GIP care, a hospice nurse would make daily visits to ensure your needs were being addressed and met.  In coordination with your selected medical physician and hospice physician, new orders and ongoing adjustments to the plan of care are being made to quickly manage those symptoms.  The goal is always to resume a routine level of care, thereby managing your symptoms as soon as possible.  Your comfort is the goal.

At Angels Grace Hospice, in Bolingbrook, IL we provide customized care plans specific to each of patients and their families.  We provide end-of-life care at home, hospitals, skilled nursing homes or assisted-living facilities depending on individual circumstances.  Contact us with any questions and for further assistance with your end of life care options.