Hospice Services – Where are they Received?

Southern California

Hospice services can be received in two main locations: either within the patient’s home or within a medical hospice facility. When a patient is receiving hospice care from within a facility, it is commonly referred to as inpatient care.

At-home hospice has the added advantage of the patient being comfortable within their own home and environment, rather than feeling out of place in an unfamiliar setting. There are two main types of at-home hospice care:

• Routine Care: Routine care will involve a hospice team and treatment plan that follows a weekly or daily schedule for the patient. With this type of care, the medical team does not necessarily need to be present at all times and the symptoms of the illness may be more manageable on a day-to-day basis.
• Continuous Care: Continuous care involves having at least one primary caregiver with the patient at all times and readily available to provide assistance or treatment. Family and friends can fill the role of caregiver if they so choose and receive support, including medical supplies and advice, from a hospice facility.

Inpatient Hospice

Inpatient care is useful for patients who may have more severe illnesses. Like at-home care, there are two types of inpatient care:

• General Inpatient: General inpatient care typically involves a patient living within a hospice care facility.
• Respite Care: Respite care is temporary inpatient care that can be utilized by primary caregivers to supplement at-home care, especially for patients who may have occasional intensive treatment needs.