Respite & Continuous Care
Temporary relief for family caregivers to rest and recharge, ensuring the patient continues to receive expert care.
Respite & Continuous Care
Caregiving is an act of profound love, but it is also physically and emotionally exhausting. We understand that in order to care well for a loved one, family caregivers must also take care of themselves.
GLC Hospice offers Respite Care, which provides family caregivers a temporary break from their duties. Under the Medicare Hospice Benefit, a patient can be moved to a contracted Medicare-certified inpatient facility (such as a skilled nursing facility or hospital) for up to five days at a time. During this period, the facility staff takes over the patient's day-to-day care, allowing the family caregiver to rest, travel, attend to personal matters, or recover from their own illness, knowing their loved one is safe and supported.
We also provide Continuous Care during periods of medical crisis. If a patient experiences acute symptoms — such as severe pain, uncontrolled nausea, or extreme restlessness — that cannot be managed with standard routine care, we can place a nurse in the home for extended shifts (between 8 and 24 hours a day). This intensive, short-term support allows the patient to remain at home while the symptoms are brought under control, avoiding an unwanted hospital admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we arrange for Respite Care?
If you need a break, simply discuss it with your hospice nurse or social worker. They will arrange for the patient's stay at an approved contracted facility, handle the insurance authorization, and coordinate the transfer. Respite stays are typically planned in advance, though they can sometimes be arranged quickly if an emergency arises.
How much does Respite Care cost?
Respite care is covered by the Medicare Hospice Benefit and most private insurance plans, typically with no out-of-pocket cost for up to five consecutive days per benefit period.
When does Continuous Care apply?
Continuous care is used only during periods of acute medical crisis to manage severe symptoms that would otherwise require the patient to go to the hospital. It is a short-term intervention designed to bring symptoms under control so the patient can return to routine home care.
Does Continuous Care mean a nurse will stay with us 24/7 forever?
No. Continuous care is a temporary level of care designed specifically for medical crises. Once the acute symptoms are stabilized, the care plan returns to the routine home care schedule. Routine hospice care relies on family members or hired private caregivers for day-to-day supervision and support.
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If you or a loved one could benefit from our services, our admissions team is available 24/7 to help you get started.