What are the Hospice Levels of Care?

Routine Home Care

Mission Hospice provides care in a variety of settings, including private homes, nursing homes, assisted living communities, and residential care facilities for the elderly.

Routine care is the standard level of hospice care. Visits are scheduled based on an individualized care plan developed by the hospice team in partnership with the patient and their family, with the goal of keeping the patient as comfortable as possible.

If a medical crisis occurs and symptoms worsen, the care team works closely with the patient and family to adjust the level of care and provide additional support as needed.

Continuous Care

One of the services offered by Mission Hospice is Continuous Care. This level of care provides extended nursing support—typically at least 8 hours in a day—to help manage severe or worsening symptoms.

Continuous Care is provided when a patient meets specific clinical criteria, as determined by the RN Case Manager. The goal is to keep patients comfortable in their current setting and help prevent unnecessary trips to the emergency room.

This service can be provided in most settings, such as the patient’s home or a care facility, but not in an acute care hospital.

Patients may qualify for Continuous Care if they are experiencing symptoms such as uncontrolled pain, severe breathing difficulties, seizures, or other distressing conditions.

General Inpatient Care

General Inpatient (GIP) Care is a short-term level of hospice care provided when a patient’s symptoms become too severe to manage at home or in their current setting.

During GIP care, the patient is cared for in a contracted nursing facility where they can receive around-the-clock nursing and medical support to control pain and other serious symptoms.

Once the patient’s symptoms are better managed, they can return to routine level of care and return to their usual place of care.

Respite Care

Caring for a loved one at home can be both meaningful and exhausting. Mission Hospice understands the important role family caregivers play and the need for rest.

Respite Care provides short-term care for the patient so caregivers can take a break. During this time, the patient is cared for in a safe, supportive setting such as a nursing facility.

This benefit is available for up to 5 consecutive nights at a time and allows caregivers to rest and recharge, knowing their loved one is in good hands.