Are there different levels of hospice care?
Yes. Hospice provides four levels of care to ensure that the needs of patients and families are being met. The physician and hospice nurse MUST AUTHORIZE changes in level of care. ROUTINE HOME CARE: Routine home care is provided by hospice in the patient’s place of residence. The care is delivered by a specially trained and compassionate staff of medical, spiritual and social work professionals and volunteers. Assistance with pain management, skilled nursing care, symptom management and activities of daily living are provided. The interdisciplinary hospice team coordinates care with the patient and family. Most patients, with the assistance of the hospice team, are able to remain in their place of residence, whether it is a private home or nursing home for the duration of their illness. If the patient lives in a long-term care facility or nursing home, the care delivered is in addition to the normal nursing care provided by the facility and is covered by Medicare under a separate benef
