When an incurably ill individual is not long for this world, hospice care offers the opportunity to enjoy a comfortable and peaceful end-of-life journey. Tulsa hospice agencies provide an array of supportive services and supplies, allowing patients and their families to make the most of their remaining time together.
People tend to think of hospice as being an inpatient service, one that involves admission to a local hospital, nursing home, or dedicated facility. This can be the case, but more often than not, hospice care is provided on an outpatient basis.
If you have a loved one with an incurable illness, understanding how hospice works is key to maximizing their quality of life as the end draws near. For the basics of outpatient and inpatient hospice services and the levels of care covered by Medicare, read on.
What is Inpatient Hospice Care?
As with inpatient health services, inpatient hospice services are provided at hospitals and medical centers. Sometimes, skilled nursing facilities and dedicated hospice centers are the setting for inpatient care. Whatever the location, patients receive around-the-clock attention from a team of skilled physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals. Inpatient care is usually short-term, and hospice patients are discharged when they are able to return home.
What is Outpatient Hospice Care?
Outpatient medical care involves a visit to a medical office or clinic for a procedure, treatment, consultation, or other service. Outpatient hospice care is similar, but it’s the doctors, nurses and other specialists doing the visiting – patients receive the services they need in the comfort of their own Tulsa homes. That said, medical professionals don’t provide care all day and all night with outpatient hospice. Family members typically take on the role of regular caregiver.
What Levels of Hospice Care are Covered in Tulsa?
The Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services (CMS) has established four levels of hospice care, and most private insurers provide comparable coverage. The levels are designed for different needs, and certified hospice agencies are required to provide every one.
In Tulsa, hospice patients can be admitted at any level of care, and as the need arises, they can transition to a different level. The four levels include:
Level 1: Routine Home Care
The most common level of care among Tulsa patients, routine hospice care takes place in the home. Medical equipment and supplies are provided, as are medications related to the illness. Nurses and specialized therapists stop by as often as necessary, and home health aides visit to assist with personal hygiene, medication management, and other essential tasks. Patients and their loved ones also receive support from social workers, chaplains, bereavement counselors, and trained volunteers.
With routine home care, incurably ill individuals receive intermittent care – not around-the-clock help. For assistance with day-to-day needs, patients rely on loved ones.
Level 2: Continuous Home Care
In the event of an emergency or medical crisis – such as uncontrollable pain, persistent nausea, difficulty breathing, or new-onset seizures — Medicare covers continuous home care. At this level, members of the hospice team work in shifts to get a patient’s symptoms under control. Instead of having to head to the hospital, the incurably ill individual can remain at home, where they’re most comfortable. As this level of care is more intensive, it’s only covered when medically necessary.
Continuous home care is temporary — when a hospice patient is no longer in crisis, they either return to the routine level or transition to an inpatient hospice facility.
Level 3: General Inpatient Care
When a hospice patient experiences symptoms that are too severe to be managed in the home environment, moving to the general inpatient care level is warranted. At a Tulsa hospital or dedicated hospice facility, the incurably ill individual has medical professionals there to provide care day and night. Other members of the hospice team, including spiritual counselors and grief specialists, remain available and visit the patient and their family on an as-needed basis.
Level 4: Inpatient Respite Care
Caring for someone with an incurable illness can be both physically and emotionally taxing, particularly in the final stages. In recognition of this, Medicare covers short-term inpatient respite care. This benefit allows the patient to receive services at an approved Tulsa hospice facility, and the purpose is to give family caregivers time to rest and recuperate. Caregivers can also request an inpatient respite stay to attend a special event, like a wedding or graduation.
Respite care is covered for up to five consecutive days during each hospice benefit period, but it’s possible that the inpatient service may come with a small copayment for room and board.
Do You Have Questions About Hospice?
Having an expert to lean on as you plan for your loved one’s end-of-life journey can be immensely helpful. At Suncrest Hospice of Tulsa, we offer both inpatient and outpatient hospice care, and we’re committed to providing a superior level of service to those in need. For answers to your questions about hospice care, or for guidance and support, contact our office in Tulsa, Oklahoma, today.
