Each patient has different needs, so Optimal Hospice Care offers different levels of care to provide the best and most beneficial services for each person. Medicare created four categories to help meet the changing needs of a patient as they journey through the end stages of life, provided in the location that is most appropriate and comfortable.

Routine Care

Hospice aims to make patients and their loved ones as comfortable as possible, wherever they consider home. As long as patients’ symptoms are under control, hospice can provide routine care at a private residence, an assisted living facility or a nursing home. Typically, this type of care includes hospice nurse visits on a regular basis to manage care. Additional support for any practical, social, and spiritual needs can be requested by the family if needed.

General In-Patient Care

If pain or symptoms are unable to be managed at home, the patient might need care in an inpatient nursing facility to bridge the crisis and maintain the best possible quality of life. Hospice will work with the family and the nursing facility staff to control symptoms and return the patient home.

Respite Care

Caregivers often need a rest or personal time for their own wellness. In these cases, Optimal can work with families to provide care in a contracted nursing facility for up to five days.

Continuous Care

Sometimes patients have a medical crisis that requires close medical attention. In this event, hospice may use frequent intervention with members of the hospice team for a brief period to stabilize the patient in their own home. When the crisis is over, the patient will return to routine care in their home.