For when caregivers need a break

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Respite Care?

  Respite Care is short-term inpatient care available to a patient when it becomes necessary to relieve a primary caregiver (family members, friends, or other persons) caring for the individual in a home setting. 

• Where can respite care not be provided?

  Inpatient Respite Care cannot be provided in the following facilities:

  • Assisted Living (ALF) or residential care facility.
  • Patient’s private residence

• When is Respite Care appropriate?

  Respite Care is appropriate for a patient whose caregiver is in need of short-term caregiver relief, so there must be a caregiver involved in the patient’s care. It is at the discretion of the hospice provider to determine the merit of the caregiver’s need.

  Some examples include:

  • A caregiver whom is physically or emotionally exhausted from caring 24/7 for a patient and is in need of a break.
  • A caregiver would like to attend a family event, such as wedding, graduation; or has a work obligation or other personal matter with which to attend.
  • A caregiver whom is ill and is unable to care for the patient until recovery is complete.

  NOTE: If a caregiver is requesting frequent respite care, then a change in patient care environment may be warranted.

• When is Respite Care NOT appropriate?

  Inpatient Respite Care is NOT appropriate if:

  • There is no identified caregiver.
  • Patient resides in a nursing facility or facility that provides 24/7 care.
  • There is no clear reason for caregiver relief.

  NOTE: Respite Care cannot substitute for nursing home placement when there is no Primary Caregiver available.

• What does short-term Respite care mean?

  Respite Care is short-term care, meaning that it can be provided for no more than 5 consecutive days at a time.

• How often can Respite Care be provided?

  Respite Care can be provided once in a single billing period (30 days), or dependent upon extenuating circumstances.

• Where can Respite Care be provided?

  Inpatient Respite Care can only be provided in the following facilities:

  • Medicare-certified inpatient hospice facility, such as, Calcutta House
  • A contracted Medicare-certified hospital or skilled nursing facility