By the Talna Hospice Care team. Published . Last updated .
Medicare defines four levels of hospice care: routine home care, continuous home care, general inpatient care, and inpatient respite care. Most patients receive routine home care, with other levels used when needs change.
The four levels at a glance
Your care team chooses the level based on your loved one's needs at the time:
| Level | What it means |
|---|---|
| Routine home care | Scheduled visits from the care team wherever the patient lives |
| Continuous home care | Extended nursing at home during a short crisis, when medically necessary |
| General inpatient care | Short-term care in a facility for symptoms that cannot be managed at home |
| Inpatient respite care | Up to five days of facility care so family caregivers can rest |
Moving between levels
Levels can change as needs change. When symptoms are controlled, a patient who needed inpatient care usually returns home to routine care. Talna does not operate its own inpatient center and coordinates inpatient care with contracted facilities.
This article is general education, not medical advice. Talk with your physician about your situation, or call Talna at (951) 677-5300.