We’re getting back to the basics of hospice care with Social Worker Lisa Pahl to talk about respite care and how it works. Respite care is part of the care that hospice agencies provide but the details about it can be confusing. Here are a few things you should know about respite care:

• Respite care offers 5 days of care for a hospice patient to allow the caregiver time away.
• There is no regulation that states how often respite care has to be provided; many agencies offer it once a certification period (may be a 90 day period or a 60 day period). 
• Respite care has to be provided in a Medicare-certified facility with whom the hospice agency has a contract. It can’t be done in the patient’s home. 
• Cost of the respite care (including transportation) is the responsibility of the hospice agency, but there may be a small copy that is charged to the patient/caregiver.  
• The caregiver doesn’t have to use all 5 days, but that might make it difficult to find a facility willing to accept the patient.
• There are many reasons why caregivers might utilize respite - health needs, a family event, travel, or just feeling overwhelmed.
• It isn’t easy for a caregiver to choose to use respite.  They may feel guilt or fear, have a sense of losing control, or want to be with their person every minute of whatever time they have left.  They might even worry their person would die while in respite care.   Connect with Lisa Pahl, owner/creator (thedeathdeck.com)  The Death Deck and End of Life Deck  

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Hospice Navigation Services understands that you need unbiased, expert support to have the best end of life experience possible.  If you have questions about hospice care for yourself or someone you care about, Hospice Navigation Services can help.  Whether you want to connect by phone or video, you can book a FREE 30-Minute Hospice Navigation Session, or a more in-depth 60-Minute Navigation Session for $95.  If you need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, we’re here to answer your questions.  A 60-Minute Navigation Session by video call allows up to 3 family members to get the same expert information at the same time.  Book your session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.  

Connect with The Heart of Hospice Podcast and host Helen Bauer

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