Levels of care
We understand that patients require different levels of care depending on their needs. We offer the level of care that meets the patient's needs in the location that is most appropriate and comfortable. Based on the Medicare/Medicaid Hospice benefit the four available levels of care include:
ROUTINE HOME CARE
Routine home care is the most common level of care. This level of care includes services provided by Samaritan’s hospice care team members in the location the patient considers home. Services include physician services, nursing care, hospice aide services, social services, spiritual services, volunteer services and counseling services.
CONTINUOUS HOME CARE
Sometimes a patient has a symptom that needs close medical attention. Continuous care is a service available for short-term, periodic, supplemental bedside care. We arrange and provide bedside care based on the patient’s needs in the home environment. When the symptom is controlled, the patient can return to routine home care services. The goal of the service is to keep patients in their normal environment, prevent hospitalization and provide caregiver education.
GENERAL INPATIENT CARE
Inpatient care is provided during a medical crisis to control or manage symptoms that cannot be cared for in the home environment. This level of care requires inpatient admission to a contracted hospital or nursing facility. When the symptoms are under control, the patient can return home to receive routine home care services. Samaritan’s team will continue to coordinate patient care services to ensure that the needs of the patient and their loved ones are met.
INPATIENT RESPITE CARE
Respite care is designed to provide caregivers a break from their care giving responsibility. Respite care is usually provided for up to five days in a contracted nursing facility.