1. General Inpatient (GIP) Level of Care:
GIP level of care is always short term and is typically used by a patient for less than two weeks. It is available for patients that are either experiencing symptoms that are not controlled or they appear to have a prognosis of less than two weeks. Some examples of uncontrolled symptoms are agitation, ascites, bleeding, cardiac failure, insomnia, intestinal obstruction, nausea/vomiting, pain, respiratory failure/dyspnea, seizure, wound care, renal failure, terminal restlessness, etc. There are specific signs/symptoms that must be present to show that the symptom is uncontrolled and meets the inpatient criteria. When a patient is GIP, a physician makes regular visits to assist with symptom management. GIP services are covered 100% by Medicare and Medicaid. Hospice accepts other insurances also, though the insurance coverage/benefits may vary. If a patient stops meeting the criteria for GIP, discharge planning will begin. Discharge planning options include returning home or to a family/friend’s home, placement at an assisted living or skilled nursing facility, or a patient may decide to transfer to residential status if available.
2. Residential Level of Care:
Residential level of care is for patients that lack the caregiving that their physical condition warrants. There is no limit to the amount of time patients spend in residential care; however a residential patient must maintain a prognosis of less than three months. If a patient stops meeting the residential criteria, discharge planning will begin. Patients that access residential level may pay privately for the room and board based on a sliding scale. Hospice House also accepts long term care insurance and Special Assistance through the Department of Social Services.
3. Respite Care:
Respite care is available for patients/caregivers to access when a caregiver needs to take a short break. However, patients that need GIP level always take priority over respite care. Respite is funded by Medicare, Medicaid, and some insurance.
