What Is Hospice Respite Care?
Hospice respite care is a short-term, inpatient care service provided to terminally ill patients, offering temporary relief for their primary caregivers. It allows family members caring for loved ones in hospice to take a break from 24/7 responsibilities while ensuring the patient continues to receive high-quality, compassionate care.
Care is typically provided in a licensed hospice facility, hospital, or nursing home. In the United States, Medicare covers up to 5 consecutive days of inpatient respite care per period of need.
Who Is Hospice Respite Care For?
Hospice respite care is specifically designed for:
- Family caregivers who are physically or emotionally exhausted and need a break.
- Hospice patients who require short-term professional care outside the home.
- Families facing travel, medical procedures, or emergencies that prevent them from providing continuous care.
“Caring for someone in hospice can be both a gift and an emotional strain. I needed a break to do my best for my husband.” — Mary, a hospice caregiver in Ohio
Types of Hospice Respite Care Services
In the U.S., hospice respite care is typically provided in the following formats:
- Inpatient Respite Care: A Medicare-covered stay of up to 5 days in a certified hospice facility.
- Facility-Based Respite: Temporary stays in nursing homes or licensed palliative care centers.
- Emergency or Crisis Respite: For urgent needs when caregivers are suddenly unable to provide care.
How to Access Hospice Respite Care
Hospice respite care can be accessed through:
- Your hospice provider
- A primary care doctor or palliative care specialist
- A Medicare-certified hospice agency
Steps to Arrange Respite Care:
- Speak to your hospice team or case manager.
- Discuss your needs, timing, and location preferences.
- Confirm eligibility and coverage through Medicare.
Note: Availability and policies may vary by provider. Always confirm with your hospice agency.
Is Hospice Respite Care Covered by Insurance or Medicare?
Medicare (U.S.)
- Yes. Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospice respite care for up to 5 consecutive days.
- You must be enrolled in the Medicare Hospice Benefit.
- Respite care must be provided in a Medicare-certified facility.
Private Insurance
- Some private insurance plans offer hospice respite coverage.
- Always verify specific benefits with your provider.
Hospice Respite vs. Regular Respite vs. Hospice Care
| Care Type | Purpose | Location | Duration |
| Respite Care | Caregiver relief | Home or facility | Flexible |
| Hospice Respite | Caregiver break for hospice | Hospice or nursing home | 1–5 days |
| Hospice Care | Comfort care for terminal illness | Home, hospice, hospital | Ongoing |
Benefits of Hospice Respite Care
Hospice respite care offers multiple advantages:
- For caregivers: Rest, emotional recovery, and time to handle other responsibilities.
- For patients: Comfort in a secure setting with professional care.
- For providers: Maintains high-quality standards and prevents caregiver burnout.
How Often Can You Use Hospice Respite?
- Under Medicare, hospice respite care can be used intermittently, as needed, but each period is limited to 5 consecutive days.
- Respite cannot be used back-to-back and is not intended for ongoing care.
Speak to your hospice coordinator for guidance on frequency and approval.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is hospice respite care?
Hospice respite care is short-term, inpatient care for hospice patients, designed to give their caregivers a temporary break.
How does hospice respite care work?
- Caregiver requests respite through hospice provider
- Hospice arranges a 1–5 day stay in a certified facility
- Patient receives full hospice services during the stay
Does Medicare pay for hospice respite care?
Yes, Medicare covers up to 5 days of inpatient hospice respite care at a time, under the Medicare Hospice Benefit.
What’s the difference between hospice and hospice respite?
- Hospice: Long-term end-of-life care
- Hospice Respite: Short-term inpatient break for caregivers
How often can you use hospice respite care?
Every few weeks or as determined by the hospice provider. Each stay is limited to 5 days and must be separated by a reasonable interval.
Who qualifies for hospice respite care?
- The patient must be enrolled in a Medicare-certified hospice program.
- The caregiver must demonstrate a need for short-term relief.
Final Thoughts
Hospice respite care is a vital support system that ensures family caregivers get the relief they need—while their loved ones continue receiving the compassionate care they deserve.
