As patients progress in their unique end-of-life journey, their needs will evolve, which is why four levels of hospice were created. Each level will meet the specific needs of the patient, and sometimes, patients will switch between levels for long or short periods. Below, we’ll explore the four different levels of hospice care.

1. Hospice Care at Home. This is the most common type of hospice care for patients who do not require around-the-clock care. Patients with stable and controlled symptoms will benefit from this level of care without disrupting their daily routine as much. During this level, patients will receive routine care from the comfort of their homes (skilled nursing facility, memory care, or assisted living facility), including nursing care, emotional support, spiritual care, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).
2. Continuous Hospice Care. This second level of care is often called crisis care and may be used when temporary 24/7 support is needed from the hospice care team. This level of care is used by patients who are experiencing moderate to severe symptoms like:
   • Severe anxiety
   • Severe and acute pain
   • Difficulty breathing 
   • Unrelenting nausea and vomiting
   • Terminal restlessness
   • Caregivers who are now unable to give the appropriate level of care
     
     Once the acute symptoms have been controlled, the patient can be returned to routine home care.
3. General Inpatient Care. If the symptoms and pain cannot be controlled at home with level one and two hospice care, general inpatient care is provided temporarily at an inpatient facility. This level of care includes 24/7 monitoring and more complex medical equipment. This level of care aims to control the patient’s symptoms until their conditions stabilize and they  can return home.
4. Respite Care. Respite care is used to give the primary caregiver a break when they are physically and emotionally exhausted to prevent burnout. According to the Cleveland Clinic, studies show that 60% of caregivers experience symptoms of burnout, hindering their ability to provide decent care. Respite care can be provided in various ways. One common way is through volunteer support, where a hospice volunteer provides companionship, emotional support, and practical support to a patient, giving the caregiver a few hours to rest, socialize, run errands, and take a break from caregiving duties. Another way is by transferring the patient to a local skilled nursing facility or assisted living facility for up to 5 days. This is only a temporary period of care where the patient will continue to receive around-the-clock care as needed, giving the caregiver a longer period of time to rest.

Choose Orange Hospice in Orange County, California

When the time comes to prioritize the quality of life over curative treatment, choose a hospice like Orange Hospice, where the caring team is committed to providing the highest level of holistic care for whatever level of hospice care our patients need. We strive to provide our patients and their loved ones a pathway to living their days with meaning and dignity.

If you have any questions about the different levels of hospice care or are learning more about how we can provide the best care for your loved ones, please contact us today at (741) 790-0594.     

Adults often believe that children are too young or fragile to understand the reality of death, but generally, this is not the case. Children will feel the same emotions as adults do. They may feel and show their grief in different ways depending on their age, the support they received during this time, and how close they were to the deceased.

It’s important to remember that grief is natural, and there are some age-appropriate ways to support children through this process.

• Help For Infants and Toddlers (Ages 0 – 3). While children at this age may not necessarily understand the concept of death, they do react to the emotions of adults and can sense a change in their schedule. Signs of grief at this age can include increased crying and temper tantrums. Providing physical comfort through hugs can help soothe a grieving child. Sometimes, reading to a grieving child is a good idea to kickstart the healing process, as children may identify with a character in the book.
• Help For Preschool Children (Ages 3 – 5). At this age, preschool children will have some understanding of death. Often, they may think that death is reversible, like in cartoons, and you’ll find they’ll have a lot of questions about death. Some signs that indicate your child is grieving include increased anxiety that comes across as demanding or clingy, withdrawal from normal behavior, and physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches. How can you help? Start by being patient and attentive. Reassure your child that the death was not their fault and that they are loved. Reading books is also good at this age.
• Help For School-Aged (6 – 9). School-aged children are beginning to understand that death is final and may be curious about the physical details of how a loved one passed away. Answering their questions honestly and sticking to facts during this time is important. Be sure to reassure them that it’s normal to feel scared, angry, or sad. Letting children participate in the funeral or memorial can help make the situation more real and allow children at this age to find grief a growing process.
• Help For Preteens and Teens (10+). By the time children reach ages ten and up, they may have a better understanding of death, and this is final. They’ll begin to ask more questions about death, family faith, and other beliefs as they form their own opinions on concepts like faith. During this time, you can help them cope with grief by using books, encouraging them to speak, and allowing them to participate in family rituals like memorials. 

Compassionate Support at Orange Hospice

The care team at Orange Hospice in California understands that emotional and spiritual pain is just as important as physical pain. This is why we have a team of spiritual counselors who offer nonjudgmental spiritual care and bereavement care for families of our patients. Bereavement support is available for up to 13 months after a loved one passes away because our commitment to care extends beyond the patient’s life. Hospice isn’t just about helping patients—it’s about supporting the entire family during and after this difficult journey.

To learn more about our bereavement services and how we can support your family, contact Orange Hospice at (741) 790-0594.

Medication management is crucial in hospice care, as it ensures the comfort and safety of patients with advanced illnesses. In fact, the number one reason hospice patients end up visiting the emergency room is due to medication not being taken as prescribed. To help your loved one avoid unnecessary trips to the ER and maintain their comfort, follow these essential medication administration tips from Orange Hospice.

1. Create and Maintain a Comprehensive Medication List. Keeping an updated list of all medications is a fundamental step in managing a hospice patient’s care. This list should include:
   • Medication name, strength, and dosage
   • Specific directions for use
   • Important notes (e.g., potential side effects or special instructions)
     
     Having this information organized in one place helps you stay prepared, particularly in emergency situations.
2. Set Reminders to Ensure Consistency. Life can be hectic, and missing a dose can happen. Setting up reminders on your phone, tablet, or watch can help you stay on track with each dose. Additionally, there are free medication reminder apps, like Medisafe, EveryDose, and MyTherapy, that automate this process for you. Regularity is vital to effective treatment, and these digital tools offer a reliable way to keep on schedule.
3. Using Pill Boxes to Simplify Organization. A pill box with compartments for each day (and even specific times of the day) can be an incredibly useful tool. It ensures the correct dose is given at the right time, minimizing the risk of confusion and missed doses.
4. Communicating with Orange Hospice About All Medications. To avoid adverse drug interactions or unwanted side effects, always keep the Orange Hospice team informed about every medication the patient is taking, including over-the-counter drugs or supplements. Consult with the hospice team before introducing any new medication to ensure it’s safe and aligns with the care plan.
5. Store Medications Securely. Proper storage is essential to maintain the efficacy of medications and prevent accidental misuse. Keep medications in a secure, dry, and cool area, away from children or anyone who might be confused. This helps preserve the medication’s integrity and reduces the chance of accidents.
6. Monitor Medication Levels and Plan for Refills. Running out of essential medications can create unnecessary stress. Regularly check medication levels and arrange for refills a few days before supplies run low. Contact Orange Hospice for assistance with refills to ensure continuous care for your loved one.

Additional Medication Management Tips

• Check Expiration Dates: Medications can lose their effectiveness or even become harmful if they’re expired. Make it a habit to regularly review expiration dates and safely dispose of any outdated medications.
• Consult Before “Catching Up” on Missed Doses: If a dose is missed, avoid doubling up. Always consult your hospice nurse or doctor to decide the best approach for handling missed doses.

By following these medication management steps, you can help prevent medication errors, avoid emergency room visits, and create a safer, more comfortable environment for your loved one. Proper medication administration plays a vital role in maintaining the quality of life for hospice patients.

For compassionate and professional guidance on managing hospice care, contact Orange Hospice at (741) 790-0594. We’re here to support you and your loved one every step of the way.