While caring for a loved one can be deeply rewarding, it can also be physically and emotionally exhausting. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities at times, and nothing to feel guilty about – that’s why inpatient respite care exists. Created specifically to support caregivers, inpatient respite care offers the short-term professional support your loved one needs while allowing you time to rest and recharge.

In this article, we’ll explain what inpatient respite care is and when it’s recommended, address how long someone can receive respite care and explore insurance coverage. 

3HC inpatient respite care offers short-term support that allows primary caregivers to step away for a brief period of rest when the need arises, while knowing their loved one is receiving around-the-clock professional care. If you’re exploring this option, we invite you to reach out today to learn more and get care. 

What is Inpatient Respite Care?

Inpatient respite care is temporary, short-term patient care provided around the clock by trained healthcare professionals in a safe setting. 

It is designed to allow family caregivers to rest, travel, work, take care of personal matters, or otherwise step away from caregiving responsibilities for a brief period without sacrificing the care of their loved one. 

This kind of care can take place in a variety of settings depending on your insurance coverage, including:

• A hospital
• An inpatient hospice facility
• A skilled nursing facility
• An assisted living community
• A specialized care center, such as an adult day center

Inpatient respite care is often used for:

• Hospice patients
• Seniors with serious illnesses 
• Patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease 
• Patients with other conditions that require constant supervision

You can think of respite care as preventive care for caregivers. Quality caregiving is not sustainable without relief – respite care is necessary to help you as the caregiver protect your health and avoid burnout, while enjoying peace of mind knowing your loved one is receiving quality care. 

When is Inpatient Respite Care Recommended?

It’s important to recognize when you may need to ask for help. Often caregivers wait too long to seek support and begin to experience burnout, which can affect both their health and the quality of care they’re able to provide for your loved one. 

Here are some common signs that indicate you may be experiencing caregiver burnout:

• Anxiety or stress
• Difficulty sleeping 
• Ongoing physical exhaustion  
• Feeling emotionally overwhelmed
• Trouble balancing work and caregiving responsibilities

Inpatient respite care may be recommended when you: 

• Need a mental health break 
• Have a family emergency 
• Need time away for vacation, family trip or other travel 
• Require medical treatment or surgery

Inpatient respite care is also recommended when your loved one has increased patient needs that are difficult to manage on your own. 

How Long Can Someone Stay in Inpatient Respite Care? 

Inpatient respite care is meant to be short-term; it is not designed to replace permanent long-term care. The length of stay may vary based on the patient’s needs, the facility’s policies and your insurance coverage. 

For hospice patients, Medicare typically covers up to five consecutive days of inpatient respite care at a time. Under certain circumstances, multiple respite stays may be allowed if they are considered medically appropriate and approved by the care team. 

Private pay respite programs may offer weekend stays, overnight care and short-term stays lasting beyond five days.

At 3HC, respite care is available for 5 days maximum at our inpatient hospice houses to relieve primary caregivers from the physical and emotional strain of caring for a terminally ill loved one. 

This allows you to rest and recharge with peace of mind knowing your loved one is receiving expert, around-the-clock care. Placement is subject to bed availability.   

We encourage you to reach out to us if you have questions about length of stay limits, admission requirements, insurance coverage or any other questions about inpatient respite care. 

Does Insurance/Medicare Cover Inpatient Respite Care?

A question on your mind may be whether insurance or Medicare will help cover the cost of inpatient respite care.

Medicare coverage for inpatient respite care is limited. Original Medicare commonly only covers this type of care if the patient is enrolled in hospice, and:

• Care is provided in a Medicare-approved inpatient facility
• The purpose is to provide temporary relief to the caregiver 
• The respite stay is short-term inpatient care

As previously mentioned, Medicare covers up to five consecutive days of inpatient respite care at a time. Under this coverage, Medicare usually pays most of the cost, but you may still be responsible for small coinsurance costs.

Medicare typically does not cover long-term respite care, most in-home respite services, or caregiver relief outside of hospice care. 

Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits; it’s best to call your insurance provider directly to ask about the specific caregiver support benefits they provide.

Veteran caregiver programs, long-term care insurance, Medicaid HCBS waiver programs and other support programs may also help cover the cost of care.

It’s important to check directly with your insurance provider to understand the details of your coverage. We are also happy to provide guidance. Our trained staff at 3HC is knowledgeable about insurance eligibility, coverage requirements and available community resources. 

Our Compassionate Team of Healthcare Professionals at 3HC is Here to Support You

At 3HC, we understand that while caregiving can be deeply meaningful, it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. You’re not meant to do it on your own or without the opportunity to rest and recharge. 

This is why inpatient respite care exists – to provide temporary relief while ensuring your loved one continues to receive around-the-clock quality care. 3HC inpatient respite care offers short-term support that allows you to step away for a brief period of rest when the need arises, while knowing your loved one is well cared for in a safe setting. 

For decades, we’ve served families from the Triangle to the NC Coast, supporting them as if they were members of our own family. If you’re exploring inpatient respite care, we invite you to reach out to us today to learn more and get care.