When Inpatient Respite Care Is Helpful
Caring for a loved one at the end of life is meaningful, but it can also be exhausting. Even the most devoted caregivers need time to rest, attend to their own needs, or simply catch their breath.
Inpatient respite care offers a chance to do just that, without compromising the care your loved one receives.
Care for Patients, Relief for Caregivers
Respite care provides short-term, hospital-based care for hospice patients when caregivers need time away from daily caregiving responsibilities.
This time may be needed for several reasons. Caregivers may seek respite care because:
- They have become physically or emotionally exhausted from providing 24/7 care to a loved one (also called “caregiver burnout”)
- They would like to attend an important family event, such as a wedding or graduation
- They are ill and need a break from care to let themselves recover
Respite care is provided in our waterfront inpatient facility in Branford. During a respite stay, patients receive continuous clinical care from an experienced interdisciplinary team in a supportive setting. Caregivers gain peace of mind knowing their loved one is safe and well cared for.
For many patients, a respite stay offers a gentle change of routine and ongoing comfort. For caregivers, it offers essential time to rest, recharge, and return to caregiving with renewed energy and confidence.
Respite Care Eligibility & Coverage
Respite care is short-term inpatient care intended specifically to relieve family members or others providing care at home. A caregiver must be actively involved in the patient’s care, and the need for respite is determined by the hospice care team.
- Respite care is covered under Medicare and Medicaid Hospice benefits
- Respite stays can last for up to 5 days per Medicare hospice benefit period
- More than one respite period may be used as needed
- Private insurance coverage is accepted through Anthem
Note that after the first two 90-day certification periods, hospice benefit certification periods change to 60 days each. This allows for respite care for a maximum of 5 days in a 60-day period.
Inpatient Hospital Care Options
Inpatient Hospice Care
Comfort-focused care for life-limiting illness with a prognosis of six months or less. Emphasizes pain relief, symptom management, and support for both patients and families.
Pediatric Inpatient Hospice Care
Comfort-focused care for children with life-limiting illness, emphasizing symptom relief, compassionate guidance, and support for the entire family.
Inpatient Palliative Care
Relief from symptoms and side effects while continuing treatment for serious or progressive illness.
Inpatient Acute Hospital Care
Skilled short-term care for urgent medical or symptom-related needs. Supports stabilization and recovery without the stress of emergency hospitalization.
Respite Care
Short-term inpatient stays for up to five days. Patients receive 24/7 care, so families and caregivers can rest and recharge.
Private-Pay Room and Board
Ensure access to inpatient care at our waterfront Branford facility.
We Honor Veterans
We are proud to honor veterans with care that recognizes their service and addresses their unique needs at the end of life. Learn more about this specialized hospice program in partnership with the National Alliance for Care at Home.
A Comprehensive Approach
At The Connecticut Hospice, families and caregivers are an essential part of the care experience. That’s why we support patients and the people who love them together.
Care plans are shaped around shared goals, personal needs, and what matters most in daily life. Our interdisciplinary team works across settings and services to ensure care is coordinated, responsive, and attentive to the emotional, social, and spiritual well-being of everyone involved.
We help bring clarity and compassion to serious illness, so patients and loved ones can focus on the moments that matter most.
How Can We Help?
Make a Donation
As a local not-for-profit, The Connecticut Hospice relies on donor support to provide individualized services and therapies not fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.
Your generosity helps ensure that every patient and family receives the care, comfort, and support they need, regardless of circumstances.