What Is Routine Hospice Care?
Routine home hospice care is the most common level of hospice care (out of the four levels defined under Medicare). It’s designed for patients whose symptoms are generally stable and can be managed with ongoing clinical support.
This level of care is typically provided where a patient calls home—in a private residence, skilled nursing facility, assisted living facility, or other care setting. Hospice clinicians visit regularly to assess symptoms, adjust care plans, and support patients and caregivers, while day-to-day care (such as administering medications and assisting with bathing or toileting, if needed) is usually provided by family members or friends.
What Routine Hospice Care Includes
- Regular Clinical Visits: Scheduled visits from nurses, social workers, chaplains, aides, and volunteers to manage symptoms and support the patient and caregiver.
- Medications for Comfort: Hospice covers medications related to the terminal diagnosis, with a focus on pain relief and symptom control.
- Medical Equipment & Supplies: Durable medical equipment (such as hospital beds, oxygen, lifts, and other needed supplies) is provided to support care at home.
- Caregiver Support & Guidance: Families receive education, practical resources, and ongoing access to the care team as they provide everyday care.
What to Expect From Routine Hospice Care
Routine hospice care does not include continuous, around-the-clock bedside care by hospice staff. Instead, families are supported by an experienced, interdisciplinary team that remains available to monitor changes, provide guidance and resources, and step in when care needs increase.
If symptoms become difficult to manage at home, other levels of hospice care (such as continuous care or inpatient hospice care) may be introduced to ensure stability and comfort.
Find the Right Home Hospice Care
Routine Hospice Care
Comfort-focused care with regular visits and ongoing support from a dedicated hospice team.
Continuous Hospice Care
Intensive short-term care delivered at home during periods of crisis.
Pediatric Home Hospice Care
Expert, compassionate care tailored to support children and families facing life-limiting illness.
Admissions
Admission to The Connecticut Hospice is a collaborative process guided by each patient’s needs and goals of care.
Our team works closely with patients, families, and referring providers to ensure the right level of support, in the right setting, at the right time.
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.