Respite Care
Respite Care is a very important service. It is designed to give the main caregivers a break
from the responsibilities of looking after their loved ones for a period of time. This usually
takes place in a hospice facility or out of the home to give the caregiver a rest so that they
can relax and recharge. Respite care is essential to prevent caregiver burnout so that they
can come back and provide high-quality care over the long term.
While the patient is on respite, they receive the same kind of care that they would get at
home. The focus is the same maintaining the patient’s comfort and dignity and managing
their symptoms. This respite care is only a short-term solution, but it gives the caregivers
peace of mind knowing their loved one is being cared for.
This service can help with:
- Providing short-term care in a hospice for up to 5 days.
- Manage the patient’s symptoms and make sure they are comfortable.
- Give caregivers a much-needed break to rest and recharge. This allows them to
focus on their own tasks and responsibilities or just recharge. - Help with an easy transition back home after respite care.
Hospice Respite Care in Chicago: A Complete Guide for Families
Caring for a loved one under hospice care is a deeply compassionate and meaningful act. But it can also be exhausting — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This is where hospice respite care can make a profound difference. If you’re in Chicago, learning how hospice respite works, what to expect, and how to access services can help you and your loved one get the support you need.
Eligibility: Who Qualifies?
To be eligible for hospice respite care in Chicago:
- The patient must be enrolled in hospice care, with a terminal illness or prognosis where hospice is appropriate.
- A primary caregiver must be providing ongoing care at home and need temporary relief
- Respite care is typically provided “occasionally” rather than continuously.
- There may be a limit on how many days of respite care are covered in a certain period (often up to five consecutive days per occasion).
Benefits of Respite Care
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically up to 5 consecutive days per respite period. After that, longer stay options may not be covered under the same benefit.
Yes, many hospice respite services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, especially when the hospice is certified. Coverage depends on the patient’s plan and provider. Always verify with both the hospice and your insurance provider.
Respite care can occur in different settings: a dedicated hospice inpatient unit, a contracted hospital facility, nursing homes, or sometimes hospice-owned residences. The setting depends on availability and patient’s needs.
Yes. There is usually no strict limit on the number of respite stays as long as each stay is occasional and meets eligibility requirements. However, each period is often limited to a maximum number of days.
- Contact your current hospice provider and ask about their respite care options.
- Discuss with a social worker or case manager associated with hospice.
- Review your insurance plan to understand what they will cover.
- Explore multiple hospices in Chicago to compare availability, services, and settings.
Hospice Respite Care in Chicago: What You Should Know Locally
In Chicago, as in other parts of the U.S., hospice providers must follow state and federal regulations. Here are some things specific to Chicago / Illinois to keep in mind:
- Certification and Licensing – Ensure the hospice provider is properly licensed in Illinois and, if applicable, certified for Medicare/Medicaid.
- Facility Availability – Because respite beds (inpatient or facility-based) are limited, advance booking is often needed. Be sure to contact local hospices early.
- Insurance Coverage – Often covered under Medicare and many private insurance plans when the patient is already under hospice care. Policies may vary.
- Geographic Access – Chicago has many hospice providers. Larger networks, or those affiliated with hospitals, may have multiple options for respite and inpatient stays.
We are Hiring, join our Team
We are always looking for new staff to join our team. If you are interested in joining us, please email our team.