HOSPICE CARE

How Inpatient Respite Care Works in Georgia

When you provide daily care at home, rest is not optional. Inpatient respite care offers a short, planned break while your loved one continues receiving hospice support in a Medicare-certified facility. 

This guide explains who qualifies, how long a stay lasts, where care happens, what it costs, and how to arrange it in Georgia so you can step away without worry.

What Inpatient Respite Care Is

Inpatient respite care is a short stay for the hospice patient in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or inpatient hospice unit so the caregiver can rest. Your hospice team coordinates the admission, medications, and plan of care, and the patient continues to receive hospice services during the stay. Respite is designed for caregiver relief and does not require a change in the patient’s condition.

Who Qualifies for Respite Care in Georgia

If your loved one is enrolled in hospice and is cared for at home, they may qualify for inpatient respite care when the primary caregiver needs a temporary break. Medicare and Georgia Medicaid recognize respite as one of the covered hospice service levels when criteria are met and the hospice arranges the stay. Your hospice will verify eligibility, available bed options, and coverage.

Where Care Happens

Most respite stays take place in a Medicare-certified hospital, skilled nursing facility, or hospice inpatient facility that has an available bed and an agreement with your hospice. The hospice remains responsible for the patient’s plan of care, medications related to the terminal diagnosis, and coordination throughout the stay.

How Long a Respite Stay Lasts

Medicare covers up to five consecutive days per respite period. You may use respite more than once on an occasional basis, as needs arise. If a stay goes beyond five consecutive days, different billing rules apply and room and board can become the patient’s responsibility for days beyond five.

What It Costs

Under Original Medicare, you may pay a small coinsurance amount for inpatient respite care, up to 5 percent of the Medicare approved amount. The hospice team will review your plan and any out-of-pocket costs before admission so there are no surprises. 

How to Request Respite

Tell your hospice nurse or social worker you need a short break and share the dates you are considering. Your team will:

• confirm eligibility and benefits
• identify a contracted facility with an available bed
• coordinate transport if needed
• send the current medication list and plan of care
• review what to bring and the expected discharge date

In Georgia, hospice providers are licensed and regulated by the state, and respite is one of the recognized hospice levels of care. This means your team follows defined standards for admission, safety, and coordination.

What To Expect During the Stay

• Nursing and comfort care: The facility provides 24-hour nursing, routine assessments, and help with personal care. Learn more about how hospice brings comfort here.
• Medications and supplies: Hospice-related medications and equipment follow the patient and are managed per the hospice plan of care.
• Communication: Your hospice case manager stays in contact with the facility and with you, and adjusts the plan as needed.
• Discharge planning: The goal is to return home at the end of the respite period with a safe, workable routine.

How Respite Differs from General Inpatient Care

Respite is planned caregiver relief with the patient clinically stable. General inpatient care is different. It is used when symptoms such as severe pain or breathlessness cannot be managed at home and require intensive inpatient treatment until controlled. Your hospice determines the appropriate level and can change levels as needs change. 

Caregiver Tips To Make the Most of Respite

• Rest intentionally. Sleep, eat well, and step outside for fresh air.
• Complete high-priority tasks that are hard to do while caregiving.
• Ask your hospice social worker about community resources or family leave options. The Georgia Hospice & Palliative Care Organization can help you learn about statewide support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can we use respite?
You can use respite on an occasional basis as needs arise. Each covered stay is up to five consecutive days. Your hospice will help plan frequency that fits your situation.

Will my loved one keep the same medications and plan?
Yes. The hospice plan of care continues during respite. Nursing staff at the facility follow your hospice orders and coordinate with your hospice case manager.

Does Georgia Medicaid cover respite?
Georgia Medicaid recognizes the hospice levels of care, including inpatient respite care, and pays based on the level provided. Your hospice verifies your specific benefits.

Is respite available if my loved one lives in a facility already?
Coverage details can be complex when a patient already resides in a facility. Your hospice will review options and payer rules for your exact situation. Policies are rooted in federal hospice benefit rules and claims guidance.

Ask About Respite Care in Georgia

If you think a short break would help, talk to your hospice nurse or social worker today. Inspire Hospice can walk you through eligibility, available facilities, and timing that fits your life. Call us anytime at (404) 921-3341 or reach us through our contact form. We serve families across Metro Atlanta and nearby communities with compassionate, coordinated care.