Introduction
Caring for a loved one at the end of life is one of the most meaningful roles a person can take on. It can also be exhausting. Hospice respite care exists to give caregivers the time to rest and recharge without worry, while their loved one continues receiving compassionate hospice services.
At Ozark Hospice, we know that caring for the caregiver is just as important as caring for the patient. That’s why we offer short-term respite care through our trusted partner facilities in Southeast Missouri.
What Is Hospice Respite Care?
Hospice respite care is a short-term inpatient service available to patients enrolled in hospice. It allows family caregivers to take a temporary break while their loved one is cared for in a hospital, nursing home, or hospice facility.
During a GIP stay, patients receive:
Covered by Medicare and most insurance plans
Limited to up to five consecutive days at a time
Patient returns home and continues with routine hospice care afterwards
The goal is to stabilize the patient, manage symptoms effectively, and return them to their preferred setting, often back home under routine hospice care.
When Might Respite Care Be Needed?
Caregiving can take a toll on even the most devoted family members. Respite care is often arranged when caregivers need:
- Rest from fatigue or stress
- Time for family events such as weddings, graduations, or funerals
- Medical care or recovery for themselves
- A mental and emotional reset to prevent burnout
During a respite stay, patients receive the same level of comfort, symptom management, and emotional support they would at home—just in a safe, supervised setting.
How Respite Care Works at Ozark Hospice in Southeast Missouri
When respite care is needed, Ozark Hospice helps arrange a short stay for the patient at one of our partner facilities, ensuring the process is simple and reassuring. Our team handles the transition and continues to oversee care, while skilled staff provide around-the-clock support. During the stay, comfort remains the focus, with pain and symptoms closely managed to maintain peace of mind. Once the respite period is complete, the patient returns home and resumes routine hospice services, giving both patient and caregiver the support they need at every stage.
Who Covers the Cost?
For patients on Medicare, respite care is included as part of the hospice benefit, meaning cost is completely covered. Private insurance plans often follow similar rules. Our team helps families understand coverage before a respite stay is scheduled.
Why Respite Care Matters
Respite care is a way to strengthen families during the hospice journey. By giving caregivers time to recharge, patients benefit from more present, rested, and emotionally available loved ones.
At Ozark Hospice, we view respite as an extension of our mission: to provide compassionate support that values both the patient and the family.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, run down, or simply needing time to take care of personal responsibilities, respite care may be the right option. It’s designed to give caregivers the chance to rest so they can return to their role with renewed strength and peace of mind.
Ozark Hospice partners with trusted facilities in Southeast Missouri to provide safe, supportive, and supervised short-term stays. Families can feel confident that their loved one is in a caring environment, with hospice staff continuing to oversee their plan of care.
Yes. While each respite stay is limited to five consecutive days, families may request respite care more than once if the need arises. Our team works with you to schedule and coordinate these stays whenever support is needed.
If symptoms become more complex, the hospice team is there to adjust medications or treatments quickly. The goal is always to ensure comfort, whether during a respite stay or at home.
Simply contact your hospice care team. We’ll walk you through the steps, confirm eligibility, and handle the arrangements with our partner facility—making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for families.
Learn More About Hospice Respite Care in Poplar Bluff
If you are caring for a loved one on hospice and need time to rest, respite care may be the support you’re looking for.
