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Cherish Hospice

What is the Maximum Length of Stay for Hospice Respite Care?

Under the Medicare hospice benefit, the maximum length of stay for facility-based hospice respite care is up to five consecutive days per stay.

Key details regarding this coverage include:

  • Cost: There is no extra out-of-pocket cost to the family, as the stay is included in the hospice per-diem payment.
  • Location: The patient stays at a Medicare-approved facility, such as a skilled nursing center or an assisted living community.
  • Frequency: Medicare does not impose a fixed limit on how many times a family can request respite care. Cherish Hospice can help families plan recurring stays based on the caregiver’s needs.
  • Coordination: The hospice team manages all logistics, including arranging the facility admission, coordinating transportation, and handling the necessary paperwork.

While the five-day limit applies to inpatient facility stays, Cherish Hospice also offers in-home respite support for caregivers who require shorter daily breaks or occasional overnight relief.


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