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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