When a loved one is facing a life-limiting illness, choosing hospice care can feel overwhelming. At Salus Hospice, our goal is to help families understand their options so they can make informed decisions about care that honors dignity, comfort, and quality of life. One of the most important aspects to understand is that hospice care is not “one-size-fits-all.” Instead, it is designed with four distinct levels of care, each tailored to meet a patient’s changing needs.

Whether you are in Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Diego, Riverside, or San Bernardino, Salus Hospice provides compassionate support at every level. Here’s what you should know:

1. Routine Home Care

What it is:
Routine home care is the most common level of hospice care. It allows patients to remain in the comfort of their own homes while receiving regular visits from nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers.

What families can expect:

  • Pain and symptom management

  • Emotional and spiritual support

  • Help with personal care, such as bathing and grooming

  • Guidance for family caregivers

This level ensures comfort and dignity while maintaining as much independence as possible.

2. Continuous Care

What it is:
 Sometimes, symptoms such as severe pain, nausea, or difficulty breathing require urgent attention. Continuous care provides short-term, round-the-clock nursing care in the home until symptoms are stabilized.

What families can expect:

  • 24/7 bedside support from skilled hospice nurses

  • Intensive symptom management

  • Education for caregivers on how to provide comfort

Continuous care is designed to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and keep patients in their preferred environment.

3. General Inpatient Care

What it is:
 If a patient’s symptoms cannot be managed at home, general inpatient care offers a higher level of medical support in a hospice facility, hospital, or nursing home.

What families can expect:

  • Skilled medical staff available around the clock

  • Advanced pain and symptom management

  • A safe, supportive environment where families can visit freely

This level of care is often temporary, until the patient’s condition stabilizes and they can return home with routine hospice care.

4. Respite Care

What it is:
 Caring for a loved one at home is meaningful, but it can also be physically and emotionally exhausting. Respite care provides short-term relief for family caregivers by admitting the patient to a facility for up to five days.

What families can expect:

  • Compassionate care in a hospice facility or contracted setting

  • Time for caregivers to rest, recharge, or attend to personal needs

  • Peace of mind knowing their loved one is safe and supported

Respite care helps caregivers maintain their own well-being while continuing to provide love and support.

Why the Levels of Hospice Care Matter

The four levels of care ensure that patients and families always have the right support at the right time. Needs may change quickly during a serious illness, and hospice is designed to adjust accordingly. At Salus Hospice, our team is trained to recognize these transitions and respond with compassion, expertise, and respect.

Salus Hospice: Serving Southern California Families

Salus Hospice proudly provides all four levels of hospice care in:

  • Orange County

  • Los Angeles County

  • San Diego

  • Riverside

  • San Bernardino

Our mission is to guide families through every step with dignity and compassion.

📞 Call Salus today at 888-881-4822 to learn more or request a free in-home consultation.