What is General Inpatient Care Service?

General inpatient care service is a type of care that is provided in a hospital, hospice facility, or other inpatient setting. It is provided on a short-term basis, usually lasting from a few days to a few weeks. This type of care is typically used when a patient’s symptoms can no longer be controlled at home or when they require 24-hour nursing care.

Hospice general inpatient care is a level of care that is typically provided to patients who require more intensive medical attention and observation than what can be provided at lower levels of care, such as outpatient care or home care.

In this setting, with additional resources, equipment and personnel available, more extensive medical services can be provided as-needed. This level of access to services can be reassuring to both the patient and their loved ones. 

Services provided during general inpatient hospice care may include:

Hospice general inpatient care can also be used for respite care, which is when hospice caregivers need a break from providing care. General inpatient hospice care is usually short-term, and patients are typically discharged when their symptoms have been controlled or they are able to return home.

During general inpatient hospice care, hospice staff will work to ensure that the patient is as comfortable as possible and that their symptoms are managed. These symptoms could include—but aren’t limited to—severe pain, continuous nausea and vomiting, bleeding, acute respiratory distress, and unbearable restlessness or agitation.

During their stay, patients will receive around-the-clock care from a team of highly skilled doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. The care team will collaborate to identify patients’ needs and develop a treatment plan. They will also be available to discuss the patients’ ongoing care, health conditions and overall progress of treatments to the patient and their families. 

Hospice general inpatient care teams typically include the following caring professionals:

Hospice general inpatient care can provide many benefits for both patients and their families, including pain and symptom control, respite for caregivers, and support during the end-of-life process. The primary objective is to provide the highest level of care and best quality of life for the patient.

Once the patient is stabilized and symptoms are back under control, they can be discharged from general inpatient care to a lower level of care. Often, the patient is able to return home and hospice care can continue there.