Hospice Respite Care in Chicago
Caring for a loved one in hospice at home takes a lot of energy and time. Hospice respite care in Chicago gives family caregivers a break while ensuring their loved one receives excellent care in a safe setting.
What Is Hospice Respite Care?
Respite care is a short-term service that allows family caregivers to rest while their loved one stays in a care facility. During respite care, hospice patients receive 24-hour nursing care and support in Medicare-certified skilled nursing facilities.
The goal is simple: give caregivers time to recharge so they can continue providing care at home. Patients can stay in respite care for up to five days at a time, and families can use this service multiple times if needed.
Why Family Caregivers Need Respite Care
Taking care of someone at the end of life is physically and emotionally demanding. Many family caregivers experience:
- Exhaustion from around-the-clock care
- Stress and anxiety about their loved one’s condition
- Physical strain from helping with bathing, dressing, and movement
- Sleep problems from waking up during the night
- Difficulty finding time for their own health appointments
- Limited time with other family members
Respite care isn’t a sign of weakness or giving up. It’s a smart way to maintain your own health so you can continue being there for your loved one.
| Benefit | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Rest and Recovery | Caregivers can sleep, relax, and rebuild their energy |
| Personal Time | Attend to personal needs, appointments, or errands |
| Family Time | Spend time with other family members who need attention |
| Stress Relief | Take a mental break from the demands of caregiving |
| Work Flexibility | Handle work responsibilities or important obligations |
| Peace of Mind | Know your loved one is receiving professional care |
How Hospice Respite Care Works in Chicago
Here’s the step-by-step process for arranging respite care:
Step 1: Talk to Your Hospice Team
Contact your hospice nurse or care coordinator and let them know you need a break. They’ll help arrange everything.
Step 2: Choose Dates
Decide when you need respite care. You can plan or arrange care quickly if you need urgent help.
Step 3: Select a Facility
Your hospice team will recommend approved facilities in Chicago. You can choose a location that’s convenient and comfortable.
Step 4: Admission
On the scheduled day, you’ll bring your loved one to the facility or enlist the help of a non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) service. The hospice team will coordinate all admission details.
Step 5: Professional Care
While in respite care, your loved one receives:
- 24-hour nursing supervision
- All regular hospice services
- Medications and medical equipment
- Meals and personal care
- Comfort and symptom management
Step 6: Return Home
After the respite period (up to 5 days), your loved one returns home, and regular home hospice care continues.
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I had 3 different hospice and Suncrest was the best
Susanna Pelle
May 19, 2025I highly recommend Suncrest Hospice. The staff is professional, caring, supportive and responsive. Logan is excellent to work with and highly respected in the community.
Cindy Caulfield - Realtor
December 9, 2024I always recommend Suncrest to the families of my residents. The liason Logan is responsive, friendly, and knowledgeable. He always puts the families at ease. The nurses and aides are... read more
Kelly Velazquez
September 9, 2024 -
Having both a personal and professional experience with hospice companies, I feel extremely confident in saying that Suncrest is the best hospice company that I know. The hospice representative, Logan... read more
Calli Cantrell
September 9, 2024Kind and compassionate people with great follow up. They helped my wife pass on with dignity.
Dan Johnson
June 9, 2024The communication and follow up was exceptional. Staff is genuinely caring, supportive, and professional.
John Macdonald
June 9, 2024 -
I am a social worker at a long term care facility and always recommend Suncrest to families as they give great care to our residents! Our families and residents are... read more
Cheyenne Simpson
June 9, 2023
Where Does Respite Care Happen in Chicago?
Respite care takes place in Medicare-approved facilities, including:
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Hospitals with hospice units
- Dedicated hospice inpatient centers
- Long-term care facilities
All facilities must meet Medicare standards for hospice care. The hospice team will only recommend facilities where they know patients receive excellent care.
How Much Does Respite Care Cost?
How Much Does Respite Care Cost?Medicare covers hospice respite care with a small copayment. As of 2025, Medicare covers 95% of the cost of respite care. The copayment is the remaining 5%, which can range from $5 to $25 per day. Medicaid and most private insurance plans also cover respite care.
Your hospice team will explain any costs before arranging respite care. Most families find the cost very affordable, especially compared to the value of getting rest and maintaining their own health.
How Long Can My Loved One Stay in Respite Care?
Medicare covers up to five consecutive days per respite stay. If you need more time, you’ll need to bring your loved one home for at least one day before arranging another respite period.
There’s no limit to how many times you can use respite care throughout your loved one’s hospice journey.
What to Bring for Respite Care
When bringing your loved one to a respite care facility, pack:
- Comfortable clothing (including nightwear)
- Personal toiletries and hygiene items
- Any special comfort items (photos, blanket, pillow)
- List of current medications (hospice will provide the medications)
- Glasses, hearing aids, or dentures if used
- Insurance information and ID
The facility will provide bedding, meals, and medical care. Focus on bringing items that will help your loved one feel comfortable and at home.
Can I Visit During Respite Care?
Yes! You can visit anytime during regular visiting hours. Some families choose not to visit so they can fully rest, while others visit daily. There’s no right or wrong choice—do what feels best for you and your family.
The facility staff will keep you updated on how your loved one is doing. They’ll call if there are any changes or concerns.
Common Concerns About Respite Care
“I feel guilty leaving my loved one.”
It’s normal to feel this way, but remember: taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your loved one. If you become too exhausted or sick, you won’t be able to provide the care they need at home.
“What if something happens while they’re in respite?”
The facility has experienced medical staff available 24/7. They’ll contact you immediately if there are any changes in your loved one’s condition.
“Will my loved one be confused or upset?”
Some patients adjust quickly to respite care, while others may feel unsettled at first. The hospice team will do everything possible to keep your loved one comfortable and calm. Some Chicago facilities offer calming programs such as pet or music therapy.
“Is using respite care giving up on home care?”
Not at all. Respite care is designed to support home care, not replace it. It helps make long-term home care possible by preventing caregiver burnout.
Signs You Need Respite Care
Consider respite care if you’re experiencing:
- Extreme tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest
- Feeling irritable or short-tempered
- Physical health problems developing
- Missing your own medical appointments
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Feeling overwhelmed or depressed
- Worrying constantly about your loved one
- Having no time for basic self-care
Don’t wait until you reach a crisis point. It’s better to arrange respite care early, before you become completely exhausted.
Emergency Respite Care
Sometimes caregivers need respite care quickly due to their own illness, family emergency, or unexpected situation. Chicago hospice providers can often arrange emergency respite within 24 hours. Contact your hospice team right away if you have an urgent need.
Other Caregiver Support Services
Respite care is just one way we support caregivers. Our Chicago hospice program also offers:
- Home health aide visits to help with patient care
- Volunteer companionship for a few hours
- Caregiver education and training
- Support groups for caregivers
- Counseling services
- 24/7 phone support from hospice nurses
Why Choose Our Chicago Hospice Respite Services?
We understand that family caregivers are essential to hospice care at home. That’s why we make respite care easy to access and arrange. Our Chicago hospice team works with trusted facilities throughout the city to ensure your loved one receives the same high-quality care they receive at home.
We know asking for help can be hard. Our staff will never judge you for needing a break—we encourage it. Taking time for yourself is one of the most important things you can do for both yourself and your loved one.
Contact our Chicago hospice team today to learn more about respite care options or to schedule your first respite stay.
