General Inpatient (GIP) Hospice Care is a specialized level of hospice care designed for patients who are experiencing acute symptoms that cannot be managed in other settings, such as their home or an assisted living facility. GIP is intended to provide short-term relief, often for severe pain or symptoms that require close medical supervision, until the patient can transition to a less intensive care environment. This type of care is only provided in Medicare-certified facilities such as a hospice inpatient unit, a hospital, or a skilled nursing facility (SNF). When most people think of hospice, they think of a hospice house where loved ones receive care around the clock. While these places do exist, they are meant to be used for the GIP level of care, not for routine hospice care. The goal of GIP care is to stabilize the patient and manage symptoms effectively, enabling them to return to their previous care setting once their condition has improved.
What is the Difference Between GIP and Respite Care?
Unlike respite care, which offers temporary relief to family caregivers by admitting the patient for a short stay, GIP focuses specifically on the patient’s needs when symptoms are too severe to be managed at home. Respite care is primarily designed to support the caregiver, while GIP addresses acute medical needs of the patient, providing a higher level of care to manage symptoms like uncontrolled pain, severe nausea, or delirium.
When is GIP Hospice Care Appropriate?
GIP care is used in specific situations where acute medical intervention is necessary. Here are some examples of when GIP care might be the best option:
Uncontrolled Pain or Symptoms: If a patient’s pain or other behavioral symptoms cannot be controlled effectively at home, GIP provides a setting for intensive monitoring and rapid intervention.
Severe Nausea or Vomiting: Patients experiencing severe ongoing vomiting that prevents them from taking oral medications might benefit from GIP.
Respiratory Distress: Patients experiencing sudden respiratory distress that is unable to be managed in the home setting might benefit from GIP for more intensive treatment and monitoring
It is important to note that GIP care is not appropriate for simply addressing caregiver burnout or for patients who no longer need intensive symptom management. The care plan is evaluated daily by the hospice interdisciplinary group, ensuring that GIP is only used when medically necessary and transitioning to routine care as soon as possible.
If you or a loved one is looking for GIP care in Mesa, AZ, contact Noble Hospice today.