What Is Inpatient Hospice Care?

Hospice care can be provided in different settings depending on a patient’s or family’s needs and preferences. One option is to receive care at an inpatient hospice center. Gilchrist has three inpatient hospice centers: Gilchrist Center Towson, Gilchrist Center Baltimore and Gilchrist Center Howard County.

When Is Inpatient Hospice Care Used?

The majority of patients receive hospice care at home or wherever they reside–at home, in nursing homes, retirement facilities or assisted living facilities. However, if more intense medical intervention is needed, patients may be admitted to one of Gilchrist’s inpatient centers.

Inpatient care is recommended if pain or symptoms cannot be managed at home. Patients usually use inpatient care for a short period of time and may return home once their pain and symptoms are under control. Some patients receive care at an inpatient hospice center if they don’t have a caregiver at home.

What to Expect at a Gilchrist Inpatient Hospice Center

At Gilchrist’s inpatient hospice centers, care is offered around the clock, and each center is staffed by physicians, nurses, hospice aides, social workers, chaplains and volunteers. The team is there to meet the needs of both the patient and the family, including emotional and spiritual needs.

Gilchrist’s inpatient centers are designed to offer the comforts of home. The centers offer a tranquil, home-like feel in rooms and in common spaces where families can gather. Loved ones may visit any time of day or night.

Our inpatient centers are offered in three locations:

• Gilchrist Center Towson – 34 private rooms overlooking rolling hillsides
• Gilchrist Center Howard County – Located in the Howard County Health Park in the heart of Columbia, Gilchrist Center Howard County has 10 individual patient rooms
• Gilchrist Center Baltimore – Located in Baltimore City, this center’s 19 individual patient rooms offer residential care for those unable to remain in their homes. The center also houses a 4-bed inpatient pediatric hospice unit.

View a virtual tour of Gilchrist’s inpatient centers https://gilchristcares.org/inpatient-centers.

Respite Care

Gilchrist’s inpatient centers also provide respite care. Respite care is short-term care for when a caregiver needs a rest from the demands of home care or needs to leave the home for an extended period. Under most insurance plans, respite care can be provided for up to five days at a time.

Hospice Care in Any Setting

No matter where you receive care, hospice care focuses on enabling people to live their final days to the fullest, in peace and without pain, in the place that provides the most solace. Both inpatient hospice care and hospice care at home are designed to enhance the quality of life for people with a life-limiting illness while also providing support to caregivers and family members.

To learn more about hospice care at Gilchrist, visit https://gilchristcares.org/services/hospice-care.