What is the Continuum of Care?

Aurora’s Continuum of Care is a structured pathway — Companionship Services, Respite Care, Skilled Home Health, and Hospice Care — extended by remote monitoring through our Reliant Physician Services partnership.

How do I know which level of care my loved one needs?

You don’t have to decide alone. Our team evaluates the patient’s condition, symptoms, goals, and safety needs, then recommends the most appropriate level of care.

Can a patient move between services as their condition changes?

Yes. Patients often transition from home health to palliative care, or from palliative care to hospice. We coordinate every step so the transition is smooth and stress-free.

What is the difference between palliative care and hospice?

Palliative care focuses on comfort and symptom management at any stage of illness, even while receiving curative treatments. Hospice is for patients no longer pursuing curative treatment.

Do you help after a hospital or rehab discharge?

Yes. Our Skilled Home Health service helps families manage medications, follow-up appointments, home safety, and care planning to prevent readmissions.

Do you offer non-medical support like bathing or companionship?

Yes — Companionship Services are part of our Continuum. For many patients, this is covered at $0 through a Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, or MI Choice benefit that Aurora verifies on your behalf. If a patient doesn’t qualify, companionship and personal-care services are private-pay, and Aurora can help connect you with trusted caregiver partners.

What is respite care?

Respite care provides short-term relief for overwhelmed or exhausted caregivers.

Is respite care covered by Medicare or Medicaid?

Under the Medicare hospice benefit, Medicare covers up to five consecutive days of inpatient respite care. Outside of hospice, respite care may be covered at $0 through a qualifying Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, or MI Choice benefit — otherwise it is private-pay.

Can hospice care be provided in a nursing home or assisted living facility?

Yes. Hospice Care is available wherever the patient lives. This differs from our broader Continuum (Companionship, Respite, Skilled Home Health), which is not delivered inside a skilled nursing or long-term care facility.

What support do you provide for families and caregivers?

We offer emotional support, education, respite care, 24/7 nurse availability, and guidance through medical and end-of-life decisions.

Do you coordinate with the patient’s existing doctors?

Yes. Physicians who refer to Aurora stay the patient’s physician of record — Aurora coordinates, not replaces.

What happens if my loved one improves while on hospice?

They may be discharged from hospice and return to palliative care or home health. The Continuum of Care allows us to adjust seamlessly.

What is Remote Patient Monitoring, and is there a cost?

Through our partnership with Reliant Physician Services, patients with chronic conditions can have vitals tracked daily using a plug-and-play cellular device. ReliSleep monitors CPAP/BiPAP adherence at home. Both are Medicare-funded at $0 cost to eligible patients.

What areas do you serve?

Wayne, Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Macomb, and Oakland counties.