COVID 19 Limitations & Management

Relieving physical and emotional distress and supporting patients and families through illness, even when a cure is not possible, is fundamental to medicine. But even under usual conditions, shortages in these services are common.

The COVID-19 pandemic has complicated hospices’ ability to provide respite care. Limited access to nursing homes, due to the fear of spreading the virus. Oftentimes, beds in local nursing homes are simply not available, or the facilities are unable to complete sufficient COVID testing. Older adults suffering from chronic or life-limiting medical conditions are among the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 outbreak, which means nursing homes across the country are restricting access to their facilities.

The most important concern for our team has been to attain a clear understanding of a patient’s goals, values, and preferences for end-of-life care. Hospice is about providing safe, compassionate care that relieves suffering and promotes the dignity and independence of patients with a terminal prognosis. Throughout the pandemic, our interdisciplinary team has continued to care for patients in their homes, board & cares, assisted living, and nursing facilities.

Despite these necessary precautions, the interdisciplinary team, pharmacy support, and bereavement services continue to offer the compassionate care that our hospice is known for.