Coronavirus (Covid-19) | Hospice FAQs
The coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has caused a difficult and unprecedented period for health care providers, patients and their families globally.
Precious Healthcare understands the magnitude and impact of the current landscape and is dedicated to providing updated, clear information about Covid-19 and its impact, as well as how we will continue to respond to the virus as an organization.
These frequently asked questions provide information about safety protocols for staff, patients, and families in our facilities and under our care.
As the situation changes and our handling of Covid-19 evolves, this FAQ will be updated to reflect the latest information available to us.
Is hospice care available during the coronavirus pandemic?
Precious Hospice accepts referrals, and continues to visit hospice patients. Our staff has the appropriate training, and necessary personal protective equipment to ensure the safety of patients while providing services in their homes during this pandemic.
Does Precious accept patients who test positive for Covid-19?
Our team is trained and prepared to provide care should a hospice-eligible patient who tests positive for Covid-19 be referred.
Must hospice patients with suspected or confirmed infections of Covid-19 be hospitalized?
As with any other infection, Covid-19 calls for an individualized approach to care.
Will the Precious team assist in relieving symptoms of Covid-19 for an infected patient?
The Precious team consists of experts in managing symptoms that patients commonly experience near the end of life.
Are elderly patients at a higher risk of contracting Covid-19? How can Precious help?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that those at higher-risk for severe illness from Covid-19 are:
- People 65 and older
- People of any age who have a serious underlying medical condition
- People who live in nursing homes and long-term care facilities
Precious has a successful history of caring for medically fragile older adults. Hospice nurses have extensive training to prevent infections, manage pain, improve quality of life, and reduce unwanted trips to the emergency room.
How will Precious staff members conduct safe patient visits during the Covid-19 pandemic?
The Precious team will continue to adhere to the established screening protocols to evaluate the risk of contraction and spread of infection through each patient encounter.
What steps is Precious taking to make sure at-home hospice patients are safe during the Covid-19 pandemic?
Your health and safety are our highest priorities. We are taking extra safety precautions during every face-to-face visit, as our team is adhering to safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and state/local health departments.
Specific Steps taken by our team include:
- Daily fever and symptom-free certification by all visiting staff
- Implement droplet precautions when caring for patients with respiratory infection
- Use of personal protective gloves with all patients
- Additional hand hygiene before and after visiting facility/home
What about telehealth options during the coronavirus pandemic?
Virtual hospice care visits enable us to safely connect patients and their families with our doctors, nurses, chaplains, and social workers.
What factors should be considered when caring for a hospice patient in their home during the Covid-19 pandemic?
During a time of crisis like the Covid-19 pandemic, family members and close friends continue to provide daily care. Caregivers should develop and sustain habits and strategies to maintain their own health and well-being. This will help to limit viral transmission, and to avoid the consistent risk of burnout in caregivers. Also, hospice patients at home should be separate from other people and animals as much as possible (a separate room ideally). The Precious team can help you with extra safety measures, such as when and how to wear a face covering.
Does Precious test for Covid-19?
For patients, Precious follows the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CMS), and state/local health departments which are based upon several factors like test availability, facility concerns, and the impact of a test result altering the plan of care.
During the coronavirus outbreak, can Precious help with providing extra supply needs (i.e. masks, gloves, wipes) for patients and their families?
As always, the Precious team will do whatever we can to meet the needs of our patients and their families.
Can a Precious social worker or spiritual care coordinator visit a hospice patient during the Covid-19 pandemic?
All Precious team members, including physicians, nurses, aides, social workers, spiritual care coordinators, and bereavement specialists, are following all safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and state/local health departments.
Can I still volunteer for Precious during the Covid-19 pandemic?
At Precious, we are always recruiting volunteers. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic we are only accepting volunteers on a virtual basis. Luckily, you can make a difference from the comfort of your home!
For more information about Covid-19 cases, guidelines, and recommendations, please visit the following websites:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality-safety-oversight-general-information/coronavirus
