NHPCO and its #hapcFacesOfCaring campaign continues to receive photos and stories from hospice and palliative care providers across the country. What we have learned from the faces and stories we see is that those who are motivated by the mission of hospice will do anything they can to ensure that their patients and families are cared for, even amid a pandemic that could impact their own life greatly. Courtany Stoner of Residential Hospice describes what their staff are experiencing at this time.
Our Hospice RNs and MSWs have been providing care for many COVID positive, GIP hospice patients within our partner hospitals. They have shared many stories related to the challenges the patients and families are facing during this difficult time. Many of the patients are experiencing significant respiratory symptoms and are rapidly declining. Some family members are elderly themselves, some with their own underlying health conditions, and others are quite fearful of visiting their loved ones - or even going to the hospital to sign the hospice consents.
Some patients are suffering alone. In some cases, limited visitors are allowed but families are choosing to not visit. Our hospice team has helped coordinate calls and FaceTime for some of the COVID positive patients to provide them an opportunity to see or speak to their loved ones, maybe for the last time. Families, now more than ever, appreciate the extra care and attention that our hospice team is providing. We are giving daily updates and supportive calls to ensure they continue to feel connected and supported as their loved ones’ conditions continue to change.
Cheryl, one of our Lead RNs, shared today that although she has had fear, she thinks about the care she would want for her loved ones if they were in this position, and she is motivated to continue to follow our mission.
Cheryl Ambrose, our Lead RN TNL
What an honor it has been to lead and work alongside such a dedicated, compassionate hospice team during the scariest of times.
If you would like to share the creative ways your hospice and palliative care team is caring for patients amid the COVID-19 crisis, please send us your photos and stories so you can be featured in the #hapcFacesOfCaring campaign.
