With no current vaccine to prevent the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), it is important to know the best ways to prevent being exposed. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus is spread mainly from person-to-person and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Recent studies have also shown that COVID-19 may be spread by those who are not showing symptoms.
Ways to protect yourself include:
- Clean your hands often
- Avoid close contact
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently
Hospice Care and Coronavirus
The health of our patients, staff, volunteers, and community members is our primary concern, and we are monitoring and following the recommendations put forth by the Illinois Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We are continuing to provide patient care, with all necessary precautions. Each member of our staff undergoes a health screening daily prior to the start of their shift. To minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health of our patients, staff and community, we are conducting many patient visits as possible by phone or video. In addition, we do follow protocols and mandates from the facilities we serve including nursing homes, assisted living communities, etc.
COVID-19 Precautions for Hospice Patients and Visitors
- Any visitors who have a fever or cough should NOT be a visiting hospice patient.
- Avoid close contact and keep at least six feet apart.
- Limit the number of visitors in the home to no more than 2, if possible.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your cough with a tissue or your arm and wash hands after coughing.
- Report to hospice staff any new symptoms visitors report such as cough, fever or shortness of breath.
Please call our office at 815.398.0500 for any questions or concerns.
Grieving during COVID-19
Grief comes in many forms. Some may be grieving the loss of a loved one and feeling isolated, some are experiencing anticipatory grief that comes with the feeling of uncertainty. Bereavement Coordinator, Andrew Vitale, recommends some of these articles to help you navigate through these trying times.
That Discomfort You’re Feeling Is Grief
Coronavirus Pandemic Changes How Americans Mourn The Dead
Seven Ways to Cope With Anxiety During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Grief support systems have been wrecked by COVID-19
Physical and Psychological Effects of Stress
If you are feeling isolated, please reach out to our bereavement coordinator at [email protected] for support.