How Hospices Help Address Patient Isolation During a Pandemic

The CDC (2) has indicated that people aged 85 and above are at the greatest risk of severe COVID-19 illness, meaning that they may need hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help their breathing. At the same time, one of the greatest challenges facing hospices is how to comfort our elders during their end of life when physical touch is restricted. Social distancing and quarantine are causing feelings of isolation in our elders, which in turn triggers additional anxiety, depression, and more severe symptoms of other pre-existing chronic illnesses. Hospices are in a great position to help patients cope with isolation in the following ways:

Home-Based Palliative Care

When senior citizens receive their care at home, they are at much less risk of exposure to the coronavirus, and if they do come down with symptoms, they can be treated and monitored remotely. If any concerns arise during care, the hospice team is always on call to ensure that your loved one remains at home without jeopardizing their health. Their regular visits can continue as before, whether physically or virtually, which keeps them from feeling isolated.

Adaptable Caregivers

When senior citizens receive their care at home, they are at much less risk of exposure to the coronavirus, and if they do come down with symptoms, they can be treated and monitored remotely. If any concerns arise during care, the hospice team is always on call to ensure that your loved one remains at home without jeopardizing their health. Their regular visits can continue as before, whether physically or virtually, which keeps them from feeling isolated.

Emotional Care for The Elderly

In addition to pain management, hospice caregivers are in tune with the mental health needs of seniors and their family members. Emotional support is crucial at a time when we have been advised to isolate, maintain distance and minimize physical interactions. When seniors realize that their loved ones and friends can't visit them like they used to, it can push them into further mental distress and withdrawal. Hospice caregivers offer the kindness and empathy that the seniors need to get through tough times.

Connection to Other Doctors

Doctors are fully engaged with battling the pandemic, and many practices are scaling back their services to keep patients safe from the coronavirus. Hospices fill the gap between our seniors and their regular doctors for consultations and prescriptions. Hospices can ensure that seniors get their usual contact with their doctors, and the familiarity of routine can ease the sense of isolation. 

All these elements taken together will give seniors the holistic care they need, keep the feelings of isolation at bay and ease their minds during troubled times.