Hospice COVID-19 Unit Offers Patients, Families Needed Support
By Larry Beresford
Some Louisiana families whose loved ones are dying from COVID-19 have found solace in a specialized hospice unit that is caring for patients infected with the virus.
Heart of Hospice Inc. opened its inpatient COVID-19 unit on April 15 in Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans. The company, headquartered in Charleston, S.C., with locations in five states, is one of several hospices across the country opening or converting inpatient facilities to serve COVID-19 patients.
In hospitals and other acute-care settings, patients with the virus are isolated, with visitors banned to lower the risk of new infections. Those dying from COVID-19 are often alone or surrounded by strangers, a heartbreaking scenario for patients, families, and bedside clinicians.
Offering another option has been a priority for hospices that have the resources and abilities to make it happen. Specialized COVID-19 hospice units have been a godsend for patients nearing death and their families.
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