Important Message to our patients, families, and the community regarding COVID-19 Coronavirus

A message to our patients, families, and the community regarding COVID-19 Coronavirus

Hudson Valley Hospice wants to assure you that we have been closely monitoring COVID-19 Coronavirus developments and we want you to be aware of the precautionary steps we are taking to protect the health and well-being of our patients, our staff, and the community.

As you are aware, COVID-19 Coronavirus, is a rapidly spreading respiratory illness that is now in NY State.  There have been a small number of cases reported within Ulster and Dutchess Counties.  In order to ensure safe home visits, we are taking the following steps:

• Before each home visit, a representative of Hudson Valley Hospice will call your home to find out if you and anyone living in your home has any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
• The use of facemasks is crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings, including at home or in a health care facility. Hospice staff will be utilizing masks when making visits.
• We are utilizing our telehospice program to facilitate virtual visits by our nursing staff, social workers, chaplains, grief and bereavement staff, chaplains and music therapists. Telehospice allows our nurses, social workers and other clinical staff to see you in real time to provide assessment and support. With telehospice your nurse can communicate remotely with our patients and caregivers. “Hands-on” visits are by no means replaced. Customary communication and comfort provided in-person are merely assisted by the immediate remote visualization provided by telehospice.
• All Hudson Valley Hospice patient care staff
  • have been trained on and follow Department of Health infection control practices
  • adhere to strict hand hygiene practices
  • carry protective equipment for use, when necessary
• We have increased signage at our offices and are limiting visitors.
• We are asking all staff to stay home if they are sick with fever, cough, or shortness of breath and to notify their supervisor immediately.

You can take steps to protect yourself and others:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home, we can’t say this enough.
• If you think you may have been exposed to the virus or are sick, please contact your doctor and let us know immediately.
• Cover your cough or sneeze in your elbow or with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe that contains bleach.
• Facemasks should be used when out in public to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
• Notify your primary care physician immediately if you develop fever, cough, or shortness of breath.