Dear Patients, Families and Professional Partners,

I would like to take a moment to update you on how we are working to protect your loved ones and our staff during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We hold you, your loved ones, and those caring for the patients as our highest priority. Capstone Hospice is monitoring closely all updates and guidance regarding precautions from the CDC and World Health Organization. We are keeping open lines of communication with the facilities where we serve and continuing to be prepared should any patients or staff become infected. If it becomes necessary for us to utilize alternatives, such as telephonic triage techniques to minimize our exposure to your loved ones, we will notify you of such. Some facilities may only allow clinical staff into the facilities, thus ancillary staff (i.e. social work, chaplain, volunteers) may not be available face to face.

Currently, we are closely monitoring the health of all our staff and patients. Our staff will be checked daily and anyone with a fever or any flu-like symptoms will be instructed to stay home. We are requiring the following:

• All employees will demonstrate good hand washing hygiene, i.e. frequent, thorough hand washing with soap and water, or use of hand sanitizer when washing is not feasible
• Cleaning and sanitizing of all equipment with acceptable disinfectant wipes
• Staff not providing in-person interactions with clients when ill
• Social distancing, including limiting contact with others unless necessary

Please be assured that despite the limitations placed on care settings and facilities, our team is working collaboratively to ensure that our staff can continue to meet the needs of our patients.

If your loved one demonstrates any symptoms of concern, we may request that they wear a mask when we are caring for them. Below are some guidelines for managing prevention techniques in the home.

Thank you for trusting us to care for your loved ones and residents in this challenging time. Our utmost goal will be our patient’s comfort – physically, as well as emotionally. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us by phone.

Sincerely,

Hugh Henderson,
CEO Capstone Hospice