As we endure COVID-19, the health and well-being of our patients, families and providers remain our highest priority. We continue to provide support for hospice and palliative care, grief support and education in a clean, safe environment, while following necessary protocols and staying up to date with the latest information.
For more information about hospice are during COVID-19, please call (717) 732-1000 or submit a message.
A Message for HCP Patients and Caregivers Regarding COVID-19
At HCP, we are monitoring the CDC’s website to stay current on new information and continue to be in regular contact with our local health department and hospitals. We are prepared to take appropriate action to address potential COVID-19 cases and mitigate transmission including screening, treatment and transfer to a higher level care when appropriate.
We continue to take proactive steps to help prevent transmission of infection that include, but are not limited to,
- Limited face-to-face interactions. All team meetings, including huddle and administrative meetings, continue to be conducted remotely by conference call. Our administrative and office-based staff are encouraged to interact through phone calling, texting or email communications.
- Limited visitation to the HCP office and Carolyn’s House. Visitors are asked to complete a questionnaire, and any visitor with a temperature greater than 100.4 will not be permitted to enter. Our hospice residence, Carolyn’s House, will continue limiting visitors to immediate family, hospice care staff and faith leaders only.
- Field staff will not be authorized to enter the HCP office unless necessary. If entrance to the office is needed, all staff will continue to complete a questionnaire and provide information before travel outside of central Pennsylvania.
- All staff will continue to follow COVID-19 CDC hygiene protocols.
- Washing and sanitizing hands
- Coughing and sneezing into a tissue or elbow, washing and sanitizing hands immediately afterward
- Avoiding unnecessary physical contact such as hugs and handshakes
- Staying home when feeling unwell
- Screening patients and caregivers to minimize exposure
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COVID-19 and Hospice Care
- Does HCP provide masks and hand sanitizer to families who have patients in hospice care?
If a patient experiences signs of respiratory illness, masks may be provided to families if available, but are not provided to patients and caregivers who have no signs of respiratory illness. - Should I wear a mask when visiting my loved one?
There is not a need for you or your loved one to wear a mask while visiting if your loved one has no symptoms but is recommended that you follow proper hand washing and sanitizing. Please stay home and do not visit your loved one if you have symptoms. - My hospice nurse is not wearing a mask. Is this okay?
Both the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health are not currently recommending the wearing of masks during direct patient care or other routine activities. Additionally, our staff has been trained in working with patients who are critically ill and who may have compromised immune systems. - Will HCP offer COVID-19 tests to patients?
HCP is not testing patients for coronavirus at this time; however, if a patient meets certain criteria, coronavirus may be suspected. If this is the case, HCP staff will notify the Pennsylvania Department of Health and follow their instructions. - Is HCP screening patients for COVID-19?
HCP is following CDC recommendations to screen patients who present with fever and lower respiratory illness. - What should I do if my loved one in hospice care develops a fever and symptoms of lower respiratory illness?
Report the condition to HCP immediately by calling (717) 732-1000. - I want to transfer my loved one to a hospital, E.R., urgent care center, or doctor’s office—what should I do?
Call HCP at (717) 732-1000 before calling 911. - Can I visit my loved one who is a patient at Carolyn’s House?
Yes, immediate family members may visit. All visitors are being screened upon arrival including a questionnaire and your temperature will be taken. HCP reserves the right to deny entrance to any staff or visitor whom we feel will pose a health risk to those in our care. - Can I visit with my loved one who is in a nursing home?
Visitors to patients in nursing homes, retirement communities, and assisted living facilities will be subject to the visitation guidelines put in place by those facilities. Please call them first, before you visit, if you are unsure of their guidelines.