As we move into the end of this unprecedented year, COVID-19 cases continue to be on the rise throughout the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In an effort to reduce the spread, relieve the strain on hospitals and healthcare facilities, and to get Pennsylvanians through the holiday season in a safe manner before a vaccine is widely available, Governor Tom Wolf has announced additional temporary COVID-19 mitigation orders that take effect 12:01AM on December 12th, 2020 and will remain in effect until 8:00AM on January 4th, 2021.
This has been an extraordinary and unpredictable year for the healthcare industry, with healthcare employees continuing to provide exceptional care to patients all across PA. This latest order aims to limit the spread of COVID-19 to our most vulnerable populations and to relieve the strain presented on our healthcare systems.
We at Grane Hospice Care want to thank all front-line healthcare workers for their strength and dedication to the healthcare field, and to wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday season.
We do accept patients diagnosed with COVID-19 as long as they have a qualifying terminal illness with a prognosis of 6 months or less.
Should the skilled nursing facility where your loved one resides find positive cases of COVID-19 within their facility, you will be notified by the facility. The skilled nursing facility will also let you know what they are doing in response to the outbreak.
Grane Hospice is adhering to CDC guidelines and recommendations put in place by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH). Additionally, Grane Hospice is adhering to the guidelines set forth by each skilled nursing facility within which our patients reside to ensure the safety of all patients and staff. Should your loved one’s visit frequencies be modified due to COVID-19, our team will communicate any changes to the patient’s primary caregiver.
As previously mentioned, our primary focus is on our patients and staff—to ensure that all are kept safe. Precautions include following CDC guidelines, recommendations from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH), and ensuring that we appropriately utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) in situations where it is necessary. We are also continuing to monitor our patients for exposure risk and potential symptoms. Our staff are receiving regular temperature checks and are being monitored by clinical managers for any possible symptoms of COVID-19 such as cough, shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, and/or loss of smell or taste. Our staff continue to take all necessary precautions and are prepared to care for your loved one during this challenging time.
Visiting a hospice patient that resides in a skilled nursing facility may be limited or not permitted at this time. If a visitation restriction is in place where you loved one resides, our hospice team can coordinate a virtual visit or meeting using approved telecommunication applications.
Each skilled nursing facility sets their own policies and procedures. It is best to contact the facility where your loved one resides to find out when facility visitation may resume. In the meantime, Grane Hospice staff are happy to coordinate virtual visits so you can see and talk to your loved one under our care.
Hospice care is considered an essential medical service. We are continuing to provide premier hospice services to all of the communities that we serve. While restrictions are in place, visit frequencies may be impacted; however, we are working diligently to ensure that your loved one continues to receive the highest level of comfort care possible.
Caregivers at home can ensure the safety of hospice patients by practicing good hand hygiene and cleaning high-touch surface areas. If guests enter the home to see the hospice patient, we recommend they wear a mask during their visit and practice good hygiene upon entry in the home. Additionally, visitors should ensure that they do not have an elevated fever, any COVID-19 symptoms, or known exposures to individuals with the virus within the last 14 days.
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Grane Hospice Care provides Comfort for the Body, Mind, and Soul through unique, individualized and professional care plans allowing you to live comfortably in your home, surrounded by loved ones.
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