Hospice care is for people who have serious and advanced medical conditions with a life expectancy of six months or less and who want to focus on comfort and quality of life during the time that remains. It typically involves close contact between providers and patients and their families and caregivers. Since the pandemic, the recommendation to remain physically distant to “flatten the curve” and reduce the spread of the virus mean some aspects of hospice care, including touching, may be modified.

Most hospice care in the United States is provided at home, where patients are enrolled by a nurse from a hospice agency after being referred by their physician. An interdisciplinary team of providers may include nurses, physicians, social workers, chaplains, aides, and volunteers who visit periodically to offer care and support to patients and their caregivers. During the pandemic, most agencies continue to provide this patient- and family-centric care with some important changes designed to reduce the risk of exposure to all involved—patients, families, and hospice staff.

In-person visits are conducted during enrollment or to manage any uncontrolled symptoms. Providers who visit follow the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations regarding personal protective equipment and may arrive wearing a mask, gown, and gloves. Other services such as social work, spiritual care, and art or music therapy may be offered remotely through video visits or telephone check-ins, and medications may be delivered by a local pharmacy. Hospice support staff, who are available 24 hours a day through a helpline, are skilled at managing calls and providing appropriate care. If an emergent situation arises such as a new uncontrolled symptom, the hospice team will assess how to manage the circumstances, which may involve a home visit.

Hospice services provided in nursing homes or inpatient hospice facilities may enforce new restrictions such as limiting or prohibiting visits from families or providers from other agencies. When trying to determine the best location for hospice care, be sure to ask about any policies related to COVID-19.  

Despite these necessary precautions, the interdisciplinary team, pharmacy support, and bereavement services continue to offer the compassionate care that hospice is known for.

If you are already enrolled in hospice care, you or your caregiver should contact your hospice team to inquire about any recent changes. For instance, some hospice organizations have temporarily halted their volunteer program.

If you’re looking for a hospice provider, contact the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. If you or any family members have confirmed or suspected COVID-19, inform the hospice team about your status so they can plan accordingly. If the person receiving hospice care has confirmed or suspected COVID-19, you and the hospice provider can discuss strategies for managing symptoms at home, in a hospice inpatient unit, or at a hospital.

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COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and Neurologic Disease Resource Center