Dealing with COVID-19 Anxieties

These are trying times for everyone; especially for our patients and their families. The anxieties of COVID-19 are surrounding all of us everyday, in the newspapers, on the Internet and on the news.

The best place for seniors to be is at home; even if they call a nursing facility their home. We see on the news how Americans are thinking of creative ways to be able to continue to see their loved ones that reside at nursing homes. According to CDC Guidelines, older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness (National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases).

HOPE Hospice is taking all of the CDC recommendations and precautions necessary to prevent viral transmission to ensure all of our patient’s and their family's safety. HOPE Hospice always follows the highest level of CDC sanitation guidelines and we have since enhanced these measures in order to protect our staff, patients and the community.

All staff have received additional training regarding COVID-19, infection control techniques, and proper use of personal protective equipment. We have also initiated an “Active Monitoring Schedule” for all staff members to ensure that our responsibility towards your scheduled visit starts long before the clinician arrives at your home. HOPE Hospice is actively and consistently self-monitoring for any questionable symptoms.

HOPE Hospice is here for all of your needs during this time. If there are any questions or concerns at all, please do not hesitate to reach out to our hospice at 847-803-0400. Although, we assure you that we are taking the highest precautions necessary to keep everyone safe, if you feel the need to reschedule an appointment, please let us know.

There are various ways to deal with the anxieties of COVID-19. Coping with stress will help you, your families and communities feel stronger. It is not easy not being able to visit your favorite places right now or visit your family members that do not live with you but there are some ways to combat that stress and anxiety you are feeling.

Some ways to cope with the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic include:

Taking breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories; hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be overwhelming
Take care of your body
Take deep breaths, stretch, meditate
Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals
Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep
Make time to unwind
Connect with others
With today’s technology, we are able to connect with family and friends virtually!