As we all know, COVID-19 is profound and unprecedented. And while many may simply experience the surrealism and inconvenience of this time, many others will experience the virus directly.
Given what we know about the potency and pace of coronavirus, and given the weight of the news and statistics we are all seeing all around us, RVNAhealth has two immediate recommendations, important for all, but especially those in high-risk categories.
1. Stay home and strictly adhere to recommended health practices including hand-washing; social distancing; and other key health practices. This is not new information, but continues to be critical.
2. Prepare or review your Advance Care Plan. Advance Care Planningis a process through which individuals make plans for their future health care. An Advance Care Plan provides direction to health care workers when a person is not able to make or communicate their own choices, and enables family and friends to follow a loved one's wishes without the burden of trying to figure out what they are.
RVNAhealth is now offering Advance Care Planning support to all community members – free of charge. The help will be conducted via tele-health methods and will include the facilitation of discussion on such topics as wishes for care, COVID-19-specific conditions; benefits vs. burdens of particular decisions and more.
“Advance Care Planning is a true gift to oneself and to one’s family,” says Keri Linardi, RN, BSN, PHN, CHPCA, Chief Clinical Officer at RVNAhealth. “It allows clarity in health care decision making prior to crises in health, and it gives families or decision makers one last opportunity to honor their loved ones' wishes."
While RVNAhealth encourages Advance Care Planning year round, for all ages, now – with extra time at home and when COVID-19 is so active in our communities – is a very good time to take care of this.
Consultations will be conducted by key members of the RVNAhealth ComfortWELL team including Kaye Hale, MD, Hospice Associate Medical Director; Cindy Merritt, LCSW, Hospice Social Worker; Jessica Lewis, LCSW, Hospice Social Worker, and Niamh Van Mienes, APRN.
We truly hope you will take advantage of this service.
