Palliative care during COVID-19

As an RN at Hospice Niagara, Mahoganie Hines is working on the frontlines during the pandemic to help those in her care have a good death, which includes efforts to ensure loved ones have a chance to say goodbye. This year, due to COVID-19, the number of people who can see their loved ones at the hospice is limited, and only designated visitors are allowed in the facility, one at a time. Hines says she and her colleagues have been helping hospice residents connect with their loved ones through videos, phone calls and window visits. “The family members that maybe aren’t their designated visitor, they can come visit at the window,” says Hines. “We’ll push the bed over to the window, so that way they can see them and that way they can hear them.” Hines has also been prioritizing comfort, including taking more time while giving residents showers and baths, and bringing them outside. “Even if they can’t get up, we can take them outside in their bed, so they can see the sunshine or smell the rain,” she says. (CTV News, May 31)