Hospice Care Vaccinations: Is It Safe to Visit?

As the pandemic and associated recommendations to stay at home and distance continue, many families have put off visits to elderly family members and loved ones in hospice and palliative care. Covid-19 has prevented people from celebrating milestone birthdays or offering the in-person, hands-on attention and support that those nearing the end of their journey would appreciate and need. News of approved vaccinations and the start of giving them out has created a renewed sense of hope that people can come together again.

Can You Now Visit People in Hospice or Palliative Care?

The answer to this important question depends not only on who was vaccinated but how frequently if they got the necessary boosters, the current states of Covid-19 in your area, and specific health and wellness concerns for the patient. For those involved with LifeChoice Hospice & Palliative Care, you should contact your care team directly to ask about your unique situation.

These considerations can help you determine if it is safe to visit now or not:

How Well Do Vaccines Work?

The existing Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are considered extremely effective in preventing the coronavirus strain’s contraction and spread. However, they are generally not as effective in people over the age of 65 or those with immune deficiencies. Since people currently in palliative care situations frequently share these characteristics, the risk of visits increases.

Vaccines also work by numbers. Not only do scientists recommend a repeated vaccination or booster shot sometime after the first one, but they also remind the public that many people do not have the vaccination yet and therefore do not contribute to herd immunity. This is why Covid cases still increase in many locations across the country and around the world.

Safety Considerations in Communal Living

Risk for viral spread is less if the person receiving hospice or palliative care stays in their own home or a single-living situation. If they are in a nursing home, hospital, or other community, the risk to other patients or residents is too high. A single introduction from a virus carrier can cause widespread health issues for many. If you decide to visit your loved one, always wear a mask, visit outside the facility, and stay socially distanced at all times.

Will a Risky Visit Make a Difference?

Even with a vaccination, visiting those with health issues carries risk. Ultimately, it is up to you, the person receiving care, and your LifeChoice Hospice & Palliative Care team to determine if a visit will have greater benefits than negative consequences. Remember that it is not only the person nearing the end of their life who were could be affected by Covid-19 in these situations. The possibility of harming the health and well-being of the nurses, aides, therapists, and other care workers involved is a very good reason not to visit at this time.

Socializing and support are important parts of creating the most positive experience possible in conjunction with help from LifeChoice Hospice & Palliative Care. However, potential risks associated with the Covid-19 pandemic must be weighed against the current vaccines’ efficacy and coverage. In the meantime, remain apart, wear masks, and use virtual tools to visit safely with loved ones and elderly family members.