Even during pandemic, program ensures no patient dies alone

WELL+BEING

Written by LAUREN LAROCCA Ensuring that no patient dies alone has become even more important for Meritus Medical Center during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people are not permitted to visit patients on-site who have been diagnosed with the virus. In January 2020, the hospital implemented the NODA program, which stands for No One Dies Alone, enlisting a group of trained volunteers to be on call to sit bedside with patients in their final hours.

The program was put on hold in March 2020, due to the pandemic, and resumed in October, only to go on hiatus again in November. Many of the volunteers are retirees who fall into the “high-risk” category for the coronavirus due to their age, said Jessica Casey, director of volunteer services at Meritus. The hospital did not want to put them at unnecessary risk by continuing the NODA program, and is basing the decision on the number of patients with COVID-19 currently in the hospital, which, as of February, was steadily dropping, making it likely that volunteers will return soon.

In the meantime, the hospital retains its commitment that no patient dies alone. Nurses and other available employees step in to be with patients as they pass away.

“Before I worked here, I was the program director for respite care with an emergency homeless shelter,” Casey said. “I saw a lot of people die alone, in not the best circumstances. At the very least, you’re in a hospital here and have a bed to pass away in, but you can still be alone in that space. Someone’s there when you’re born, and someone should be there when you’re passing on. I think it’s really important to have someone there, to pass away with dignity.”

Angela Palle, one of Meritus’ chaplains who trains NODA volunteers, concurs. She has provided end-of-life services for many patients at the hospital. She said that especially during the pandemic, when visitors aren’t permitted to be with patients, the hospital staff is like family to them.

“It’s hard to transition from this life to the next, so doing that with someone holding your hand is so important. People need that. We are social beings,” Palle said. “It tells them, no matter the circumstances, you matter. No matter what, you’re still loved. It brings so much peace to know you meant something. Your life mattered.” — Places

Photography by Colleen McGrath

This story originally was published in Thrive: A Guide to Your Health and Wellness.

NEED FOR VOLUNTEERS

Despite the program being on hold, there is a need for additional volunteers, especially young people who aren't at high risk for COVID-19 complications. For more information, contact the volunteer services office at the hospital, 301-790-8143.

Connecting Patients and Families Safely During COVID

On an average day, Lisa Seifarth arrives at Meritus Medical Center to work as a nurse on the cardiac rehabilitation unit.

Today isn’t an average day. These stopped for Lisa Nov. 13, 2020, when the unit temporarily closed due to increasing COVID-19 cases in the community.

Today, instead of working in the cardiac rehab unit, Lisa is heading into a patient’s room as a companion for virtual visits and more – a position the hospital created so patients could stay socially connected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Hi. My name is Lisa, and I’m your companion for your virtual visit,” Lisa says, as she greets a patient who is recovering from a stroke. The patient, who can no longer speak clearly, wants to see his family. Lisa pulls out an iPad and launches a Zoom video call. Within seconds, five of the patient’s family members are on the screen, waving and talking to their loved one.

To keep patients, family members and staff safe during the pandemic, Meritus Health modified and restricted its visitor policy in November 2020. As a result, most patients cannot have visitors during their hospital stay.

“We recognize that even during a pandemic, patient visits with family and friends are a vital part of the healing process,” said Melanie Heuston, chief nursing and patient care services officer. “Companions helping with virtual connections provide patients with friendly, social visits and a way to stay connected to their family and close friends.”

Lisa is one of five companions in the medical center dedicated to this new role. For six hours each day, they visit up to 75 patients. Along with facilitating Zoom calls, they help patients during meal times and provide them with everything from crossword puzzles and word searches to colored pencils and cell phone chargers.

“Some patients accept the activities and that’s all they need,” says Maurisa Barnes, the unit clerk for cardiac rehab who like Lisa, is now working as a companion. Others want companions to sit with them in silence or pray. Most just want someone to talk to.

“Sometimes we talk about their animals, their grandchildren and how some of them are really sad that they won’t get to see their new great-grandchildren because of COVID,” Maurisa says. “It’s been a rough year (2020) for everybody.”

Companion Debra Saunders, also a cardiac rehab nurse, recalls one patient who was frustrated at being in the hospital.

“Every time I would visit, she would say she’s ‘bored’ and ‘disgusted,’” Debra recalls. “Still, I kept going back, trying to be helpful to her so she knew that in her boredom, somebody is here who cares.”

Little by little, the patient warmed to Debra.

“I’ve even seen her smile,” Debra says. “If I can get a smile or create some spark … if there’s any way at all that I can make them laugh, I try to do that. If they can find something to tap into, a feeling of joy or happiness, it’s helpful for them.”

Appreciation for the visits is seen not only with the patients, but among the nurses and support staff throughout the hospital.

“It truly helps out the nursing staff that someone can sit and be with patients for companionship, talking, activities,” says Melanie. “Just a steady presence during a vulnerable time can make such a difference for everyone.”

COMPANION CARE BY THE NUMBERS

5

Number of Companion Care Staff

350

Approximate Number of Companion Care Patient Visits per week

120

Number of Companion Care Virtual Visits Facilitated with Families of Patients per month

180

Number of Hours Worked by Companion Care Staff per month

Meritus Medical Center

11116 Medical Campus Road • Hagerstown, MD 21742 301-790-8000 • Meritushealth.com