The attention of the VNAs of Vermont remains squarely focused on responding to the COVID-19 event.

Already, agencies are caring for COVID-positive individuals at home and supporting their communities in a variety of other ways, depending on the needs in each area. They are developing plans with their local hospitals to provide staff to expand capacity. They are performing blood draws, infusions and injections at home that would normally happen in the hospital. They are using their hospice expertise to provide emotional support to patients, families and staff impacted by COVID-19 in this highly stressful time.

With last week’s approval of several critical federal waivers, home health and hospice agencies have more regulatory flexibility to assist hospitals with Vermont’s expected mid-April patient surge. See the Federal section for more details.