Literature Review

Affirming healthcare experiences among older Black-and White-identifying gay men living with serious illness: A qualitative study in the Deep SouthAmerican Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care; by Korijna Valenti, Michael Barnett, Stacy Smallwood, Ronit Elk; 10/25Older gay men living with serious illness often face challenges related to identity, disclosure, and relational recognition in healthcare settings [and] these challenges are particularly acute in the Deep South, where affirming care remains inconsistent, and disparities persist. Three main themes were identified [in this study]: (1) Experiences of Inclusion and Visibility, (2) Positive Communication, and (3) Sharing Sexuality and Effect on Care. Clear communication, honesty, and opportunities to ask questions were critical in navigating medical decisions. Discussions of sexual orientation were context-dependent and often shaped by perceptions of safety. Recognition of chosen family members, particularly partners, was central to participants' sense of dignity and affirmation in care.

Live discharges of patients in hospice home settings-Relief or grief: A narrative studyThe American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care; by Jacek T Soroka, Amanda L Paulson-Blom, Alla Blotsky, Jennifer L Derrick, Margaret T Mudroch; 10/25Approximately 20% of hospice patients in the US are discharged alive, often due to Medicare regulations. One of the caregivers described discharge as distressing and poorly coordinated; the other reported a positive experience shaped by prior knowledge and financial resources. Both emphasized the importance of clear communication, care planning (eg, to avoid loss of durable medical equipment), and interdisciplinary support. Live hospice discharge can cause emotional and practical disruption, especially when not accompanied by a care transition plan or access to durable medical equipment. This study highlights the need for team-based communication, sensitivity in language, and continued support. Assistant Editor's note: There can be immense ambivalence among patients and loved ones when one is discharged alive from hospice. Usually, these patients have been with hospice for many months or even years. Perhaps the discharge is viewed as good news-even GREAT news(!) that the patient has "graduated" from hospice. Maybe loved ones will throw a graduation party(!) as it means that the patient is no longer terminally ill (as defined by hospice regulations). On the other hand, some patients/loved ones can become very distraught, wondering how they will get along without having a nurse to call in the middle of the night, without their beloved aide who brightens their day with the TLC of the bath-hair-nail care, and without the support and guidance of their social worker and/or chaplain. Some patients/loved ones will feel angry and abandoned. Best practices dictate that hospices be proactive in discharge planning when the health of their long length-of-stay patients hits a plateau; discharge should never come as a surprise. There should be frequent and ongoing discussions with the patient/loved ones about the potential for live discharge. Discharge planning needs to include: how the patient will get their DME/medical supplies/medications?, who does the loved one call in the middle of the night if there is a medical crisis?, who can provide tangible support and spiritual guidance (if desired)?, and can palliative care ease the transition once hospice has discharged?

Bridging care and support: Social services in hospicePalliative Care and Social Practice; by M. Courtney Hughes, Erin Vernon, Magdalena McKeon, Michelle L. Foster; 10/25 We recently surveyed informal caregivers of hospice patients nationwide who were currently caring for a hospice patient or had cared for one within the prior 2 years about the types of social services they found valuable... [Most frequently mentioned social service categories included: counseling and support groups, personal care assistance, and meals.] The above survey findings and our experience in conducting studies with informal caregivers of hospice patients over the last decade highlight the vital role a variety of social services play as hospice patients and their families navigate the emotional, practical, and logistical challenges that accompany end-of-life care. Services such as counseling, care coordination, resource navigation, and support groups help families cope with the stress, grief, and uncertainty that often arise during this time. Social workers and related professionals provide a bridge between the clinical team and the family, ensuring that the patient’s needs are met while also addressing the well-being of informal caregivers. This holistic approach helps families feel supported as they make decisions that honor their loved one’s wishes.Publisher's note: This article is a result of a survey promoted earlier this year in Hospice & Palliative Care Today, and other sources. Thank you to all who participated!

[UK] Adopting the lens of the COM-B behaviour change model to qualitatively explore and understand public health implications of young adults' attitudes towards death-talkBMC Public Health; by Catrin Morgan-Duggan, Joanna Brooks, Lisa Graham-Wisener, Christine Rowland; 10/25The topic of death and dying holds universal significance, yet societal norms often discourage open discussions, leading to a culture of death-denial. The analysis revealed four key themes which collectively illustrate the complex interplay between individual attitudes and broader cultural influences in shaping how young adults perceive and discuss death and dying. The themes highlighted how internal and external factors affect the ability and willingness of young adults to engage in meaningful discussions about death. Factors such as social stigma, fear of causing distress, and a lack of communication skills were identified as significant barriers. Conversely, the recognition of the importance of death-talk, personal experiences with bereavement, and a supportive social environment were found to facilitate these discussions.

Kalos Health shutters amid Medicaid changes Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 10/29/25 Kalos Health Inc. is closing amid changes to Medicaid reimbursement. The change could challenge access to home-based services for chronically ill adults in western New York. The nonprofit provided health insurance coverage across six counties in New York through a Medicaid managed long-term care (MLTC) plan. Since 2014, the plan has coordinated with regional health care providers to serve adults with chronic illness and health disabilities. Kalos Health is part of The Hospice and Palliative Care Group (HPCG), an organization that provides administrative services. Other providers in the group include Niagara Hospice, Liberty Home Care, Hospice of Orleans and The Niagara Hospice Alliance.  

Palliative care legislation exploding at state level, but policy gaps remain, study reveals McKnights Home Care: by Adam Healy; 10/27/25 States are becoming increasingly focused on palliative care. Since 2009, the number of palliative care-related bills introduced at the state level has grown at a rapid pace, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open. ... Of the 819 bills introduced between 2009 and 2023, roughly 30% were eventually passed into law. ... Bills related to palliative care quality and public awareness bills were the most likely to pass, it found. Meanwhile, relatively few bills governing palliative care workforce, clinical skill building and patient rights passed during the study period.

Coming soon: VITAS Healthcare Hospice care in Pinellas County South Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report; by cfelixcpa; 10/29/25 Beginning Nov. 3, residents of Pinellas County will have improved access to quality end-of-life care through VITAS Healthcare, ... VITAS will accept hospice-eligible referrals for patients in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs and surrounding communities. According to research, only 61% of Medicare decedents in Florida access the Medicare Hospice Benefit—meaning many patients and families miss out on the medical, emotional and spiritual support available near the end of life.

Four nurses in two weeks assaulted at Essentia Hospitals: Nurses say violence is a consequence of unsafe staffing and inaction Minnesota Nurses Association, Brainer, MN; Press Release; 10/28/25Nurses with the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) are once again outraged and deeply concerned after two more violent assaults on nurses at Essentia Health. A nurse at Essentia Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd was attacked by a patient last Thursday, followed by another assault at the same facility over the weekend. The latest incidents come less than two weeks after two nurses were injured at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. Four nurses assaulted in under two weeks reflects a dangerous pattern in Essentia facilities—one that nurses have been warning about for years.Editor's Note: Continue reading for preventable actions and red flags, "True safety comes from care-based prevention." These were hospital settings; the home care settings your staff and volunteers enter provide much higher risks with less control. Ask your direct care staff for examples of professional situations that were unsafe. Office-based leaders, you might be surprised. Examine your workplace violence policies, procedures, trainings, incident reporting, and follow-up.

Learning to love fax again, courtesy of AI Forbes - Innovation; by Jeffrey Sullivan; 10/29/25 ... While other industries have moved on to less secure email and messaging platforms, fax still reigns supreme in healthcare. In fact, a majority of healthcare organizations still lean on fax as a primary source of communication, according to a recent survey ... The problem is that while fax is still healthcare’s go-to for sending and receiving information, many organizations haven’t updated their fax processes to adapt to current healthcare workflows that prioritize digital tools like EMRs and patient portals over traditional paper-centric practices.

November healthcare observances

Executive Personnel Changes - 10/31/25

Emergency preparedness efforts prevented deaths, serious injuries in massive fire, senior living operator saysMcKnight's Senior Living; by Kimberly Bonvissuto; 10/28/25A massive Friday night fire at a Michigan senior living community displaced 87 residents and staff members, but no serious injuries or deaths were reported thanks to emergency preparedness measures, according to the operator. Multiple fire departments responded to the blaze at American House Southgate in suburban Detroit... In an update provided to McKnight’s Senior Living by American House on Saturday, the company said that staff members and residents reacted quickly and efficiently. “Following their practiced fire drills, the team members and residents evacuated the building without incident,” the statement said, adding that the building’s fire systems all deployed as designed.