Literature Review

Social worker dies from injuries suffered in San Francisco hospital stabbing attack: Police ABC News; by Bill Hutchinson; 12/7/25 A social worker, described by colleagues as "remarkable" and "compassionate," has died from stab wounds she suffered when a patient armed with a steak knife allegedly attacked her inside a San Francisco hospital, according to authorities. The victim, whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead on Saturday, two days after she was stabbed repeatedly inside Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, according to the San Francisco Sheriff's Office. The victim was described by the sheriff's office as a 51-year-old University of California, San Francisco, social worker. 

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. ~ Steve Jobs

Hospitalization experiences among nursing home residents with dementiaJournal of the American Medical Directors Association; by Jordan M Alpert, Jeffrey D Kovach, Nicholas J Casacchia, David Harris, Ardeshir Hashmi, Luke Dogyun Kim, Silvia Perez-Protto, Matthew A Pappas, Michael B Rothberg; 12/5/25Hospital admissions among nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) are burdensome, expensive, and provide limited clinical benefit. ... Conclusions and implications: Patients undergoing hospital admission suffered distressing experiences, but most patients did not have do-not-resuscitate orders, and referrals to hospice and palliative care were rare. Patients and their family members should be informed about the hospital experience before admission and offered appropriate care services.

MedPAC to recommend 7% cut to 2027 home health payment rate Home Health Care News; by Morgan Gonzales; 12/8/25 Just over a week after home health providers were hit with the announcement that their 2026 Medicare payment rates would be reduced by a 1.3% aggregate cut, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) agreed to recommend a significantly more drastic cut for the following year. On Friday, MedPAC released a draft report recommending that Congress reduce the Medicare base payment rate for home health care services for calendar year 2027 by 7%. 

Combos Marathon and Half Marathon organizers provide $15,000 to support hospice The Albany Herald, Albany, NY; by Alan Mauldin; 12/25/25 In its 20th year, and fourth with the Combos branding, Albany’s annual marathon still has its eyes on the finish line: providing support for the mission of hospice care. Each year the 26.1-mile event winds its way through the city ... On Wednesday, the marathon board and host Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau presented a $15,000 check to the center, which provides specialized end-of-life care for terminally ill patients. ... Also on hand was Albany oncologist Dr. Jose Tongal, one of the founders of what has become an annual tradition that brings people from all over the world to Albany.

Poinsettias bring Christmas cheer and funds for hospice The Times-News; by Tommy Murphy; 12/4/25 This week, thousands of red and green poinsettias have been hand-delivered to folks across Troup County and beyond as part of a fundraiser for Wellstar West Georgia Hospice. ... This is the 36th annual poinsettia fundraiser held by West Georgia Hospice. It’s their second-largest fundraiser of the year behind their annual Ely Callaway Golf Tournament, said Sandy Melton, volunteer coordinator for West Georgia Hospice. ... This year, they’re delivering around 3,800 poinsettias.

Bristol Hospice expands into Alabama with acquisition of DaySpring Hospice offices Bristol Hospice; New Locations; 12/3/25 Bristol Hospice is pleased to announce the acquisition of three DaySpring Hospice offices in Alabama, located in Enterprise, Dothan, and Andalusia. This expansion reflects Bristol’s continued commitment to delivering exceptional, patient-centered end-of-life care. The DaySpring name carries a strong legacy of compassionate service throughout the Wiregrass region and Bristol Hospice is honored to continue that legacy for years to come.

Revelstoke Capital-Backed The Care Team acquires select assets of Traditions Health Revelstoke Capital Partners, Denver, CO; 12/4/25 Revelstoke Capital Partners (“Revelstoke”), a growth-oriented, healthcare-focused private equity firm, announced today that its portfolio company, The Care Team, has acquired select hospice and palliative care operations from Traditions Health, a Tennessee-based hospice, palliative, and home health provider with operations in 16 states. The Care Team, a hospice provider, acquired Traditions Health operations in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Virginia, complementing its existing locations in Michigan, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. 

Switzerland opens first children’s hospice in Zurich, offering respite and care for families Times.News; by Mark Thompson; 12/4/25 A new beacon of hope has opened in Fällanden, Switzerland, with the launch of the Flamingo Children’s Hospice on January 6th. The facility provides a vital refuge for seriously ill children and their families, addressing a critical gap in care within the canton of Zurich and beyond.

CHAP celebrates 60 years in home-based care Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP); email and website; 12/5/25 This year, CHAP marked a milestone that speaks volumes about our legacy and our future: our Diamond Jubilee. Sixty years of progress, partnership, and innovation came to life as our incredible team gathered to celebrate not just an anniversary, but the people who make our mission possible every day. It was a moment to honor the tradition that began in 1965 and continues to shape home-based care across the nation; a tradition built on excellence, compassion, and a shared commitment to the providers we serve. As we reflected on six decades of impact, the celebration reminded us of something even more powerful: the strength of our present and the promise of what’s next.Editor's Note: Hospice & Palliative Care Today celebrates CHAP immeasureable contributions to improving patient / caregiver / family care, staff education and standards, organizational systems, and more!

LAVNS appoints Ruben Vasquez as its executive director Daily Post, Los Alamos County, NM; 12/4/25 Los Alamos Visiting Nurse Service, Inc. (LAVNS), “the community’s trusted not-for-profit partner in home health and hospice care since 1973”, has announced the appointment of Ruben A. Vasquez as executive director. This leadership transition marks the beginning of a revitalized strategic chapter for LAVNS as it heads into 2026, focused on strengthening its workforce, modernizing operations, and reaffirming its commitment to the community it has served for more than five decades. 

Local hospice offers support for grieving families on Thanksgiving ABC News 7, Amarillo, TX; by Aby Molina; 11/27/25 As families gather for Thanksgiving, the holiday can be particularly painful for those who have lost a loved one. BSA Hospice of the Southwest is offering a place for empathy and a Thanksgiving gathering to support those in mourning. ... BSA Hospice has hosted this event for several years, providing extra support during this time of year. Lindsey Wyatt, bereavement coordinator at BSA Hospice, expressed excitement about hosting the event. "We're just really excited to host, to provide an opportunity and a warm, safe place for people to fellowship and come together who have experienced that loss. ... "

Memorial bricks at William Childs Hospice House pave way for comfort, community and healing Space Coast Daily, Palm Bay, FL; by Space Coast Daily; 11/29/25 Under a beautiful November sky, more than 200 family members and friends gathered on a recent Saturday morning in front of the Butterfly Garden, nestled on the grounds of the William Childs Hospice House. Attendees joined the Health First Foundation’s annual Brick Paver Dedication Ceremony, a heartfelt tradition held each November during National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. ... One such brick was in honor of Arthur “Lou” Larmay, 94, who passed in July while in Hospice care. During his final weeks, Lou was commended by Hospice with a ceremony honoring his military service – and his days as a jazz musician. Gathering in the garden after his passing was just what his mourning loved ones needed.