Literature Review
Senior living and care leads healthcare bankruptcies again in first quarter
06/12/25 at 02:05 AMSenior living and care leads healthcare bankruptcies again in first quarterMcKnight’s Senior Living; by Kathleen Steele Gaivin; 6/3/25Senior living and care bankruptcies hit a two-year high in the first quarter, increasing to seven from three in the fourth quarter of 2024. That’s the highest quarterly increase in two years, according to a new report from healthcare restructuring advisory firm Gibbins Advisors. Senior living and care bankruptcies accounted for more than 40% of total healthcare filings, according to the report. [Related]
The healthcare customer of the future, with Marcus R. Escobedo
06/12/25 at 02:00 AMThe healthcare customer of the future, with Marcus R. EscobedoTeleios Collaborative Network (TCN); video/podcast by Chris Comeaux with Marcus R. Escobedo; 6/11/25 In this episode of TCNtalks, Marcus Escobedo, Vice President of Communications at the John A. Hartford Foundation, joins Chris Comeaux to discuss the future of healthcare for aging populations. Marcus shares how the Foundation’s Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative transforms care for older adults through the evidence-based 4Ms framework: focusing on what matters to older adults, medication management, cognitive health, and mobility. The conversation dives into the impact of ageism in healthcare and the importance of reshaping language and practices to serve older adults better.
National Alliance: Proposed 2.4% hospice payment update would create shortfall
06/12/25 at 02:00 AMNational Alliance: Proposed 2.4% hospice payment update would create shortfall Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 6/11/25 The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposed 2.4% hospice base rate increase is woefully inadequate, and new physician attestation requirements may place undue burdens on providers, according to comments from the National Alliance for Care at Home. The Alliance on Tuesday released its public comments on the 2026 hospice payment rule, which stated that the proposed increase will not adequately cover hospices’ rising costs for supplies, labor, travel and other expenses.
New report details ongoing staffing shortages in Iowa nursing homes
06/12/25 at 02:00 AMNew report details ongoing staffing shortages in Iowa nursing homesIowa Capital Dispatch; by Clark Kauffman; 6/5/25The latest analysis of federal data on nursing home staffing shows the overwhelming majority of nursing homes in Iowa and the United States are operating with less than the recommended staff to meet residents’ needs.
Bayada lays off 10% of headquarters staff, citing reimbursement challenges
06/11/25 at 03:30 AMBayada lays off 10% of headquarters staff, citing reimbursement challenges Home Health Care News; by Joyce Famakinwa; 6/9/25 Bayada Home Health Care — one of the largest U.S. providers of home-based care — has reduced its headquarters staff by 10%, or roughly 100 jobs. The company stated that the layoffs are the result of operating in a difficult reimbursement environment. “While Bayada is stable, strong and growing, we operate in a challenging environment where the costs of providing care are growing faster than the ability of governments and insurance companies to pay for that care,” the company said in a statement. ... Bayada provides home health, home care, hospice and behavioral health care services in 23 states, as well as in several other countries.
2,200 Walk to Remember those who have passed away
06/11/25 at 03:30 AM2,200 Walk to Remember those who have passed away Cleveland Jewish News; by Kirsten Beard; 6/9/25 About 2,200 people attended the 14th annual Walk to Remember with the Hospice of the Western Reserve on June 8 at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. This event offered a meaningful way to celebrate life, to honor the memory of loved ones and support care that brings comfort and dignity for those facing serious illness. “The Hospice Walk to Remember is both our most important fundraiser of the year, but it’s also a really important time for families to come together and remember their loved ones that aren’t with us anymore, ...” Bill Finn, president and CEO of Hospice of the Western Reserve in Cleveland, told the Cleveland Jewish News. Gary Isakov, board member of Hospice Western Reserve, told the CJN while this is a fundraising event, it’s more about “bringing people together.”
Caring for Gladine: A Las Cruces man's account of caregiving for his wife with dementia
06/11/25 at 03:00 AMCaring for Gladine: A Las Cruces man's account of caregiving for his wife with dementia Las Cruces Sun News; by Leah Romero; 6/10/25 When Gladine Lindly was diagnosed with dementia in 2018, she and her husband Steve Gaskell decided to manage at home. But as Lindly’s dementia progressed, Gaskell quickly realized he needed help taking care of her. ... “She said, ‘I want you to be my caregiver. ... I don’t want to go into a home or facility,’” Glaskell recalled. “I proceeded to walk into the doors of Home Instead to apply for a job because I wanted to learn how to be a caregiver. Never done anything like that before.” ... By September 2024, Lindly ... was placed on hospice care. By December, the hospice nurse told Gaskell it was time for family and friends to start saying their goodbyes. ... [Gaskell described her death,] "And it was as peaceful as you can imagine. And that was…this sounds crazy to say, but that was probably the easiest part of the whole process.” Lindly passed on Jan. 7, 2025 at the age of 77. [Go to the source article for more of this inspiring story about caregiving through dementia.]
Hospice Brazos Valley launches ‘Christmas in July’ wreath campaign
06/11/25 at 03:00 AMHospice Brazos Valley launches ‘Christmas in July’ wreath campaign Victoria Advocate, Victoria, TX; by Nick Irene; 6/9/25 Hospice Brazos Valley is bringing holiday cheer a little early this year with its first-ever “Christmas in July” fundraising campaign, aimed at raising money to support its nonprofit mission of providing free end-of-life care. ... “We gave away over $250,000 in free care last year,” [Coleen Broussard, Hospice Brazos Valley’s director of donor relations and special events] said. “Whether it’s the last hours, days or months, we make sure families are cared for without ever worrying about a bill. That’s only possible because of fundraising efforts like this.” The “Christmas in July” campaign offers three types of Christmas wreaths for preorder. Prices vary depending on the item and the purchase date, with early orders in July costing less than those made in October. All wreaths can be picked up at either the Brenham or La Grange office closer to the holiday season.
From hospital to home: Mastering transitions of care and preventing re-hospitalizations
06/11/25 at 03:00 AMFrom hospital to home: Mastering transitions of care and preventing re-hospitalizations Mayo Clinic; by Mayo Clinic Press Editors; 6/3/25 Physically moving from one healthcare setting to another — whether it be from the hospital to rehab, or rehab to nursing home — can be a complicated process, both logistically and emotionally. And in the midst of all of that hubbub, it can sometimes be hard for the person in the center of it all to feel like they’re properly being heard. On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Maria De la Garza talks about the commonality of communication errors between health providers during care transitions, the importance of caregivers and loved ones in the process, a how to center the patient and their wishes in their care.
Colorado exemplifies how to build upon paid leave progress to meet families’ evolving needs
06/11/25 at 03:00 AMColorado exemplifies how to build opon paid leave progress to meet families’ evolving needs A Better Balance; 6/3/25 Colorado continues to pave the way for strong work-family protections by modeling how these policies can be expanded to meet families' needs. This spring, Colorado expanded the state’s paid family and medical leave program (the FAMLI Act, which our Colorado Office helped write and pass) to include an additional 12 weeks of paid leave for parents with a baby in the neonatal intensive care unit. Governor Polis signed the bill into law on Friday, May 30th, and Colorado workers with a child in the NICU will be able to take additional leave under the expansion beginning on or after January 1, 2026. ... For parents with children in the NICU, additional time off work to remain present can be a lifeline during a stressful time.Editor's note: As we know, the fragile and uncertain health of an infant in a neonatal intensive care unit can, heartbreakingly, lead to death. This—one of the most devastating forms of loss—often leaves parents to grieve in silence, their sorrow compounded by the experience of disenfranchised grief. While family and friends care deeply, they frequently falter in their efforts to provide meaningful support. Though it has been more than two decades since I served on the Pediatric Team at Hospice & Palliative Care of Louisville—only four years in total—my memories remain vivid. The emotions expressed by mothers and fathers, grandparents and siblings still rise easily to the surface, reminding me how enduring and raw such losses can be. Bravo ti Colorado's FAMLI Act. May more states follow their lead.
Revolutionizing health in South Florida: The benefits of IV therapy and inclusive hospice care
06/11/25 at 03:00 AMRevolutionizing health in South Florida: The benefits of IV therapy and inclusive hospice care South Florida Reporter; by southfloridareporter.com; 6/8/25 ... South Florida is known for its multicultural population, making the expansion of hospice care to diverse groups particularly significant. Traditionally, certain cultural or community groups may have had hesitations or lacked access to hospice care due to language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, or lack of awareness. Increasingly, hospice organizations are focusing on outreach and education within these communities, breaking down barriers and encouraging patients and families to consider hospice as a valuable option for quality end-of-life care.
[Wales] 'Breaking point' as people in last 12 months of life occupy 'almost a fifth of Welsh hospital beds'
06/11/25 at 03:00 AM[Wales] 'Breaking point' as people in last 12 months of life occupy 'almost a fifth of Welsh hospital beds' Sky News; 6/3/25 People in the last 12 months of their life occupy "almost a fifth of Welsh hospital beds", according to a end of life care charity. Marie Curie Cymru says end of life care in Wales is "at breaking point" and is calling on the next Welsh government to ensure high-quality care. The charity says that, for many, support could be better provided at home or close to home, as it launched its manifesto for next year's Senedd election at Cardiff Bay's Norwegian Church on Tuesday. Gareth Miles died at home in Llanddarog, Carmarthenshire, in September 2023. Mr. Miles, who had Parkinson's disease, had spent 10 weeks in hospital before his last week.
Today's Encouragement: I'm curious about ...
06/11/25 at 03:00 AMI'm curious about everything. Even subjects that don't interest me. ~ Alex Trebek
[New York] State Senate passes Medical Aid in Dying Act, bill heads to governor’s desk
06/11/25 at 03:00 AM[New York] State Senate passes Medical Aid in Dying Act, bill heads to governor’s desk Finger Lakes Daily News; by Lucas Day; 6/10/25 The New York State Senate passed the Medical Aid in Dying Act late Monday night, paving the way for New York to become the 11th state in the nation to legalize medical aid in dying. The vote followed hours of contentious debate and passed largely along party lines, 35-27. Six Democrats broke ranks to oppose the measure. The State Assembly had already approved the legislation in April by a vote of 81-67, meaning the bill now heads to Governor Kathy Hochul, who has the final say on whether it becomes law.
20 tools to stay organized and prevent leadership burnout
06/11/25 at 03:00 AM20 tools to stay organized and prevent leadership burnout Forbes; by Expert Panel for Forbes Business Council; 6/3/25 ... 20 Forbes Business Council members each share one tool or habit they recommend leaders adopt to stay organized and prevent burnout as a leader.
7 browser extension rules every organization should follow to stay secure
06/11/25 at 03:00 AM7 browser extension rules every organization should follow to stay secure PI - Programming Insider; by Mar Berman; 6/9/25 Browser extensions have become essential for workplace productivity. Yet, they pose serious security risks that many organizations ignore. These small programs can access sensitive data, alter web content, and create openings for cyberattacks. ... This article presents seven important rules for organizations to manage risks effectively. Whether you work in IT or lead a team, these steps keep your network safe and easy to use. ...
Longtime Fargo-based hospice service has new name
06/11/25 at 03:00 AMLongtime Fargo-based hospice service has new name Fargo Forum, Fargo, ND; Press Release; 6/9/25 Hospice of the Red River Valley, which has had a presence in the region for decades, is now called HIA Hospice. Editor's note: The rest of this article is behind a paywall. Click here for more from HIA Health's website.
Sacramento hospice for terminally ill homeless people to open after decade-long effort
06/11/25 at 02:00 AMSacramento hospice for terminally ill homeless people to open after decade-long effort Sacramento Business Journal; by Chris Campbell; 6/9/25 A new hospice facility in Sacramento will open its doors to terminally ill homeless people on June 18. Joshua's House Hospice ... will provide end-of-life care for up to 15 residents. The project, a decade in the making, was funded by more than $3.5 million in contributions from individual donors, local foundations, the city of Sacramento and Sacramento County. "This project began with simple but profound conversations I had with people living on the streets," said Marlene Von Fredericks-Fitzwater, founder and CEO of Joshua's House. "They weren't afraid of dying, they were afraid of dying alone." The facility consists of six residential units, each approximately 670 square feet ...
5 real world lessons from using AI to transform legacy software
06/11/25 at 02:00 AM5 real world lessons from using AI to transform legacy software Forbes - Innovation; by Muamer Cisija; 6/10/25 AI is not the future—it is already shaping our present. According to a recent Forbes survey, AI and machine learning represent the top tech spending area in 2025, capturing 42% of IT budgets. Moreover, an NTT survey conducted by WSJ Intelligence shows that 89% of global CEOs consider AI crucial for future profitability. ... Drawing from real-world use cases I've seen across sectors, here are five critical lessons for applying AI to transform legacy software and unlock growth.
Surviving grief: A guide for older Coloradans, or anyone, experiencing loss
06/10/25 at 03:00 AMSurviving grief: A guide for older Coloradans, or anyone, experiencing loss CPR News; by Nell London; 6/8/25 ... “Grief really is a universal experience,” said Jenn Flaum, executive director of the HeartLight Center, a Colorado nonprofit that provides grief support and education. Grief afflicts people at every age, but the longer you live, the more likely you will find yourself facing this powerful emotion. Indeed, many older people can feel under siege. ... Here are takeaways ... :
Implementing palliative care in nursing homes: A podcast with Connie Cole, Kathleen Unroe, and Cari Levy
06/10/25 at 03:00 AMImplementing palliative care in nursing homes: A podcast with Connie Cole, Kathleen Unroe, and Cari Levy GeriPal; podcast by Connie Cole, Kathleen Unroe and Cari Levy; 6/5/25 Consider this: the majority of the 1.4 million adults residing in U.S. nursing homes grapple with serious illnesses, and roughly half experience dementia. Many also suffer from distressing symptoms like pain. In addition, about 25% of all deaths in the United States occur within these facilities. Despite these substantial needs, specialized palliative care beyond hospice is rare in nursing homes. Furthermore, only about half of nursing home residents nearing the end of life receive hospice care. So, how can we improve palliative care for individuals in nursing homes? [This] podcast explores this crucial question with three leading experts: Connie Cole, Kathleen Unroe, and Cari Levy.
92-year-old veteran takes to the skies on flight down memory lane
06/10/25 at 03:00 AM92-year-old veteran takes to the skies on flight down memory lane TCPalm, part of the USA TODAY Network; by Mary Ann Ketcham, Treasure Coast Hospice; 6/8/25 At 92 years old, Korean War Air Force veteran and Treasure Coast Hospice patient Joseph Vespo recently took to the skies in a Cessna 172 airplane for a flight down memory lane. An ear-to-ear smile lit up his face as the aircraft taxied down the runway and took off from the Treasure Coast International Airport in Fort Pierce. During his time in the Air Force, Vespo monitored aircraft systems from the cockpit. ... For 40 years, he owned and flew Bonanza planes but had been unable to fly in recent years. ... "This fantastic opportunity to fly again came about because we get to know our patients and their families," said Treasure Coast Hospice Community Outreach Representative Jenny Fee. ... The Treasure Coast Hospice Veteran Care Fund and local pilot Jim Howard of Clearflight Aviation helped make his dream a reality.
SCI Waymart meets needs of aging incarcerated population by training inmates in hospice care
06/10/25 at 03:00 AMSCI Waymart meets needs of aging incarcerated population by training inmates in hospice care PBS WVIA News, NPR, Pittston, PA; by Lydia McFarlane; 6/8/25 Nurses and their inmate aides care for hospice patients. Some are bedridden, needing help with eating, changing and using the bathroom. The patients have recently signed do-not-resuscitate (DNR) forms. Some have just a few more months to live. The medium security prison's hospice unit looks like a nursing home. SCI Waymart is one of two prisons, along w ith SCI Laurel Highlands, in the Commonwealth that has a personal care unit. Waymart receives medical transfers from institutions across the state, making its population older than most of Pennsylvania’s state prisons. The average age of a Waymart inmate is 45.5, according to SCI Waymart’s superintendent, Mark Wahl. About 36% of inmates are over the age of 50, and 10% are over 65 out of a total of 1,122 as of April of this year, he said. Wahl said SCI Waymart averages one death per month.
Summerlin Hospice and Palliative Care transforms hospice care in Las Vegas with comprehensive in-home services
06/10/25 at 03:00 AMSummerlin Hospice and Palliative Care transforms hospice care in Las Vegas with comprehensive in-home services East Coastsentinel; Press Release; 6/8/25 The healthcare industry is experiencing significant advancements as Summerlin Hospice and Palliative Care announces the expansion of comprehensive services that redefine compassionate end-of-life care throughout Nevada. ... The in-home care model provides comprehensive medical oversight, including pain management, regular health assessments, and specialized medical testing, all administered by trained healthcare professionals. This approach to hospice allows families to remain together while receiving the highest quality medical attention and emotional support throughout the care process.
The two kinds of people in the world--and why it matters for leadership
06/10/25 at 03:00 AMThe two kinds of people in the world--and why it matters for leadership Fast Company; by Robert E. Siegel; 6/3/25 Hard-nosed leadership and compassionate leadership aren’t opposites. The best leaders embrace both. One provocative assertion I often make when teaching is that there are two kinds of people in the world: those who have hearts and those who don’t. ... I then share that many leaders look at changing technology and changing markets and realize that a lot of jobs in their companies will inevitably be eliminated within the next few years, and it’s not hard to predict which jobs will go away. The question is how the executives react to this realization. ... For the purposes of Systems Leadership, it doesn’t matter which type of person you are in my (admittedly reductive) shorthand. You need to invest in your people whether you have a heart or not, for at least three major reasons.