Literature Review
New Hampshire woman’s father dies in hospice care [in fire evacuation zone] when California fires broke out
01/16/25 at 03:00 AMNew Hampshire woman’s father dies in hospice care when California fires broke out CBS News WBZ, Boston, MA / YouTube; 1/15/25 Just two hours before the fire evacuation--Merle Fetter--Barbara's husband of 64 years died in Royal Oaks Hospice Care, with Barbara holding his hand until the end . … As the fire moved through Altadena towards Monrovia Barbara was forced to leave Merrill's body, unable to be evacuated. ... [Daughter in New Hampshire:] “I didn't know where my mother was. I didn't know what happened to my father's body.” Barbara's daughter—Joy—thousands thousands of miles away in New Hampshire couldn't fly to Los Angeles until Friday. When she finally landed she received a reassuring call from Royal Oaks her mom was OK and her father's remains taken to the coroner's office. Staff feel like residents here are their family.
6 behaviors you must unlearn to be a relevant leader in 2025
01/16/25 at 03:00 AM6 behaviors you must unlearn to be a relevant leader in 2025 Forbes; by Glenn Llopis; 1/7/25 Leadership today isn’t what it used to be. Gone are the days when a title or a corner office automatically commanded respect. Today, business leaders need more than authority, they need relevance. But being a relevant leader is not just about adopting new behaviors; it’s about unlearning bad habits. Especially those that do more harm than good. ... Here are six behaviors you must unlearn that once felt relevant and now may be holding you back. I’ve also included the six behaviors you must relearn.
How poor communication is killing patients and burning out doctors
01/16/25 at 02:15 AMHow poor communication is killing patients and burning out doctors Medpage Today's KevinMD.com; by Pamela Buchanan; 1/14/25 This week alone, I had two particularly heart-wrenching encounters [as an Emergency Room physician]: A 65-year-old man with metastatic lung cancer, convinced his shortness of breath was just pneumonia. When I explained the progression of his disease, he was shocked. No one had told him that his cancer was likely incurable. A 97-year-old woman brought in for “failure to thrive.” She was frail, pale, and not eating—classic signs of the final stages of metastatic cancer. When I suggested hospice care, she seemed blindsided, as if this reality was completely new to her. Both cases highlight a troubling trend: Patients often come to the ER not just for care, but for clarity. They don’t understand their diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment plan. ...
Guidelines for evaluating, diagnosing, and disclosing dementia published by Alzheimer’s Association
01/16/25 at 02:10 AMGuidelines for evaluating, diagnosing, and disclosing dementia published by Alzheimer’s Association Practical Neurology; 1/14/25 The Diagnostic Evaluation, Testing, Counseling, and Disclosure Clinical Practice Guideline (DETeCD-ADRD CPG) Workgroup, convened and funded by the Alzheimer’s Association, has developed new recommendations for clinicians to use when evaluating patients with possible Alzheimer disease (AD) or AD and related dementias (ADRD). An executive summary of the recommendations for use in primary care and other practice settings was published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, along with a companion article summarizing specific guidance for specialists. The Workgroup included representatives from primary, specialty, subspecialty, long-term, and palliative care disciplines as well as the fields of health economics and bioethics. Editor's note: Click for open access to the Alzheimer's Association clinical practice guideline ..., executive summary of recommendations for primary care.
Introduction: ‘Those who have made death their life’
01/16/25 at 02:00 AMIntroduction: ‘Those who have made death their life’The Daily Yonder - Keep It Rural; by Hannah Clark; 1/15/25 Hannah Clark spent six months riding along with the nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) of Hearth Hospice who provide in-home care to those living in Northwest Georgia and Southeast Tennessee. These hospice workers often drive up to a hundred miles a day to visit a handful of patients scattered across the Appalachian landscape in both rural towns and urban centers. What will follow this introductory essay is her photo reportage in three parts, documenting what she has witnessed accompanying these caregivers. The intimate portraits and vignettes show tender moments at different stages towards the end of one’s life. Their beauty lies in the companionship Clark captured in moments of need and vulnerability.
An Eaton Fire First Responder recalls patients fleeing the fast-growing blaze
01/16/25 at 02:00 AMAn Eaton Fire First Responder recalls patients fleeing the fast-growing blaze Direct Relief; by Talya Meyers; 1/15/25 Eaton Fire evacuees, fleeing their homes for the safety of the Pasadena Convention Center, were arriving in numbers. For Fernando Fierro, vice president of nursing services at the community health center AltaMed, and the first of his response team to arrive, it was “chaotic.” “There wasn’t any infrastructure in place,” he recalled. More than 550 people sheltering at the convention center, in five event halls converted to dormitories, needed medical assessments. People had fled too urgently to bring their medications, or they needed canes and walkers, or they needed more intensive care than AltaMed’s response team could provide in a shelter setting. Complicating the situation were the close quarters and the presence of animals: People had brought their dogs, cats, and birds. Fierro, a U.S. Army combat veteran with extensive disaster response experience, knew the crowded shelter and animals would increase the likelihood of infectious diseases like norovirus and avian flu.
Weekly US map: Influenza summary update
01/16/25 at 02:00 AMWeekly US map: Influenza summary update U.s. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); retrieved 1/15/25 A Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report Prepared by the Influenza Division utpatient Respiratory Illness Activity Map Determined by Data Reported to ILINet. This system monitors visits for respiratory illness that includes fever plus a cough or sore throat, also referred to as ILI, not laboratory confirmed influenza and may capture patient visits due to other respiratory pathogens that cause similar symptoms. Editor's note: Throughout the nation, local and regional reports of increased flu, respiratory diseases, and COVID are emerging. Click here to monitor information for your service areas. Scroll down to the bottom of the page for its map.
Internal communication examples: Top strategies for 2025
01/15/25 at 03:30 AMInternal communication examples: Top strategies for 2025 lumapps; by Jade Burens; 1/13/25 In the dynamic world of business, the significance of effective internal communication cannot be overstated. The shift towards remote and hybrid work models has underscored the necessity for robust, captivating internal communication strategies. This goes beyond merely sharing information; it's about nurturing a culture where employees feel valued, listened to, and acknowledged. Organizations that excel in internal communications witness improved employee engagement, productivity, and satisfaction. ...
Best healthcare jobs in 2025: US News
01/15/25 at 03:30 AMBest healthcare jobs in 2025: US NewsBecker's Hospital Review; by Kelly Gooch; 1/14/25U.S. News & World Report released its 2025 best jobs rankings on Jan. 14, highlighting the best jobs across 17 categories, including healthcare. The media company examined data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to identify jobs with the greatest hiring demand. Jobs are then scored based on future prospects, wage potential, employment, safety and stability, and work-life balance. More information about the methodology is available here. For the second consecutive year, nurse practitioner took the No. 1 spot as the best job in the U.S. and also topped the healthcare list. These are the top 25 jobs in healthcare, according to U.S. News, listed alongside their median salary:
Agrace expands hospice services into Milwaukee County
01/15/25 at 03:10 AMAgrace expands hospice services into Milwaukee County Agrace.org; Press Release; 1/14/25 Residents of Milwaukee County who are in the final months of life have a new choice for high-quality, in-home hospice care. Agrace, the largest Wisconsin-based nonprofit hospice, has announced it is expanding its services into the county. For more than 45 years, Agrace Hospice Care has offered end-of-life care to people of all ages across southern Wisconsin. Milwaukee County residents can now enroll with Agrace to receive hospice care that comes to them where they live—in private homes, long-term care facilities or any other place they call home. In addition to a new regional office ... in Wauwatosa, Agrace has offices in Oconomowoc, Janesville, Dodgeville and Baraboo, and a hospice inpatient unit and residence in Madison. The Wauwatosa office is home base for an interdisciplinary care team that includes local hospice physician Andre Cernasov.
Three state snapshots of pediatric palliative care: California, Massachusetts, and Vermont
01/15/25 at 03:00 AMThree state snapshots of pediatric palliative care: California, Massachusetts, and VermontNational Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP); by Neva Kaye and Heather Smith; 1/13/25 Pediatric palliative care is an important component of the system of care for children with serious illness and their families. Palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical needs during difficult times. However, many children and families who could benefit from palliative care are unable to access it. State Medicaid and Title V Maternal and Child Health Service Block Grant programs are working to address this issue. ...
United States dementia cases estimated to double by 2060: Anticipated jump especially large for women, Black people & those over age 75
01/15/25 at 03:00 AMUnited States dementia cases estimated to double by 2060: Anticipated jump especially large for women, Black people & those over age 75NYULangone Health; by David March; 1/13/25A new study shows that the risk of developing dementia at any time after age 55 among Americans is 42 percent, more than double the risk reported by older studies. That dementia risk translates into an estimated half-million cases this year, rising to a million new cases a year by 2060, according to the new work. Dementia involves progressive declines in memory, concentration, and judgment. The increasing number of cases is directly tied to the aging of the U.S. population. Beyond aging, a high risk of dementia is linked to genetic factors, as well as high rates of hypertension and diabetes, obesity, unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and poor mental health.
NPHI welcomes Robin Shultz as Vice President for Member Programs and Engagement
01/15/25 at 03:00 AMNPHI welcomes Robin Shultz as Vice President for Member Programs and Engagement National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), Washington, DC; Press Release; 1/8/25 The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) is proud to welcome Robin Shultz, LCSW, ACC, ACHP-SW, to the team as Vice President for Member Programs and Engagement. With her proven track record of leadership and a passion for innovation, Robin’s expertise is set to deepen connections among our members and drive meaningful engagement at all levels. Robin brings significant experience in hospice and palliative care to NPHI. ... In her new role with NPHI, Robin will focus on strengthening member engagement, ensuring active participation across forums, and fostering deeper inclusion for member staff at all levels. Her efforts will build on NPHI’s mission to advance the work of nonprofit hospice providers, empowering them to deliver exceptional care and services to their communities.
Concurrent/simultaneous services from Hospice and a Home and Community Based Services waiver- UPDATED Information about claims submission
01/15/25 at 03:00 AMConcurrent/simultaneous services from Hospice and a Home and Community Based Services waiver- UPDATED Information about claims submissionAlabama Media Portal - media.alabama.gov; by the State of Alabama Press Release - Medicaid; 1/14/25The Alabama Medicaid Agency (Medicaid) updated the policy to allow concurrent services from hospice and a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver. However, it is vital that the hospice and HCBS waiver case manager coordinate to avoid duplication of services.The HCBS waiver person-centered care plan (PCCP) and hospice plan of care (POC) of the recipient should be coordinated between the hospice, HCBS waiver case manager, and the recipient and his/her caregiver. A conference that includes these parties must be held before concurrent services can start. The PCCP/POC conference shall be documented in both the recipient’s hospice and waiver record. [Click on the title's link to continue reading.]
Allevant Solutions shares over 10 years of insights into rural post-acute care patient outcomes
01/15/25 at 03:00 AMAllevant Solutions shares over 10 years of insights into rural post-acute care patient outcomes PR Newswire, Mechanicsburg, PA; by Allevant Solutions, LLC; 1/13/25 Allevant Solutions, LLC shared key insights from its experience over a 10-year period showing that partnerships between larger acute care hospitals and rural critical access hospitals (CAHs) for post-acute care benefit patients, health care teams and hospitals. The aggregate, de-identified data reflects patient outcomes from over 100 CAHs across 24 states, specifically around the utilization of the swing bed concept – which Allevant calls Transitional Care. A swing bed is the federal government's term for a patient bed in a small, rural critical access hospital that can be used for acute or post-acute care after a hospital stay. Rural patients who have to leave their community for higher levels of care often have difficulty finding high-quality, continuing care when they are ready to return.
Special Bulletin – CA Wildfires Public Health Emergency
01/15/25 at 03:00 AMSpecial Bulletin – CA Wildfires Public Health EmergencyCommunity Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP); Special Bulletin; 1/14/2025 HHS Declares Public Health Emergency for California to Aid Health Care Response to Wildfires. The declaration follows President Biden’s major disaster declaration and gives the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) health care providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting the emergency health needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. HHS has waived sanctions and penalties for violations of certain provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy Rule against hospitals in the emergency area. [Click on the title's link to continue reading]
Increasing Medicaid rates: A critical step to support home-based care
01/15/25 at 03:00 AMIncreasing Medicaid rates: A critical step to support home-based care Association Press, North Salt Lake, UT; by Business Wire; 1/14/25To address the growing challenges facing the healthcare system, the Homecare and Hospice Association of Utah (HHAU) calls for an urgent increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, Private Duty Nursing (PDN), and Home Health. These critical services form the backbone of home-based care, enabling individuals to receive the medical attention and support they need in their homes, while saving tax dollars and alleviating strain on hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Kōkua Mau, Hawaii, Medicaid Palliative Care Services Benefit
01/15/25 at 03:00 AMKōkua Mau, Hawaii, Medicaid Palliative Care Services BenefitHawaiʻi is the first state to comprehensively cover palliative care services for its Medicaid beneficiaries, by adding community palliative care as a preventive service in its Medicaid state plan. Since the memo has been published we are now moving into the implementation phase. This novel SPA (State Plan Amendment) is the result of multi-stakeholder collaboration over many years. It serves as a road map for other states exploring new ways to pay for interdisciplinary, community-based palliative care.
Medical schools report steep drop in enrollment of Black and Hispanic students after Supreme Court ruling
01/15/25 at 03:00 AMMedical schools report steep drop in enrollment of Black and Hispanic students after Supreme Court ruling STAT; by Usha Lee McFarling; 1/9/25Enrollment of Black and Hispanic students in medical schools dropped precipitously last year after the Supreme Court banned the consideration of race in admissions, according to data released Thursday by the Association of American Medical Colleges. The number of Black enrollees fell by 11.6% compared to last year, while the number of Hispanic enrollees decreased 10.8%. The numbers were even starker for Indigenous students; the number of American Indian or Alaska Natives dropped by 22.1%, while students who were Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders dropped by 4.3%.
Today's Encouragement: January is ...
01/15/25 at 03:00 AMJanuary is the quietest month in the garden. But just because it looks quiet doesn't mean that nothing is happening. ~ Rosalie Muller Wright
What is a Chief Learning Officer? CLO role explained
01/15/25 at 03:00 AMWhat is a Chief Learning Officer? CLO role explained Forbes; by Melissa Daimler; 1/12/25 A Chief Learning Officer is a strategic C-suite executive who develops leadership and technical skills in alignment with strategic priorities and cultural behaviors. Reporting directly to the CEO or CHRO, the CLO operates as a peer to other senior executives, participating in strategic decisions that shape organizational direction. Over the past thirty years, corporate learning has evolved from training delivery to building organizational capabilities. No role embodies this evolution more than the Chief Learning Officer (CLO), though even this title understates the role's current scope.
Hospice of the Chesapeake expands inpatient care with high-flow oxygen therapy
01/15/25 at 03:00 AMHospice of the Chesapeake expands inpatient care with high-flow oxygen therapy Southern Maryland News Net; by Hospice of the Chesapeake; 1/13/25 Hospice of the Chesapeake is proud to announce the addition of high-flow oxygen therapy to its inpatient care centers, enhancing the quality of care for patients with complex respiratory needs. ... High-flow oxygen therapy is designed to deliver precise oxygen levels, improving breathing efficiency and overall comfort for patients. ... “Adding high-flow oxygen therapy to our inpatient care centers represents our commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care,” said Dr. Sonja Richmond, Vice President of Medical Affairs & Hospice Medical Director. “This advancement enables us to better meet the needs of our patients and their families during a challenging time.”
Friday is final deadline for McKnight’s Women of Distinction award nominations
01/14/25 at 03:30 AMFriday is final deadline for McKnight’s Women of Distinction award nominations McKnights Senior Living; by Lois A. Bowers; 1/13/25 The final nomination deadline for the 2025 McKnight’s Women of Distinction awards program is Friday [1/17]. The annual program is presented by McKnight’s Senior Living, McKnight’s Long-Term Care News and McKnight’s Home Care ... Eligible for recognition in 2025 are women working as direct care providers, managers, executives, corporate executives and owners in independent living, assisted living, memory care and life plan communities, as well as those working in those capacities in skilled nursing facilities and in home care, home health, hospice and palliative care. ... Nominators for the Rising Star, Veteran VIP and Hall of Honor categories should be prepared to share detailed qualitative and quantitative information about nominees’ work histories, exceptional achievements and contributions or service, and anything else the judging panel should consider. [Click on the title's link for more information.]
Uruguay’s iconic ex-President Jose Mujica says his cancer has spread and that he’s dying
01/14/25 at 03:00 AMUruguay’s iconic ex-President Jose Mujica says his cancer has spread and that he’s dying Associated Press - World News, Santiago, Chile; by Nayara Batschke; 1/9/25 ... “Honestly, I am dying,” said the former leader, who governed the small South American nation of Uruguay from 2010 to 2015. The article noted that he had tears in his eyes. “What I ask is that they leave me alone. Don’t ask me for more interviews or anything else,” he said. “My cycle is over.” ... In the interview with Busqueda, Mujica said his autoimmune disease, severe kidney disease and other underlying medical problems led to his decision not to pursue treatment after medical tests showed his cancer had returned and metastasized. “I’m an old man, and because I have two chronic illnesses my body cannot handle it,” he said. ... Mujica told Busqueda that he would devote his “final stage” of life to his farm on the outskirts of Montevideo, the capital, where he has grown chrysanthemums with his wife for decades.Editor's note: Whatever one's political stances, may we see and hear the unifying, universal inevitabilities of facing dying and death.
CMS Gives Notice of 4.3% Pay Hike for Medicare Advantage Plans
01/14/25 at 03:00 AMCMS Gives Notice of 4.3% Pay Hike for Medicare Advantage Plans Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 1/13/25 The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) plans to increase payments to Medicare Advantage plans for 4.3% in 2026, but implementation will depend on what happens with the new presidential administration. CMS has issued an advance notice of policy changes for Medicare Advantage and Part D that would install technical updates, including to the ways the agency calculates payments to health plans. ... Though Medicare Advantage does not cover hospice care, many providers depend on MA payments for other programs like palliative care, among others. The changes are intended to continue CMS’s three-year phase-in of updates to the MA risk adjustment model and growth-rate calculation related to medical education costs. However, it will be up to the incoming Trump administration to bring these changes to fruition — if they so choose.