Literature Review
Creating death box eases stress, brings 'peace of mind' to those left behind
10/31/24 at 03:00 AMCreating death box eases stress, brings 'peace of mind' to those left behind BradfordToday.ca, Canada; by Andrew Philips; 10/26/24 Creating a death box might sound like sort of a morbid thing to do, but it’s vitally important. That’s according to Tammy Vaters, supportive care coordinator at Hospice Huronia-Tomkins House, ... who leads upcoming workshops on creating a death box or a “legacy box or final wishes box” for those uncomfortable with the more succinct terminology ["death box"]. ... Besides end-of-life wishes, Vaters says the box can include photos that someone would like displayed at a celebration of life or similar offering along with personalized letters to family and friends and personal mementos that have special meaning. “It gives you more opportunities of expressing how you feel about somebody,” she says, noting the boxes should also contain usernames and passwords that may aid one's loved ones after death. “They can be more thoughtful and personal.” Vaters, who is a specialist in thanatology (the study of death, dying and bereavement), says people will often use another term for death.
Guidelines vary when surrogates with power of attorney disagree with advance directives
10/31/24 at 03:00 AMGuidelines vary when surrogates with power of attorney disagree with advance directives Healio, Boston, MA; by Richard Gawel; 10/30/24 Inconsistent guidelines can lead to conflicts when surrogates with powers of attorney disagree with what may be described in a patient’s advance directive, according to a poster presented at the CHEST Annual Meeting. ... Key takeaways:
Strengthening our community: NPHI welcomes four new member organizations
10/31/24 at 03:00 AMStrengthening our community: NPHI welcomes four new member organizations National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI); by NPHI; 10/30/24 The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), the national voice for nonprofit advanced illness care, is pleased to welcome four new members to our innovative, mission-driven community: Hospice of the Piedmont, Hospice of Wichita Falls (HOWF), Montgomery Hospice & Prince George’s Hospice, and Stillwater Hospice. These organizations exemplify the dedication and care that NPHI members stand for, strengthening our commitment to mission-driven, nonprofit end-of-life care services across the nation. Editor's note: NPHI is a sponsor of this newsletter.
Walgreens layoffs hit 256 workers in another round of cuts
10/31/24 at 03:00 AMWalgreens layoffs hit 256 workers in another round of cuts Modern Healthcare; by Katherine Davis; 10/29/24 Walgreens Boots Alliance is laying off more employees in another round of corporate personnel cuts. The struggling pharmacy chain is laying off 256 employees, or 3.6%, of its support center team employees and cutting about 215 open and unfilled roles, Walgreens spokesman Fraser Engerman confirmed Tuesday in a statement to Crain’s. Engerman said the cuts reflect Deerfield-based Walgreens’ efforts to turn around the business and its recent decision to focus on its core retail pharmacy business. ... This latest round of layoffs follows a fiscal year full of billion-dollar losses, store closure announcements and cost-cutting initiatives.
Dia De Los Muertos can provide powerful healing for anyone who is grieving a loved one
10/31/24 at 02:30 AMDia De Los Muertos can provide powerful healing for anyone who is grieving a loved one Santa Barbara Independent; by Hospice of Santa Barbara; 10/29/24 Many of those who have lost a loved one are looking for ways to manage their grief and Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) helps to navigate this often-painful journey in a variety of ways. This may include grief counseling, support groups, and healing modalities such as poetry and art. ... Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos) has become an increasingly popular holiday in the United States as it is seen as a valuable way to reconnect with those who have died and relieve grief in an individual and shared ritual of celebration. Dia De Los Muertos is a two-day holiday that reunites the living and dead, November 1 and 2. Families create ofrendas (offerings) to honor their departed family members that have passed. These altars are decorated with bright yellow marigold flowers, photos of the departed, and the favorite foods and drinks of the one being honored. The offerings are believed to encourage visits from the land of the dead as the departed souls hear their prayers, smell their food and join in the celebrations. Day of the Dead is a holiday for celebrating death and life where mourning is combined with celebration.
Chapters Health System launches new Chapters Health West Division
10/31/24 at 02:00 AMChapters Health System launches new Chapters Health West DivisionCision PRWeb; by Chapters Health System; 10/30/24 Chapters Health System, in collaboration with four highly respected not-for-profit organizations — Hospice East Bay (Pleasant Hill, CA), Hospice of Santa Cruz County (Santa Cruz, CA), Nathan Adelson Hospice (Las Vegas, NV) and Willamette Vital Health (Salem, OR) — is proud to announce the creation and official launch of Chapters Health West. This landmark partnership signifies the beginning of a new era in not-for-profit hospice care across the Western United States, blending innovation with a commitment to compassionate, community-based care. "We are building a future where we can do more, innovate more and serve more," said Andrew Molosky, MBA, CHPCA, president and chief executive officer for Chapters Health. "By aligning our strengths, we will continue to deliver exceptional care while expanding our capacity to meet the growing needs of those navigating serious illness and grief in our communities."
A priceless business leadership lesson from The Grateful Dead
10/31/24 at 02:00 AMA priceless business leadership lesson from The Grateful Dead Forbes; by Eli Amdur; 10/26/24 Phil Lesh, the Grateful Dead’s singularly iconic and beloved bassist, died last week at age 84. ... And the lessons we learned from him – and the boys – are more applicable to business than ever before. The timeliest of all comes from Phil ... The essence of the Grateful Dead, he explained, is “the infinite mutability of our music.” ... And if anything signals a business survival mandate in today’s dizzyingly changing world, that’s still it: infinite mutability. ... Every time they stepped on stage, they were a living, breathing experiment in creativity, fearless about treading new ground, easily drifting into their 20-minute jams (or more) on “Dark Star” or “Goin’ Down the Road” or “Morning Dew” or just about anything else … [They] stayed fresh, new, fearless, and constantly innovative. ... And who pointed us to this lesson? Phil, that quiet, unassuming bassist who usually could be seen stage right, away from the glare of the spotlight, while Jerry and Bobby took vocal and instrumental leads and Mickey and Billy wove together an integrated drum partnership ... All the while. There was Phil – the most innovative bassist I ever saw – laying down a foundation to support the Dead’s infinite mutability ...
Happy Halloween!
10/31/24 at 01:55 AMWith some fun for Halloween--also known as The Day of the Dead (el Día de los Muertos)--we offer today's "Headlines" to "treat" your day.
Family caregiver experience at heart of new project
10/30/24 at 03:00 AMFamily caregiver experience at heart of new project McKnights Home Care; by Foster Stubbs; 10/27/24 In healthcare, the needs of the patient are paramount. But for every patient there is at least one caregiver with needs of their own. Former first lady of the United States Rosalynn Carter understood this and established The Rosalynn Carter Insitute for Caregivers (RCI) to serve this underserved population. ... More than 40 years later, RCI continues Carter’s mission through its newest caregiver support resource. Using over two decades of research on caregiving combined with feedback from actual caregivers, RCI composed a series of 10 different Caregiver Profiles that reflect the unique and diverse experiences of family caregivers. These profiles revolve around the following:
How today’s hospice fraud could warp tomorrow’s reimbursement outlook
10/30/24 at 03:00 AMHow today’s hospice fraud could warp tomorrow’s reimbursement outlook Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 10/28/24 This is the second of a two-part Hospice News series that explores how fraud, waste and abuse in the hospice space could create headwinds for the industry at large. Fraudsters misspend millions of Medicare dollars annually, though the actual hospice-specific amounts are difficult to determine, regulators previously told Hospice News. Industry stakeholders have questioned whether the malfeasance will stymie the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) ability to justify future reimbursement rate increases, which many hospice providers already consider insufficient to support the full range of their interdisciplinary services in today’s economic climate.
Today's Encouragement: It is better ...
10/30/24 at 03:00 AMIt is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret. ~ Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Palliative care in the ED reduces costs, improves patient outcomes
10/30/24 at 03:00 AMPalliative care in the ED reduces costs, improves patient outcomes Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 10/28/24 The presence of an embedded palliative care practitioner in the emergency department can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. A pilot program at the Michigan-based Corewell Health system in which a palliative physician was embedded in the ED effectively reduced inpatient mortality, readmissions, intensive care unit utilization and the total cost of care, while also boosting staff satisfaction, Lisa VanderWel, senior director for Corewell Health Hospice and Palliative Care, said during a presentation at the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) Annual Leadership Conference in Denver. ... “When you do really good palliative care, what happens?” she said during the presentation. “You have those [goals-of-care] conversations in a more timely manner. You have an earlier conversion to hospice. You avoid all the stress and crisis that’s involved if you wait until the last minute.”
Providence Alaska Medical Center tests virtual care model, announces hospice partner
10/30/24 at 03:00 AMProvidence Alaska Medical Center tests virtual care model, announces hospice partner Alaska Business - Healthcare, News; 10/28/24 Providence Alaska Medical Center (PAMC) recently launched a new way of caring for patients that combines bedside nursing with a virtual or remote nurse and a dedicated patient care technician or certified nursing assistant. Known as co-caring or virtual nursing, the bedside nurse manages direct patient-care duties while the virtual nurse coordinates other support tasks. Also this month, the Washington-based not-for-profit healthcare system that operates PAMC announced it will partner with Compassus...Co-Caring Model Leverages Skilled Nurses: Virtual nursing is a response to a strained labor market. A study by the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis shows Alaska is projected to lead the nation in nursing vacancies, with as many as 23 percent of openings unfilled, by 2030. The co-caring model helps address the impending shortage while providing added patient care, Providence officials say.
Less activity, more sitting linked with higher death risks: study
10/30/24 at 03:00 AMLess activity, more sitting linked with higher death risks: study McKnights Long-Term Care News; by Kristen Fischer; 10/28/24 Low physical activity is associated with a higher risk of dying from all causes as well as from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. In addition, the combination of reduced activity and longer sitting time every day is linked with a higher risk of death from any cause, a new study finds. Staying active and reducing sitting time may lower the risks, authors of the report wrote. The report was published Oct. 26 in BMC Geriatrics.Editor's note: Calling all leaders who have desk-bound employees, and who sit too long (yourselves) ... What creative ways do you encourage healthy work habits, movement, and more? Do you provide ergonomic sit/stand desks? Healthy chairs? More? Read this and remember that as we will age, today's habits impact tomorrow's health.
The ‘perfect way to die’ in North Dakota
10/30/24 at 03:00 AMThe ‘perfect way to die’ in North Dakota CBS KX News, Bismarck, ND; by Brendan Rodenberg; 10/27/24 Death is not something people tend to look forward to at the end of their lives, but it is important to discuss nonetheless — and while many have ideas of how they would like to pass away, these vary immensely across America. This begs the question: How would North Dakotans like to spend their last moments? ... [An insurance poll that surveyed 3,000 people from across the nation indicated] that the perfect death for a North Dakotan would be to pass while hiking White Butte, the state’s highest point. ... The survey also delved deeply into other aspects of one’s last moments, including those surrounding them and what occurs after the moment of death. Below is a list of the most prevalent takeaways from this part of the study.
Terminally ill Illinois woman meets her idol, Jelly Roll
10/30/24 at 03:00 AMTerminally ill Illinois woman meets her idol, Jelly Roll NBC WETM 18, Elmira, IL; by Taylor Harris; 10/27/24 An Illinois woman battling terminal cancer fulfilled the dream of a lifetime Wednesday — meeting country music sensation Jelly Roll. Keita Miller, of Granite City, was diagnosed with a terminal illness in February 2022 and given just months to live. She has defined the odds, and now she’s been able to meet her musical hero, country star Jelly Roll. Her favorite Jelly Roll song is “Son Of A Sinner,” and she says his music has been a source of comfort during her illness. But more than just meeting the artist, Miller had one special request. ... The James Bess Foundation, a nonprofit that grants dreams to adults from 21 to 65 years old who are battling terminal illness, is making this dream come true.
Terminally ill patients from other states can’t come to N.J. to end their lives, court rules
10/30/24 at 03:00 AMTerminally ill patients from other states can’t come to N.J. to end their lives, court rules NJ.com; by Chris Sheldon; 10/29/24 A federal judge ruled Wednesday that the residency requirement in New Jersey’s medical aid in dying law does not violate the U.S. Constitution, meaning the state can continue to keep its right to die law exclusively for residents. The ruling was in response to a lawsuit filed in August 2023 by Compassion & Choices on behalf of terminally-ill cancer patients in Delaware and Pennsylvania and two New Jersey doctors, according to a statement from the non-profit, which works to expand choice for the end of life.
Cigna considers Humana acquisition – What it means for the stocks
10/30/24 at 03:00 AMCigna considers Humana acquisition – What it means for the stocks MarketBeat; by Jea Yu; 10/29/24 There has been speculation of a massive merger in the medical sector between two massive health insurers. Specifically, the rumor is The Cigna Group NYSE: CI is interested in acquiring Humana Inc. NYSE: HUM. The conjecture caused both stocks to react, as Cigna stock fell 10% as the rumored surfaced on Oct. 18, 2024, and Humana stock remained relatively flat. Based on the reactions, the market doesn't see this as a favorable merger, and for good reason. While there are many potential synergies in a merger, assuming it passes the regulatory antitrust sniff test (which is a big "if"), there is also a major sticking point that sinks any possibility of it coming to fruition called Medicare Advantage (MA).
A new low? Hacker group targets end-of-life pharmacy provider
10/30/24 at 03:00 AMA new low? Hacker group targets end-of-life pharmacy provider TechInformed (TI); by Ann-Marie Corvin; 10/28/24 OnePoint Patient Care, an Arizona-based hospice pharmacy serving over 40,000 patients per day, has informed customers about a data breach impacting personal information. OnePoint said it first detected suspicious activity on its network in early August. A later investigation revealed that by this point, the attackers had already obtained files containing personal information from the pharmacy’s systems, including names, residence information, medical records, and prescription and diagnosis information. OPPC told the US Department of Health and Human Services that the data breach impacted over 795,000 people.
Top 10 Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) tools
10/30/24 at 03:00 AMTop 10 Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) tool eSecurity Planet; by Claire dela Luna; 10/28/24 In today’s global economy, even small businesses operate across multiple regions and markets, each with its own regulatory landscape. Without effective GRC tools, organizations can quickly fall out of compliance, exposing themselves to security risks and operational disruptions. GRC software solutions enable businesses to manage these risks by automating policies, tracking controls, and providing real-time compliance monitoring across international borders. .. Here’s a guide to help you make the best choice.
Is compassion a strategic or soft leadership style?
10/30/24 at 03:00 AMIs compassion a strategic or soft leadership style? HRZone; by Victoria Brookbank; 10/28/24 Compassionate leadership is an emerging management style that offers strategic benefits to numerous businesses. But is it truly worthwhile? ... More recent approaches to leadership – placing compassion at the forefront of expected management skills – have also been making inroads in complementing workplace culture shifts. But they’ve not been universally accepted. Some have labelled new leadership approaches as “soft” or even a “woke”, seeing such changes as an inconvenience to getting on with the rigorous demands of driving business success. But more and more studies are proving that both are possible. Compassionate leadership is turning out not to be just a feel-good, optional practice. It’s becoming a strategic imperative – significantly enhancing organisational performance, psychological safety, employee engagement and wellbeing, as well as overall business outcomes. [Click on the title's link to continue reading.]
LeadingAge: Diverting patients from SNF to home health does more harm than good
10/30/24 at 03:00 AMLeadingAge: Diverting patients from SNF to home health does more harm than good McKnights Home Care; by Adam Healy; 10/28/24 Mounting evidence suggests that Medicare Advantage plans are directing beneficiaries to home health when they should receive skilled nursing facility care, which is negatively affecting providers’ care quality, according to LeadingAge. The Senate Committee Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations recently reported that MA plans may be diverting patients in need of SNF care to home health as a means of saving money. In an Oct. 25 letter, LeadingAge said this practice damages care quality and patient health outcomes, and asked the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) to investigate the issue further.
Top 5 workforce priorities for leaders in 2025
10/30/24 at 03:00 AMTop 5 workforce priorities for leaders in 2025 Forbes; by Brent Gleeson; 10/26/24 As organizations evolve and face new challenges, leaders and managers are preparing to tackle pressing workforce priorities that will shape the future of work. Based on our data and experience at EXCELR8, and supported by extensive research conducted by Gartner, these priorities reflect the most significant areas HR leaders (and all leaders in the organization) need to focus on to remain competitive, retain top talent, and drive business outcomes. Below are the top five workforce priorities leaders must incorporate into their strategic imperatives for 2025. We highlight the key trends that will influence human resources strategies moving forward.
Hurricane Helene: NC recovery update after one month
10/30/24 at 01:00 AMHurricane Helene: NC recovery update after one monthHospice & Palliative Care Today; Chris Comeaux with Cordt Kassner; 10/29/24This is an ongoing series of interviews with Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network, who lives and works in Western North Carolina – the area most impacted by Hurricane Helene. Chris framed today’s discussion as the good, the bad, and the ugly:
After extensive renovation, original Wright-Patt Fisher House expected to reopen soon
10/29/24 at 03:00 AMAfter extensive renovation, original Wright-Patt Fisher House expected to reopen soon Dayton Daily News, Dayton, OH; by Thomas Gnau; 10/28/24 Renovation ends in time to mark home’s 30th anniversary. The original Fisher-Nightingale house at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has been renovated, and an open house in December is expected to mark its reopening, the executive director of the Fisher-Nightingale Houses in the Dayton area said. The house itself is expected to reopen to serve families in a few weeks. ... The Fisher House Foundation is a national organization, building comfortable homes where active-duty military and veteran families can stay free of charge, while a loved one is in a hospital or in nearby hospice care.