Literature Review
My wife of 52 years just died. My grief is so overwhelming, I can barely cope.
08/13/25 at 03:00 AMMy wife of 52 years just died. My grief is so overwhelming, I can barely cope. HuffPost; by Ronald Paxton; 8/11/25 ... March 1, 2022, was the day our lives changed forever. ... My spouse, my wife of 52 years, my high school sweetheart was going to die, and there was nothing I or anyone else could do about it. ... The house is quiet now. I’m trying to move forward, but it’s hard. I thought we would grow old together. We did, but not nearly old enough. Diane’s death has taught me that no matter how much we love someone, we all have our own lives to live. The best way for me to honor the life Diane and I had together is to live the rest of my life the best way I know how. It’s late. I should try to sleep, but I think I’ll turn on the television. I need something to cover the sound of crying.
'I helped him out': Grandson loaded his 90-year-old grandfather 'full of f—ing pain meds' and Ambien to 'ease him' to his 'next life' while stealing his house, police say
08/13/25 at 03:00 AM'I helped him out': Grandson loaded his 90-year-old grandfather 'full of f—ing pain meds' and Ambien to 'ease him' to his 'next life' while stealing his house, police say Law & Order, The Palm Bay, FL; by Chris Perez; 8/12/25 A former county official in Florida claims he "helped" his 90-year-old grandfather out by killing him with a deadly cocktail of Ambien, morphine and other prescription drugs, according to cops. Christopher Balter, 35, is currently charged with delivery of a controlled substance and forgery after he allegedly attempted to forge signatures onto a "quitclaim deed" — a legal document used to transfer ownership of real estate — just weeks before Gilbert Balter's death on Feb. 1, police say. Christopher Balter's arrest affidavit outlines how he allegedly discussed and admitted to friends that he killed his grandpa while the nonagenarian was in home hospice care at a residence in Brevard County earlier this year. He allegedly claimed in phone calls that Gilbert Balter "never wanted to live like that" and had asked his grandson to take his life.
Today's Encouragement: Hear all sides and you will be ...
08/12/25 at 03:00 AMHear all sides and you will be enlightened. Hear one side, and you will be in the dark. Wei Zheng
The state of pediatric concurrent hospice care in the United States
08/12/25 at 03:00 AMThe state of pediatric concurrent hospice care in the United States American Academy of Pediatrics; by Meaghann S. Weaver, MD, PhD, MPH, HEC-CCorresponding Author; Steven M. Smith, MD; Christy Torkildson, PhD, RN, PHN; Deborah Fisher, PhD, RN, PPCNP; Betsy Hawley, MA; Alix Ware, JD, MPH; Holly Davis, MS, APRN; Conrad S. P. Williams, MD; Lisa C. Lindley, PhD, RN, FPCN, FAAN; 8/1/25 The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) required all state Medicaid programs to pay for both curative and hospice services for children and adolescents. The purpose of this Special Article report is to quantify and describe the use of concurrent care for children, including a depiction of the barriers and benefits according to community-based hospice organizations in the United States. A total of 295 hospice organizations from 50 states and Washington, DC responded to the National Alliance for Care at Home call for engagement.
Communication and end-of-life care in dementia: insights from a close family member working in healthcare
08/12/25 at 03:00 AMCommunication and end-of-life care in dementia: insights from a close family member working in healthcare British Journal of Community Nursing; by Jennifer M Hadley; 7/31/25 There is very little documented evidence on the experiences of healthcare professionals caring for their own family outside of their role. This article explores the differences in the care received as the author shares her perspectives of caring for her mother, who was diagnosed with dementia. The author reflects on the care received and the impact of communication, as well as the ethical limitations of caring for a member of her own family. Significant references to communication barriers already exist within the literature, relating to end-of-life conversations. The presence of a relative who has a healthcare background may further impact the communication approach of healthcare professionals.
First-ever global ranking of palliative care: 2025 World Map under the new WHO framework
08/12/25 at 03:00 AMFirst-ever global ranking of palliative care: 2025 World Map under the new WHO framework Journal of Pain and Symptom Management; by Vilma A. Tripodoro, Jesús Fernando López Fidalgo, Juan José Pons, Stephen R. Connor, Eduardo Garralda, MA, Fernanda Bastos, Álvaro Montero, Laura Monzón Llamas, Ana Cristina Béjar, Daniela Suárez, Carlos Centeno; 8/7/25 This is the fourth edition of mapping global palliative care development and the first to introduce a country ranking using the new WHO framework. Covering 201 countries, the findings reveal deep inequities and highlight priority areas for action. The Global Development Score enables the creation of tailored strategies, supporting advocacy, policy, and investment to expand access and reduce serious health-related suffering worldwide. [To view the map, open the source article and scroll down to Figure 3.]
New York indicts two under the state's new deed theft law; how to protect your home
08/12/25 at 03:00 AMNew York indicts two under the state's new deed theft law; how to protect your home Consumer Affairs; by James R. Hood; 8/11/25 New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced the indictments of two people accused of orchestrating a brazen deed theft targeting an elderly widow in Kew Gardens Hills while she was receiving end-of-life hospice care in her home. Deepa Roy, 68, of Manhattan, and Victor Quimis, 39, of Queens, allegedly forged the signature of Mrs. Renuka Bherwani to unlawfully transfer ownership of her home — which she had owned for nearly four decades — first to themselves, then to Quimis’s company, Hunter Studios & Developer Corp.
Field notes from the end of life: My thoughts on living while dying
08/12/25 at 03:00 AMField notes from the end of life: My thoughts on living while dying Texarkana Gazette, Texarkana, TX; 7/26/25 As friends are quick to tell me, we are all living with dying. True enough. Especially because I'm 76, or, as my late husband, Alec, would say, "too old to die young." But it's still disturbing to get official notice of your imminent demise. ... In a series of stories, I'll be sharing my field notes as I make my way from here to there, in the hope that others might find it useful. ... When I start feeling grim about my situation, I'm finding it useful to take a "Would it help?" moment to consider whether my response can improve the situation or help me cope.
Merging clinical and legal: How home health providers achieve medical appeals success
08/12/25 at 03:00 AMMerging clinical and legal: How home health providers achieve medical appeals success Home Health Care News; by Joyce Famakinwa; 7/31/25 For home-based care providers, medical appeals can be extremely costly. When navigating the medical appeals process, home health clinical and legal teams must operate in lockstep in order to achieve successful results and avoid financial blowback, ... ROI should be the biggest determining factor when deciding to appeal, according to Bill Dombi, senior counsel for Arnall Golden Gregory law firm. He formerly served as the president of the National Alliance for Care at Home. ... Despite the hefty costs that medical appeals can potentially rack up, sometimes figuring out the ROI can go beyond dollars and cents. For example, if a provider is going through the Medicare Targeted Probe and Educate (TPE) audit process.
‘You made my life’: VITAS caregiver scores NHL tickets for hospice patient through Wish Maker program
08/12/25 at 03:00 AM‘You made my life’: VITAS caregiver scores NHL tickets for hospice patient through Wish Maker program McKnights Home Care; by Foster Stubbs; 8/8/25 When hospice nurse Natalie Villabrera-Williams came to visit her client and hockey lover, Alan Reddish, last year she noticed that he was growing a beard that would make Rip Van Winkle blush. When she asked him if he wanted to shave it off, he explained that his beard would remain unkempt as long as his beloved Florida Panthers remained in the 2025 NHL Playoffs. ... After that interaction, Villabrera-Williams, a nurse for VITAS Healthcare in Broward County, FL, saw an opportunity to bring Reddish, of Lauderhill, FL, closer to the action on the ice. ...
Monastery dig uncovers details about 8th century end-of-life care
08/12/25 at 03:00 AMMonastery dig uncovers details about 8th century end-of-life care Care Home Professional; by Stephen Hall; 8/4/25 Archaeologists have picked up their trowels to learn more about how people lived, died and were cared for at the site of an 8th-9th century monastery in Cookham. The remains of the monastery were first discovered in 2021 in a test excavation by staff from the University of Reading’s Archaeology Department and volunteers from local archaeological societies. ... Thomas Hayes, director of the university’s field school, told the BBC this year they had found evidence of illness and treatment in human remains, including bedsores, suggesting palliative care may have taken place.
Demographic variations and temporal trends in hospice and palliative care fellowship matches in the United States
08/12/25 at 03:00 AMDemographic variations and temporal trends in hospice and palliative care fellowship matches in the United States Scientific Reports; by Aman Goyal, Samuel L. Flesner, Urooj Shamim, Sonia Hurjkaliani, Priya Goyal, Mohamed Daoud & Amir Humza Sohail; 8/8/25 ... In summary, the number of Hospice and Palliative Care fellowship training programs, positions, and applicants increased. Female applicants, compared to males, and White applicants, relative to their representation in all fellowships, accounted for a larger proportion of applications and had higher match rates. ... Future research should focus on initiatives to address challenges such as the underrepresentation of certain demographics in palliative care and the growing demand for trained professionals as the population ages.
Amazon documentary exposes 'neglect and pain' in many nursing homes. It's only going to get worse.
08/12/25 at 03:00 AMAmazon documentary exposes 'neglect and pain' in many nursing homes. It's only going to get worse. Morningstar; by Jessica Hall; 8/9/25 Susie Singer Carter's mom, Norma Pecora, suffered from Alzheimer's disease for 16 years and spent the last five years of her life in a nursing home. She died at age 89 after enduring sepsis, urinary-tract infections, bed sores and dehydration at a five-star facility in Los Angeles. ... In a new three-part documentary streaming on Amazon Prime (AMZN) called "No Country for Old People: A Nursing Home Expose," Carter walks viewers through her mom's early life, including her time as a singer for Capitol Records, as well as her final months - when she suffered from infections and other complications that required emergency hospitalizations while being cared for at a nursing home.
Benefis’ Life After Support Group helps families heal after traumatic loss
08/12/25 at 03:00 AMBenefis’ Life After Support Group helps families heal after traumatic loss Times-Leader, Great Fall, MT; by Joee Taylor; 8/8/25 The grief that follows the sudden, unexpected loss of a loved one is overwhelming and isolating. For those navigating that painful reality, Benefis Peace Hospice of Montana offers a place to turn with the "Life After" support group. "We offer a private, confidential, safe place to gather people who have experienced this particular type of loss because these losses tend to be much more difficult because the losses were sudden and they were unexpected." said Jeanne Dussault, a volunteer who facilitates the group. The Life After Support Group is designed specifically for individuals who have experienced a death by suicide or another traumatic loss.Editor's Note: Bravo to Benefis Peace Hospice for providing this crucial service. Though bereavement support for traumatic, non-hospice deaths had been a standard service for many hospice bereavement services, this has be being cut. For extensive traumatic grief counseling education and resources, go to www.ADEC.org and enter "trauma" in its search engine.
Emerald Coast Hospice hosts Annual Back-to-School Drive-Thru
08/11/25 at 03:30 AMEmerald Coast Hospice hosts Annual Back-to-School Drive-Thru Jackson County Times; by Shelia Mader; 8/4/25 Emerald Coast Hospice Care once again stepped up to support the community it serves, hosting its third annual back-to-school drive-thru supply event this past Friday morning. Though not held consecutively each year, the effort continues to grow in impact, reaching nearly 140 children this year with essential school supplies and a few extra treats. ... Through their ongoing efforts, Emerald Coast Hospice Care continues to be a vital presence not only in healthcare but also in the daily lives of families across the region. Editor's Note: How inspiring. Due to the philanthropic nature of our hospice work, giving to a hospice organization is an easy norm. This out-of-the-box example of a hospice supporting the community--and for children instead of senior adults--encourages us all to see needs, creatively respond. Make a difference. Thanks Emerald Coast Hospice!
Today's Encouragement: School is a building which has ...
08/11/25 at 03:00 AMSchool is a building which has four walls with tomorrow inside. ~ Dan Valentine
SHPBest CAHPS Hospice Awards
08/11/25 at 03:00 AMSHPBest CAHPS Hospice Awards Strategic Healthcare Programs; retrieved from the internet 8/725 The annual SHPBest™ program was created to acknowledge hospice providers that consistently provide high quality service to families and caregivers of patients receiving hospice care. With one of the largest CAHPS Hospice benchmarks in the nation, SHP is in a unique position to identify and recognize organizations that have made family and caregiver experience a priority and have been rewarded for their efforts with high marks on the CAHPS Hospice survey. See the full list of award winners for the last calendar year.
New report gives healthcare providers fresh guidance on communicating with older adults
08/11/25 at 03:00 AMNew report gives healthcare providers fresh guidance on communicating with older adults McKnights Long-Term Care News; by Donna Shryer; 8/7/25 A new report from the Gerontological Society of America reveals critical strategies for healthcare providers to improve communication with older adults, who now represent almost 17% of the US population. The comprehensive guide, titled “Communicating With Older Adults: A Review of What Really Works,” addresses the growing need for effective patient-provider interactions as America ages. Approximately one-third of adults aged 65 or more years have a disability that may affect communication, the report noted.
Inmate serving life for murdering Lancaster County woman in 2015 seeks compassionate release
08/11/25 at 03:00 AMInmate serving life for murdering Lancaster County woman in 2015 seeks compassionate release Fox 43, Lancaster County, PA; by Keith Schweigert; 8/8/25 A state prison inmate serving a life sentence for killing a Lancaster County woman after she ended their relationship in 2015 has filed a petition asking for a compassionate release so that he can die at home, according to court records. Randall Shriner, 68, has less than six months left to live due to stage-five kidney disease, according to an emergency petition filed by his attorney on July 30. ... According to the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project, the statute allows courts to grant a compassionate release under two circumstances:
Caring for every breath: Carolina Caring Advanced Lung Care Program launched August 1st
08/11/25 at 03:00 AMCaring for every breath: Carolina Caring Advanced Lung Care Program launched August 1st Carolina Caring, Newton, NC; Press Release; 8/8/25 A specialized lung care program providing care for complex respiratory conditions will bring needed comfort and support to many individuals. Launched on August 1st, 2025, Carolina Caring’s Advanced Lung Care Program helps patients receive the personalized care they need for their advanced respiratory illness at end of life, while remaining comfortably at home—leading to a reduction of hospitalizations and improved quality of life for patients and their families.
Saad Healthcare, Providence Hospital open hospice unit
08/11/25 at 03:00 AMSaad Healthcare, Providence Hospital open hospice unit Bay Business News; 8/8/25 USA Health Providence Hospital opened a new in-hospital hospice unit, operated in partnership with Saad Healthcare, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house earlier today on the hospital’s 11th floor. The newly renovated unit will provide hospital-based hospice care, offering specialized, compassionate support for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families in a comfortable, dignified setting. This addition reflects a growing national emphasis on integrating hospice services into hospital environments to enhance patient care, reduce costs and improve quality of life during critical times.
Sovereign Hospice highlights nutrition's role in hospice home care services
08/11/25 at 03:00 AMSovereign Hospice highlights nutrition's role in hospice home care services News Channel Nebraska (NCN), reprinted from Aubrey, TX; Press Release; 8/8/25 Eating becomes more than a necessity during serious illness—it becomes a part of daily care that supports comfort, strength, and emotional connection. At Sovereign Hospice in Aubrey, Texas, nutrition is integrated into the services hospice offers, especially for patients receiving hospice at home services. The goal is to use food as a gentle tool to improve quality of life. Serious illnesses can change how patients eat. Appetite loss, difficulty swallowing, and taste changes are common, but they can be managed through small adjustments.
Midland Butterflies in the Park event raises $10,000 for hospice care
08/11/25 at 02:45 AMMidland Butterflies in the Park event raises $10,000 for hospice care Northern Michigan 9 & 10 News, Midland, MI; by Olivia Fellows; 8/7/25 More than 400 painted lady butterflies were released across three locations in Central Michigan on Sunday, Aug. 3, as part of the annual Butterflies in the Park event hosted by MyMichigan Home Care. Per an Aug. 7 news release, the symbolic release, held in Clare and Midland parks and at Woodland Hospice House in Mount Pleasant, honored and remembered loved ones lost. The ceremonies included brief commemorative presentations and musical performances. This year’s event raised more than $10,000 to support hospice patients in need of home care services, medications and medical supplies.