Literature Review
New play focuses on Advance Care Planning for LGBTQ+ families and caregivers
08/01/24 at 02:45 AMNew play focuses on Advance Care Planning for LGBTQ+ families and caregivers Hospice Foundation of America; by Lisa Veglahn; 7/29/24 Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) has added a new version of the short play “Lily” by award-winning playwright Bryan Harnetiaux to its AD (Advance Directives) Project, a collection of plays that dramatize the importance of advance directives. In the play, Jo visits her ex-wife, Lily, who is seriously ill. Jo is surprised that after years apart, Lily has asked to see her. She is even more surprised by Lily’s request that Jo serve as her surrogate decision maker when or if she cannot make healthcare decisions for herself. Hospice Foundation of America’s AD Project uses two-character, 10-minute plays featuring different relationships and settings. The plays are easy to produce and are intended for use by hospices, hospitals, and other community-based organizations wanting to engage audiences in discussions about advance care planning.The world premiere of the newest version of “Lily” was produced by Accord Hospice & Palliative Care in Sedona, AZ, in partnership with PFLAG Sedona, Unify Sedona, and the Sedona International Film Festival.Editor's Note: Click here for licensing information, to use this play in your community.
CMS 2025 Hospice Final Rule: Content and Initial Responses
08/01/24 at 02:00 AM[CMS Fact Sheet] Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Hospice Payment Rate Update Final Rule (CMS-1810-F) CMS Fact Sheet - Final Rule (CMS-1810-F); 7/30/24 On July 30, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule (CMS-1810-F) updating Medicare hospice payment rates and the aggregate cap amount, for fiscal year (FY) 2025, in accordance with existing statutory and regulatory requirements. This rule also finalizes the proposal to adopt the most recent Office of Management and Budget (OMB) statistical area delineations, which impacts the hospice wage index and clarifies current policy related to the hospice “election statement” and the “notice of election” (NOE), as well as adds clarifying language regarding hospice admission and certification of terminal illness. The final rule summarizes public comments received related to the request for information regarding implementing a separate payment mechanism to account for high-intensity palliative care services. Editor's Note: Click here for the full Final Rule.
Military veterans honored during special ceremony at Sarasota adult day center
07/31/24 at 03:30 AMMilitary veterans honored during special ceremony at Sarasota adult day center Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Sarasota, FL; by Noelle Fox; 7/29/24 Twenty military veterans were honored recently at a special pinning event and remembrance ceremony at Town Square Sarasota jointly hosted by the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and Empath Tidewell Hospice. The veterans honored were all members of Town Square Sarasota, an adult day center, and some of the members honored had fought in the Korean and Vietnam wars. The event was part of the Tidewell Honors Veterans Program. ... Since opening in early 2022, Town Square Sarasota has partnered with Empath Tidewell Hospital to host four special pinning ceremonies honoring its veteran members. Town Square Sarasota also has integrated aspects into its location and programming to recognize and welcome veterans.
Hospice of the Valleys board members create custom edition wine to honor staff and volunteers
07/31/24 at 03:30 AMHospice of the Valleys board members create custom edition wine to honor staff and volunteers Valley News, Murrieta, CA; 7/26/24Hospice of the Valleys board member Rob Crisell and his wife, Dr. Monisha Crisell, have created a custom edition wine selection titled “Last Companion” in honor of the staff and volunteers of Hospice of the Valleys.“Crisell Vineyards dedicates this blend of sangiovese (70%) and montepulciano (30%) to Hospice of the Valleys, whose devoted nurses, doctors, staff and volunteers embody that organization’s mission to foster reverence for life, relief of suffering and compassion in loss for the terminally ill residents of our community. Salute!” the Crisells said. The Crisells have donated several cases of thiis special wine blend for this year's 26th annual Wine & Chocolate ... signature fundraiser.
Another healthcare, pharmacy chain files Chapter 11 bankruptcy
07/31/24 at 03:00 AMAnother healthcare, pharmacy chain files Chapter 11 bankruptcy Idaho Statesman; by Daniel Kline; updated 7/30/24 ... Rite Aid has been in Chapter 11 bankruptcy since October and has closed nearly 700 locations. CVS (CVS) and Walgreens (WBA) have managed to stay solvent, but both companies have been closing stores as well. That's partially something that can be blamed on Covid. The pandemic caused a population shift and that left thousands of pharmacies in locations that lack audience. If you used to pick up your prescription, and maybe a snack, at a pharmacy during your lunch break and you now no longer go into the office most days, that makes it hard for those locations to thrive. Now, another pharmacy chain that also operates an array of services for older Americans is facing financial distress.
HHS unveils major revamp to shift health data, AI strategy and policy under ONC
07/31/24 at 03:00 AMHHS unveils major revamp to shift health data, AI strategy and policy under ONC Fierce Healthcare; by Emma Beavins; 7/25/24 The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) has been renamed and restructured, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced [July 25]. The restructuring will affect technology, cybersecurity, data and artificial intelligence strategy and policy functions. The agency will be renamed the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC). Head of ONC, Micky Tripathi, will hold the new title of assistant secretary for technology policy in addition to his title of national coordinator for health IT. ... Under ASTP, there will be an Office of Policy, an Office of Technology, an Office of Standards, Certification and Analysis and an Office of the Chief Operating Officer.
Following the CrowdStrike outage, healthcare stresses the importance of prevention
07/31/24 at 03:00 AMFollowing the CrowdStrike outage, healthcare stresses the importance of prevention HealthCare Brew; by Cassie McGrath; 7/25/24... [The recent CrowdStrike outage] affected millions across all sorts of industries, from healthcare to travel. ... However, amid the chaos, what has largely gone untold are stories of the companies that emerged unscathed. And within those unaffected companies lies a lesson for others, according to Andrew Molosky, president and CEO of Tampa-based Chapters Health System. ... “We’ve really focused on business continuity, redundancies, safety nets, and understanding of the difference between cybersecurity as a task and cybersecurity as a cultural commitment of your organization,” Molosky said. ... These investments, Molosky said, included protocols for documenting on paper, using a backup application that provides patient information when electronic medical records and other systems are offline, and allowances for bringing in personal devices to use if company devices go down.
A blood test accurately diagnosed Alzheimer’s 90% of the time, study finds
07/31/24 at 03:00 AMA blood test accurately diagnosed Alzheimer’s 90% of the time, study finds The New York Times; by Pam Belluck; 7/28/24 The New York Times says researchers “reported that a blood test was significantly more accurate than doctors’ interpretation of cognitive tests and CT scans in signaling” Alzheimer’s disease. The study “found that about 90% of the time the blood test correctly identified whether patients with memory problems had Alzheimer’s,” while “dementia specialists using standard methods that did not include expensive PET scans or invasive spinal taps were accurate 73% of the time” and “primary care doctors using those methods got it right only 61% of the time.” The findings were published in JAMA and presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference.
Awards and Recognitions: July 2024
07/31/24 at 03:00 AMAward and Recognitions: July 2024We congratulate these honorees and celebrate your contributions to our collective hospice and palliative care mission, vision, and compassionate care throughout our world.
Video: Former MLB pitcher placed on hospice throws one last pitch at grandson's game
07/31/24 at 03:00 AMVideo: Former MLB pitcher placed on hospice throws one last pitch at grandson's game Fox23 News, Tulsa, OK; 7/26/24 A former major league baseball pitcher, who was placed on hospice, threw one last pitch at his grandson's game in Owasso on Thursday. ... [Click on the title's link for this inspiring video.]
Optum closing clinics, laying off 500+
07/31/24 at 03:00 AMOptum closing clinics, laying off 500+ Becker's Health IT; by Jakob Emerson; 7/25/24 Optum is closing clinics in multiple states and laying off 524 employees across California. According to regulatory documents filed July 18, the UnitedHealth Group company will terminate the California employees from Sept. 16 through January 2025 at clinic and administrative office locations in Hayward, Glendora, Montbello, Covina, Pasadena, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Irvine, Beaumont, Redlands, Highland, El Segundo, and Cerritos. The layoffs include some remote employees in other states. At Optum California's corporate office in El Segundo, 64 individuals will be laid off. Another 157 employees will be laid off at an office in Cerritos.
Proactive fall prevention: Elevating patient safety and healthcare excellence
07/31/24 at 03:00 AMProactive fall prevention: Elevating patient safety and healthcare excellenceHealthCare Business News; by Amy Hester; 7/26/24... The significance of fall prevention cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts patient outcomes and overall healthcare quality. With the patient safety solutions market growing at an expected rate of 11.2%, the importance of proactive fall prevention strategies becomes even more evident. ... In the United States, preventable medical errors, including falls, are the third leading cause of death. The impact of falls on patient health and recovery is profound, often leading to longer hospital stays, delayed recovery and increased risk of subsequent falls.Editor's Note: Proactive fall prevention is especially important for persons needing palliative or hospice care. As the person's health and mobility declines, they have to adjust to these changes mentally, emotionally, physically, and relationally. Recognizing decline can feel like defeat. Asking for help can be tough. Family members can expect the person to move more independently more than possible, leading to falls.
Hospice market surge: Expected to hit $182.1 billion by 2033
07/31/24 at 03:00 AMHospice market surge: Expected to hit $182.1 billion by 2033 Market.us Media; by Trishita Deb; 7/29/24 The global hospice market is projected to grow significantly from USD 72.8 billion in 2023 to around USD 182.1 billion by 2033, achieving a CAGR of 9.6%. This expansion is primarily driven by an aging population requiring increased palliative and end-of-life care. The demographic shift necessitates services that address chronic illnesses and provide compassionate care, predominantly offered by hospices. Additionally, technological advancements, particularly in telemedicine, facilitate broader access to comprehensive care, especially in remote areas. Interdisciplinary approaches in palliative care are also pivotal, involving collaborative efforts from doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains. This holistic method not only enhances the quality of care but also boosts patient and family satisfaction, key metrics in healthcare evaluations.
Today's Encouragement: I'd rather regret the risks ...
07/31/24 at 03:00 AMI'd rather regret the risks that didn't work out than the chances I didn't take at all. ~ Simone Biles, Olympic medalist, gymnastics, 2016, 2021, 2024
Hospices build community partnerships to better serve patients, employees
07/31/24 at 03:00 AMHospices build community partnerships to better serve patients, employees Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 7/29/24 Hospice care does not occur in a vacuum, and many operators find themselves building partnerships with other community organizations to better serve patients and support their staff. Providers work with other institutions to provide general inpatient and respite care, address social determinants of health and improve health equity, among other initiatives. Some also partner with medical and nursing schools to ensure students in health care fields gain exposure to hospice and palliative care principles. Notable Mentions: Skelly Wingard, CEO of By the Bay Health; Mary Shankster, Chief Development Officer at Stillwater Hospice; Altonia Garrett, COO of Blue Ridge Hospice
Loss of a loved one early in life may accelerate aging: Study
07/31/24 at 02:30 AMLoss of a loved one early in life may accelerate aging: StudyThe Hill - Health Care; by Miranda Nazzaro; 7/29/24 The experience of losing a loved one early in life could make a person age faster, according to a new study published Monday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. ... Losing a parent or sibling early in life can often be traumatic, causing mental health or cognitive issues, higher risks of heart disease and earlier mortality, researchers noted, adding repeated losses can increase the likelihood of heart disease, dementia or mortality. ... “Future research should focus on finding ways to reduce disproportionate losses among vulnerable groups. For those who experience loss, providing resources for coping and addressing the trauma is essential.”Editor's Note: Click here for the study, "Familial Loss of a Loved One and Biological Again: NIMHD Social Epigenomics Program." Calling all executive leaders who decide staffing and resources for your hospice's bereavement services: examine the long-term mission of your bereavement services for (1) children and teens, (2) young adults, (3) persons with racial and ethnic disparities.
Medicare Program: FY 2025 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update, Hospice Conditions of Participation Updates, and Hospice Quality Reporting Program Requirements
07/31/24 at 02:00 AMMedicare Program: FY 2025 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update, Hospice Conditions of Participation Updates, and Hospice Quality Reporting Program RequirementsFederal Register; 7/30/24Highlights include finalization of a 2.9% increase in payment rate and Hospice Cap of $34,465.34 for FY 2025.
‘Good’ death different for everyone
07/31/24 at 02:00 AM‘Good’ death different for everyone Altoona Mirror, Altoona, PA; 7/26/24 The social and economic inequities patients suffer in life often shapes their death” was a key point of a July 13-14 article in the Review section of the Wall Street Journal. ... In the article, which was written by Dr. Sunita Puri, a palliative care physician and the author of “That Good Night: Life and Medicine in the Eleventh Hour,” Puri focuses on the conundrum many families face when dealing with the question of where to spend the final days of life. ... “New research classifies the rise in home deaths as progress,” the message immediately under the article’s headline begins, “but we need to look more closely at what these deaths look like.” ... Puri, now 10 years into her physician career, says it is now clear to her that there is much more to a “good” death than where it occurs. “Presuming a home death is a success obscures important questions about the process,” she wrote. “Did this person die comfortably? Did their caregivers have the resources and guidance they needed? Was dying at home a choice or simply the only option?”
Real vs. fake news: Myths vs. facts about hospice care
07/30/24 at 03:30 AMReal vs. fake news: Myths vs. facts about hospice care The Journal; by Danielle Ruble, Chief Clinical Officer of Hospice of the Panhandle and Panhandle Palliative Services; 7/28/24 Writing an article naturally causes me to pause and reflect not only on my time working in the hospice realm, but also my “why.” Why was I originally drawn to this field of nursing, and why do I stay? My “why” is simple – mission-driven care. More specifically – mission-driven care centered around patient choice. Yes, it’s true, no one chooses to be terminally ill, but the type of care available is a choice. ... According to the Oxford Dictionary, a myth is a “widely held but false belief or idea” and hospice care is often associated with myths and misconceptions. Here are five myths that we frequently hear.
Despite past storms’ lessons, LTC residents again left powerless
07/30/24 at 03:00 AMDespite past storms’ lessons, LTC residents again left powerless: How a long-term care facility prepares for and handles power outages is one of the first questions potential residents should ask KFF Health News - Rethinking65; by Sandy West; 7/29/24 ... Even after multiple incidents of extreme weather — including a 2021 Texas winter storm that caused widespread blackouts and prompted a U.S. Senate investigation — not much has changed for those living in long-term care facilities when natural disasters strike in Texas or elsewhere. ... [While] nursing homes face such federal oversight, lower-care-level facilities that provide some medical care — known as assisted living — are regulated at the state level, so the rules for emergency preparedness vary widely. ... Editor's Note: While this article is written for the public, its content applies to all hospices that (1) provide hospice facility care, and/or (2) partner with senior care facilities: nursing homes, long-term care, assisted living, senior living communities, and PACE. This can be an important QAPI analysis and gap improvement.
New proposed federal legislation takes aim at concerns regarding perceived “looting” of health care systems by private equity investors
07/30/24 at 03:00 AMNew proposed federal legislation takes aim at concerns regarding perceived “looting” of health care systems by private equity investors JDSupra - Epstein Becker Green; by Melissa Jampol, Enrique Miranda, Kathleen Premo; 7/26/24On June 11, 2024, U.S. Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts, introduced proposed legislation titled The Corporate Crimes Against Health Care Act (“CCAHCA”), aimed at addressing a perceived “looting” of health care systems by for profit private equity investors. According to Sen. Warren, the bill was introduced to “root out corporate greed and private equity abuse in the health care system,” “prevent exploitative private equity practices,” and to specifically ensure that actions such as “looting” do not happen again by addressing trigger events and targeting real estate investment trusts. ... Finally, the CCAHCA would require health care entities, including, but not limited to: ... a hospice program, a home health agency, ... to publicly report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on an annual basis: (i) transactions entered into ... [Click on the title's link to continue reading.]
Today's Encouragement: from Celine Dion
07/30/24 at 03:00 AMLife imposes things on you that you can't control, but you still have the choice of how you're going to live through this. ~ Céline Dion, returned to the world stage Friday at the 2024 Paris Olympics' opening ceremony, and the gravity of the moment was not lost on her.
Skagit Regional Health nurses five months into contract negotiations
07/30/24 at 03:00 AMSkagit Regional Health nurses five months into contract negotiations Skagit Valley Herald, Mount Vernon, WA; 7/27/24 Nurses at Skagit Regional Health have been negotiating a new contract for nearly five months. Their latest contract ended May 31. The contract covers more than 600 registered nurses at Skagit Valley Hospital, its clinics and at Hospice of the Northwest, said Skagit Regional Health nurse Liz Rainaud, who is the local chair of the nurses' union, the Washington State Nurses Association. She said the nurses at Skagit Regional are the lowest paid in the region. During the most recent negotiating session July 9, tentative agreements were made on items such as bonus shifts, shift rotation, calculation of shift differential and sick leave accumulation.
Death can be a gentler exit for those enrolled in hospice care
07/30/24 at 03:00 AMDeath can be a gentler exit for those enrolled in hospice care The Blade; by Kimberly Wynn; 7/28/24 A baby coming into the world needs a lot of care, and families prepare for that wailing, cooing bundle of life with cribs, and changing tables and advice from mothers-in-law. When baby formula was in short supply, family members branched out to scour retail shelves for the necessities. For those leaving this world, care is also needed, according to Victoria Palenske, branch director for Elara Caring, which offers home health and hospice services in the Toledo area. Such souls may need oxygen, pain medications, and spiritual counseling, as well as a hand to hold. “People deserve a lot of care at the beginning of life, but they also deserve care at the end of their life,” said Ms. Palenske, who began her career as a registered nurse whose focus turned to hospice services. “It is a calling.”Editor's Note: Thank you Elara Caring for this mission-oriented description of hospice care that gently addresses "dying," in contrast to some hospice materials that deny or completely divert purposes related to terminal illness, dying, death, or bereavement.
A rabbi shares what he’s learned speaking with people in their final moments of life
07/30/24 at 03:00 AMA rabbi shares what he’s learned speaking with people in their final moments of life: Exploring the final moments before death is a reminder of what really matters in life Forward - Jewish. Independent. Nonprofit.; by Rabbi Daniel Cohen; 7/28/24 I have been at the bedside of many people in their final moments on earth. The experience can be either haunting or inspiring. Ironically, my first experience of saying goodbye to someone I loved was as a 9-year-old boy. My grandfather was dying from lung cancer ... I remember the final moments as if they were yesterday. ... I have seen people call out to loved ones in the days or moments before their body and soul separate. I have seen people wait for a loved one to arrive at their bedside, further testimony that the body may be dying but the soul is very much alive. ... In truth, exploring the final moments before death is not intended to be depressing, but a reminder of what really matters in life. ... Looking at the day of death can awaken us to invest more fully in life. Each of us possesses an inner voice beckoning us and pushing us towards greatness. Do we hear that voice and do we invest in it?