Literature Review
Lanterns shine light on spiritual, financial help Fort Worth nonprofit gives to terminally ill
03/20/26 at 03:00 AMLanterns shine light on spiritual, financial help Fort Worth nonprofit gives to terminally ill FWR - Fort Worth Report, Fort Worth, TX; by Marissa Greene; 2/16/26 Nestled within a grove of trees, more than 300 lanterns twinkled around the perimeter of the Keith House on a recent evening in the Clearfork neighborhood. The pulsing glow of the tealight candle inside each white paper bag illuminated a first name and last initial inscribed into the front of the lantern. Each name represented a patient served by Project 4031, a faith-based nonprofit aiming to provide peace and comfort to terminally ill children, adults and families facing end-of-life challenges by easing financial burdens and fulfilling last wishes.
The deep roots never doubt ...
03/20/26 at 03:00 AMThe deep roots never doubt Spring will come. ~ Marty RubinGoodbye, Winter. Welcome, Spring!
Centering end-of-life care around what matters most: Goal-of-care discussions drive earlier hospice access
03/20/26 at 03:00 AMCentering end-of-life care around what matters most: Goal-of-care discussions drive earlier hospice access Cleveland Clinic; features Laura Hoeksema, MD, MPH, FAAHPM; 3/10/26 Hospice experts help those with incurable disease maintain autonomy, reduce trauma and gain symptom relief. Yet studies show that the median length of stay in hospice before death is roughly 19 days. What can care teams do to ensure that patients and their families have access to this appropriate end-of-life care? As the Medical Director of Cleveland Clinic Hospice, Laura Hoeksema, MD, MPH, FAAHPM, and her team support physicians and patients in navigating this journey. ...
A greener afterlife: Local cemetery champions natural burial
03/20/26 at 03:00 AMA greener afterlife: Local cemetery champions natural burial PBS - WUFT, Gainesville, FL; by Alexis Vivanco; 3/17/26 A wicker-woven casket emerged from a funeral hearse earlier this month at the Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery for what would be the final resting place of Barbara Finley James. The coffin, modest and held together by various plant materials, was placed on a wooden cart. ... Members of several generations of the James family approached the casket, and placed hands on the various handles attached throughout. With a silent signal, the family began the march through the inclining dirt path to their loved one’s burial site. ... Natural burials, also known as green burials, are an alternate form of end-of-life care that champion cleaner funeral practices. The three characteristics that distinguish a natural burial are no embalming, no vaults, and all burial containers used must be biodegradable.
“We make our own families”: Do child-free people die alone? Hospice worker shares her experience
03/20/26 at 03:00 AM“We make our own families”: Do child-free people die alone? Hospice worker shares her experience Daily Dot; by Rebecca Leib; 3/18/26 According to a longtime hospice worker, being child-free doesn't affect end-of-life care, but having strong community ties does. The decision to have children is a deeply personal one, fraught with societal pressures and fears. One common fear is that a childless person might die alone. Recently, however, child-free advocate @wearechildfree shared a video dispelling that fear. Whether someone has kids or doesn't, she says, meaningful end-of-life care is not about children specifically, but the result of cultivating a close and loving community.
What is the quality of care at the end of life? Qualitative findings from a nationally-representative post-bereavement survey across England and Wales
03/20/26 at 03:00 AMWhat is the quality of care at the end of life? Qualitative findings from a nationally-representative post-bereavement survey across England and Wales Journal of Health Services Research & Policy | University of Cambridge; by Joanna Goodrich Sophie Pask, Chukwuebuka Okwuosa, Therese Johansson, Lynn Laidlaw, Cara Ghiglieri, Rachel Chambers, Anna E. Bone, Stephen Barclay, Fliss E. M. Murtagh, Katherine E. Sleeman; 3/13/26 ... Our aim in this study was to explore the quality of end-of-life care in England and Wales using the experiences of bereaved family carers, and to develop person-centred quality of care domains for end-of-life care. ... Six themes were identified in relation to the quality of care for those with advanced illness and their family carers.
Executive Personnel Changes - 3/20/26
03/20/26 at 03:00 AMExecutive Personnel Changes - 3/20/26
Bayada offers scholarship program to address nursing shortage
03/20/26 at 03:00 AMBayada offers scholarship program to address nursing shortage Williamsport Sun-Gazette; by Matthew Corter; 3/17/26 In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many industries experienced a shrinking workforce, and one of those hardest hit by the trend was the healthcare field. ... One of the biggest gaps currently is in home health aides. ... To face the shortage head on, Bayada has recently increased investment in its workforce and career development, including a scholarship program called Advance Through Nursing, which helps home health aides overcome financial and educational barriers on their path to becoming licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs).
Ahead of National Volunteer Month, NPHI calls on Americans to become hospice volunteers and strengthen human connection
03/20/26 at 02:00 AMAhead of National Volunteer Month, NPHI calls on Americans to become hospice volunteers and strengthen human connection National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), Washington, DC; Press Release; 3/19/26 As more Americans look for ways to build connection and find purpose in their communities, the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation is encouraging individuals to consider volunteering with their local hospice during National Volunteer Month this April. Across the country, nearly 30,000 volunteers already serve alongside professional care teams within NPHI's network of more than 125 nonprofit providers, bringing comfort, presence, and human connection to patients and families facing serious illness while also experiencing the personal benefits of giving back.
MedPAC debates hospice payment updates via outlier, add-on payments
03/19/26 at 03:00 AMMedPAC debates hospice payment updates via outlier, add-on payments Inside Health Policy; by Sigi Ris; 3/17/26 When it comes to addressing hospice provider’s high-cost treatments for patients with end-stage renal disease or cancer, Congress’ Medicare advisors seemed to support updating the hospice payment system with outlier payments rather than an add-on payment and commissioners debated the merits of creating a transitional care model for those patients that would reduce barriers to these support services. [Full access requires subscription, with option for 30 days free access.]
[Spain] Queen Letizia supports universal access to palliative care
03/19/26 at 03:00 AM[Spain] Queen Letizia supports universal access to palliative care Aragon Health Research Institute | Biomedical Research Center; Press Release; 3/16/26 Her Majesty Queen Letizia received a delegation from the Spanish Society of Palliative Care (SECPAL) with representatives from all essential professional profiles in palliative care. During the meeting, they conveyed to Queen Letizia the current situation of palliative care in Spain as well as the important challenges that persist ... Queen Letizia showed her sensitivity and commitment towards ... those facing advanced illnesses or who are at the end of their lives, and conveyed to SECPAL her support for initiatives aimed at strengthening the development of palliative care in Spain. ... Faced with this reality, SECPAL handed the queen over a decalogue [ten-point plan] which outlines the priorities for the development of palliative care in our country, such as ensuring that there are sufficient resources and appropriately trained teams at all levels of care.
Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer: Now what?
03/19/26 at 03:00 AMDiagnosed with pancreatic cancer: Now what? University of Michigan Health | Michigan Medicine; by Nicole Fawcett; 3/17/26 Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest of the major cancers, with a five-year survival rate of only 13%. It's a complex and stealthy disease that is often difficult to treat and can be scary for patients and their family. ... “As research advances our understanding of pancreatic cancer, we’re doing better at taking care of patients. ...” said Evan Glazer, M.D., Ph.D., Clinical Director of the Pancreatic Cancer Program at University of Michigan Health and Associate Director of Clinical Research in the Rogel and Blondy Center for Pancreatic Cancer. ...
What the BrightSpring-Sevita deal means for large health care transactions
03/19/26 at 03:00 AMWhat the BrightSpring-Sevita deal means for large health care transactions Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 3/13/26 Though not a hospice transaction, the trajectory of BrightSpring Health Services’ (Nasdaq: BTSG) divestiture of its ResCare community living business could signal changes in the way the federal government approaches large health care deals. BrightSpring in January 2025 entered into a definitive agreement to sell ResCare Community Living to Sevita, a provider of home and community-based specialty health care, for $835 million in cash consideration. Closure of the transaction was delayed by a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) anti-trust complaint. The FTC later cleared the deal after reaching an agreement with Sevita, which required the company to sell 126 intermediate care facilities to reduce any anti-competitive impact of the acquisition. ...
Hospice CARE Act reintroduced
03/19/26 at 03:00 AMHospice CARE Act reintroduced Hospice News; Jim Parker; 3/18/26 Rep. Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) and Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) have re-introduced the Hospice Care Accountability, Reform, and Enforcement (Hospice CARE) Act, designed to modernize the Medicare Hospice Benefit, fight fraud and expand access to care. The bill contains a blend of program integrity provisions and payment reforms intended to “strengthen” the benefit, according to the lawmakers. The bill would establish new safeguards to prevent fraudulent providers from enrolling in Medicare and bolster federal oversight of hospices. It would also change payment structures to incentivize high-quality care.
May the best, most random "I don't watch basketball much" ...
03/19/26 at 03:00 AMMay the best, most random "I don't watch basketball much" bracket win your office pool.
Addus HomeCare details 2026 priorities as Medicaid redeterminations ease at KeyBanc Forum
03/19/26 at 03:00 AMAddus HomeCare details 2026 priorities as Medicaid redeterminations ease at KeyBanc Forum Transcript Daily; by Lauren Steadman; 3/17/26 ... 2025 focus areas: hospice improvements and personal care growth mix CEO Dirk Allison said a major internal focus early in 2025 was rebuilding performance in the company’s hospice segment. He said Addus made investments beginning in October of the prior year, including leadership changes as well as sales and marketing training, with the goal of returning the hospice business to pre-pandemic performance. Allison said the company saw “really good progress” during 2025 and is encouraged heading into 2026.
Hospice of Southern Kentucky celebrates revitalization of memorial garden
03/19/26 at 03:00 AMHospice of Southern Kentucky celebrates revitalization of memorial garden ABC 13 - WBKO News, Bowling Green, KY; by Avery Catalano; 3/18/26 Hospice of Southern Kentucky is celebrating the revitalization of the Geri Buchanon Smith Memorial Garden on its Bowling Green campus. The garden honors the late wife of longtime board member Dr. David Smith. The couple shared a deep love of gardening, and hospice leaders said the space is meant to reflect that.
LLUH and Kara Health form joint venture to launch Loma Linda University Hospice
03/19/26 at 03:00 AMLLUH and Kara Health form joint venture to launch Loma Linda University Hospice Public; Press Release; 3/17/26 Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) and Kara Health are partnering to expand access to hospice services for patients and families across the Inland Empire. LLUH, a leader in clinical care and education, and Kara Health, a technology-enabled post-acute care organization, today announced the formation of a new joint venture: Loma Linda University Hospice. The collaboration combines LLUH's clinical expertise and longstanding community presence with Kara Health's hospice infrastructure and technology platform.
The secure leader: How attachment styles shape leadership | part one
03/19/26 at 03:00 AMThe secure leader: How attachment styles shape leadership | part one Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); podcast hosted by Chris Comeaux with Jamie Goff; 3/18/26 What if the greatest barrier to effective leadership isn’t a lack of skills—but a lack of self-awareness? What if the real challenge isn’t learning more tactics, but understanding the internal stories, beliefs, and patterns that shape how you lead every day? In Part One of this powerful conversation, Chris Comeaux sits down with Dr. Jamie Goff, executive coach and author of The Secure Leader, ... Dr. Goff challenges the traditional focus on technical leadership skills and instead shines a light on the internal mindset shifts that truly transform leaders.
Akron-area teen remembered for facing cancer with grace, laughter
03/19/26 at 02:00 AMAkron-area teen remembered for facing cancer with grace, laughter Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH; by Ralph N. Paulk and Marilyn Miller Paulk; 3/18/26 Darren Hampton smiled and laughed almost incessantly. ... His family reminisced how he fought an agonizing battle with grace and a seemingly habitual smile long after he was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 at age 7. ... Darren wasn’t afraid to die,” Hampton said. “He understood what was going on.” ... Then, shortly after arriving at the hospice center, he asked Abood, “Are you telling me I don’t have to go to school?” Yet, he expressed a willingness to take his state tests. “He was always concerned about his schoolwork,” ... "(Darren) was full of energy and always positive. He wanted to step in and change the world. He talked about recycling in rivers and lakes.” ... On the day he died, Darren summoned his family. ...
Most newly enrolled California hospice agencies flagged for fraud, CMS says
03/19/26 at 02:00 AMMost newly enrolled California hospice agencies flagged for fraud, CMS says Washington Examiner; by Mia Cathell; 3/18/26 A top official at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services informed Congress on Tuesday that federal investigators have stripped billing privileges from three-fifths of newly enrolled hospice agencies that have continued to pop up in California, a state long riddled with healthcare fraud. Of the remaining California-based hospice service providers that emerged over the past six months, 35% were flagged for corrective action, Kimberly Brandt, the chief operating officer of CMS, told the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
HCA’s CEO-to-worker pay ratio widens in 2025
03/18/26 at 03:00 AMHCA’s CEO-to-worker pay ratio widens in 2025 Becker's Hospital Review; by Andrew Cass; 3/16/26 Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare CEO Sam Hazen was paid 420 times more than the health system’s median employee in 2025, according to a March 13 proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Mr. Hazen’s total compensation was $26,456,606 in 2025. The total compensation of HCA’s median compensated employee was $62,955. The ratio of these amounts was 420:1.