Literature Review
Hospice of the Plains honors President Jimmy Carter
02/20/24 at 02:00 AMHospice of the Plains honors President Jimmy CarterHospice of the Plains; 2/19/24This President’s Day we at Hospice of the Plains would like to honor former President Jimmy Carter for his work as President of the United States, his humanitarian work and his help bringing Hospice care to the public eye. ... President Carter elected to receive hospice care on Feb.18, 2023, after a series of hospital stays. ... President Carter decided to place focus on care rather than cure, knowing that his journey would be coming to an end, allowing highly trained nurses, social workers, chaplains, and support staff to take care of him. While hospice care isn’t widely discussed, and, to some, it may seem like giving up, as our former president has demonstrated, Hospice care is about living life to the fullest, living fully until our last breath.
Reduced federal share may force state Medicaid programs to cut services, HCBS expert says
02/20/24 at 02:00 AMReduced federal share may force state Medicaid programs to cut services, HCBS expert saysMcKnights Home Care, by Adam Healy; 2/15/24The Congressional Budget Office this month released its “Budget and Economic Outlook” report for the coming decade. In its report, CBO predicted a roughly $58 billion drop in federal Medicaid outlays for 2024 compared to 2023 — a 9% decrease in federal Medicaid spending, due in part to fewer beneficiaries on states’ Medicaid rolls. Reduced Medicaid outlays ... has placed an even greater strain on states to pay for these Medicaid programs, according to Damon Terzaghi, director of Medicaid HCBS for the National Association for Home Care & Hospice.
'A blessing': Sarasota family shares importance of hospice care after losing 5-year-old to cancer
02/20/24 at 01:00 AM'A blessing': Sarasota family shares importance of hospice care after losing 5-year-old to cancerCBS News 10 Tampa Bay, by Jenny Dean; 2/16/24While the average time in hospice is 70-80 days, some people defy the odds. And that's largely due to the changes in hospice care over the years. A Sarasota family knows how difficult that decision can be. They lost their 5-year-old daughter to cancer and now say hospice care is something they wish they would have gotten sooner.
From law enforcement to hospice care: Rollie Seebert's inspiring journey
02/19/24 at 03:00 AMFrom law enforcement to hospice care: Rollie Seebert's inspiring journeyBNN, by Bijay Laxmi; 2/14/24A Law Enforcement Veteran Turns to Hospice Care: Rollie Seebert, the former Deputy Chief of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, has traded his badge for a new role as the Executive Manager of Stoneridge Hospice in Phoenix, Arizona. This transition from law enforcement to end-of-life care marks a significant shift in Seebert's career, but his commitment to serving the community remains unwavering.
Kim Mooney-Doyle awarded nearly $500,000 to study communication needs in families of seriously ill children
02/19/24 at 03:00 AMKim Mooney-Doyle awarded nearly $500,000 to study communication needs in families of seriously ill childrenThe Elm of the University of Maryland, by Mary Therese Phelan; 2/15/24Kim Mooney-Doyle, PhD, RN, CPNP-AC, assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON), has been awarded a two-year R21 grant of $460,000 from the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) to research how understanding family communication during serious pediatric illness, from the perspective of adolescent siblings and parents, provides opportunities to prevent long-term distress.
Reimagining end-of-life care: Balancing polypharmacy, treatment modification, and quality of life in advanced cancer patients
02/19/24 at 03:00 AMReimagining end-of-life care: Balancing polypharmacy, treatment modification, and quality of life in advanced cancer patientsBNN, by Mahnoor Jehangir; 2/15/24In a recent groundbreaking study, researchers have illuminated the complexities surrounding polypharmacy and the prescription of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) to patients at the end of their lives, particularly those battling advanced cancer. This investigation, involving a cohort of 265 older adults, sheds light on the nuanced challenges and critical decisions faced by healthcare providers in managing the delicate balance between treatment efficacy and quality of life for terminally ill patients.
A year after Jimmy Carter entered hospice care, advocates hope his endurance drives awareness
02/19/24 at 03:00 AMA year after Jimmy Carter entered hospice care, advocates hope his endurance drives awareness ABC News, by Bill Barrow, Associated Press; 2/18/24Since Jimmy Carter entered hospice care at his home in south Georgia one year ago, the former U.S. president has celebrated his 99th birthday, enjoyed tributes to his legacy and lost his wife of 77 years. Rosalynn Carter, who died in November, about six months after the Carter family disclosed her dementia diagnosis, lived only a few days under hospice supervision, with her frail husband at her bedside. Experts on end-of-life care say the Carters’ different paths show the range of an oft-misunderstood service. Those advocates commend the Carter family for demonstrating the realities of aging, dementia and death. They express hope that the attention spurs more Americans to seek out services intended to help patients and families in the latter stages of life.Editor's Note:
NC Medicaid rolls grow by 1,000 people a day as smooth expansion rollout continues its third month
02/19/24 at 03:00 AMNC Medicaid rolls grow by 1,000 people a day as smooth expansion rollout continues its third monthNC Health News, by Jamie Baxley; 2/15/24When North Carolina launched Medicaid expansion on Dec. 1, state officials said the measure would provide health insurance to an estimated 600,000 low-income adults over a span of two years. It took just two months to reach 58 percent of that goal. More than 346,400 newly eligible beneficiaries have been approved for coverage as of Feb. 1, according to data from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
Cat Janice tops TikTok Billboard top 50 with ‘Dance You Outta My Head’
02/19/24 at 03:00 AMCat Janice tops TikTok Billboard top 50 with ‘Dance You Outta My Head’Billboard; 2/15/24Cat Janice’s “Dance You Outta My Head” has reached No. 1 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50. ... Cat Janice’s “Dance You Outta My Head” takes the top spot on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 for the chart posting Feb. 15. Fans have supported her song while she’s in hospice after being diagnosed with cancer, using her final song — which is dedicated to her 7-year-old son — to bring awareness to her condition.Editor's Note: We shared this story on
Introvert CEOs poised to thrive
02/19/24 at 03:00 AMIntrovert CEOs poised to thriveBecker's Hospital Review, by Alexis Keyser; 2/15/24Historically, extroverts have been promoted to leadership roles at higher rates than their peers. But in the post-pandemic C-suite, a new leadership style is taking hold — one better suited to introverts.
Bon Secours Mercy Health outsourcing home health, hospice
02/19/24 at 03:00 AMBon Secours Mercy Health outsourcing home health, hospiceBecker's Health IT, by Naomi Diaz; 2/16/24Cincinnati-based Bon Secours Mercy Health will turn over operations of its home health and hospice operations across five states to home-based care company Compassus. Per the arrangement, Compassus will be responsible for overseeing the operations of 10 home health agencies and 11 hospice operations. ... Bon Secours Mercy Health will retain ownership of its hospice house real estate assets in specific locations, while Compassus takes charge of managing the operations.
Healthcare's Oppenheimer moment
02/19/24 at 03:00 AMHealthcare's Oppenheimer moment Becker's Health IT, by Laura Dyrda; 2/16/224The thing that makes C-suite executives most excited about the future is also making them incredibly nervous: artificial intelligence. AI exploded in healthcare over the last 18 months as ChatGPT ushered in a new era of capabilities to automate repetitive tasks, analyze data and generate sophisticated chatbot communications. But there are risks with AI, including trained biases, information security and accuracy.
Today's Encouragement: from James Baldwin
02/19/24 at 03:00 AMNot everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. – James Baldwin
Back from the Super Bowl: Terminally ill Oak Hill man gives update on his trip of a lifetime
02/19/24 at 03:00 AMBack from the Super Bowl: Terminally ill Oak Hill man gives update on his trip of a lifetimeWVVA, by Gailyn Markham; 2/16/24Last week, WVVA shared the story of a terminally ill man from Oak Hill who had been selected by the NFL and Dream Foundation to go to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. Well, John Dean, 63, is back home in West Virginia and shares some details of his trip of a lifetime. Dean was one of two sports fans chosen to attend the 58th Super Bowl and watch the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers go head-to-head. He says the experience was an emotional one that he will never forget, and shares more in a video diary he took on the big day. ... “We are finally at the Super Bowl! My dream come true...Go Kansas City! Thank you, NFL, and, thank you, Dream Foundation for making this dream possible!”
Palliative care doctor: What dying feels like
02/19/24 at 03:00 AMPalliative care doctor: What dying feels like Mind Matters, by Denyse O'Leary; 2/15/24What does dying actually feel like? Most human beings have always believed that the essence of a human being survives the death of the body though the outcome is envisioned in a variety of ways. But, assuming that pain and distress are controlled, what does dying actually feel like? Can science tell us anything about that?
Is the patient dead?
02/19/24 at 03:00 AMIs the patient dead?AMA Journal of Ethics; email 2/14/24Debate over the criteria by which doctors declare brain death has some bioethicists concerned. The AMA Journal of Ethics offers the following educational resources:
Death with dignity: States expanding end-of-life options despite controversies
02/19/24 at 03:00 AMDeath with dignity: States expanding end-of-life options despite controversiesBNN, by Safak Costu; 2/14/24In the ongoing debate about the right to die, states like Colorado and Hawaii face challenges implementing 'death with dignity' laws. Catholic opposition and ethical concerns persist, yet efforts to expand continue.
Hospice wine taste and auction raises over $273K
02/19/24 at 03:00 AMHospice wine taste and auction raises over $273KCoeur D'Alene/Post Falls Press, by Laurie Owen; 2/17/24“Fly Me to the Moon” was the theme Feb. 3 at Hospice of North Idaho’s 39th Annual Wine Taste and Auction. With over 400 guests, volunteers and sponsors at The Coeur d’Alene Resort attendees raised their glasses and bidder numbers to raise over $273,000 to support the area’s nonprofit hospice in its 43rd year.
Causes and ways of death in patients with head and neck cancer
02/19/24 at 03:00 AMCauses and ways of death in patients with head and neck cancerJAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg; by Boyd N. van den Besselaar, MD; Aniel Sewnaik, PhD; Arta Hoesseini, MD; et al; 2/15/24 The results of this study potentially illuminate causes and ways of death in patients with HNC and support health care professionals in providing more patient-centered care, particularly for those in the palliative phase.
OBI says proposed bill would improve quality of life for at-home hospice patients
02/19/24 at 03:00 AMOBI says proposed bill would improve quality of life for at-home hospice patientsNews on 6; 2/16/24Our Blood Institute is bringing awareness to an Oklahoma Senate Bill it says would improve the quality of life for at-home hospice patients. The OBI said Senate Bill 2186 would make access to blood transfusions easier for end-of-life patients who receive care at home.
A race against time: Cancer patient's touching keepsake for his family
02/19/24 at 02:30 AMA race against time: Cancer patient's touching keepsake for his familyBNN; 2/15/24When time was running out, 44-year-old cancer patient Yiu created a heartfelt keepsake for his family. With the help of an art therapist, he cast a realistic mold of his intertwined hands with his wife's symbolizing their love and unity. This touching story highlights the power of love and hope in the face of adversity.
CMS issues additional guidance on program to allow people with Medicare to pay out-of-pocket prescription drug costs in monthly payments
02/19/24 at 02:30 AMCMS issues additional guidance on program to allow people with Medicare to pay out-of-pocket prescription drug costs in monthly paymentsCMS.gov; 2/15/24The Inflation Reduction Act’s Medicare Prescription Payment Plan will allow people to pay Medicare Part D out-of-pocket costs over the course of the year starting in 2025. [On February 15th,] the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the second part of draft guidance for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan that outlines requirements for Medicare Part D plan sponsors, including outreach and education requirements, pharmacy processes, and operational considerations, for the program’s first year, 2025.
Petals for Patients blossom smiles to hospice patients
02/19/24 at 02:15 AMPetals for Patients blossom smiles to hospice patientsKNWA & KFTA News, northwest Arkansas, by Elena Ramirez and Brad Horn; 2/15/24When Becky Davis decided to retire, she wanted to help those in hospice in some capacity, and she found it in Petals to Patients. Volunteers of Circle of Life, a hospice center, put together bouquets from donated flowers for hospice patients every week.
Commentary: Virginia hospice care coalition a model for other states to emulate
02/19/24 at 02:00 AMCommentary: Virginia hospice care coalition a model for other states to emulateThe Roanoke Times, by Steve Cone; 2/16/24 Here in Virginia, eight nonprofit hospice care organizations are working together with a private sector sponsor on a statewide initiative called the Virginia Hospice Awareness Campaign to publicize the benefits of hospice. This approach should serve as a model for other states to emulate. (Two of the nonprofits in the campaign serve the Roanoke and New River valleys and Alleghany Highlands: Good Samaritan and ConnectionsPlus.)
This hospice volunteer program is transforming end-of-life care for inmates in Maine
02/19/24 at 02:00 AMThis hospice volunteer program is transforming end-of-life care for inmates in MaineYouTube - News Center Maine, video news; 2/16/24The prisoner hospice volunteer program started in 2001 as a partnership among the Maine Hospice Council, Maine State Prison, and Maine Department of Corrections.