Literature Review
Gerontological nursing essentials for BSN students: Meeting aging population needs
10/10/25 at 03:00 AMGerontological nursing essentials for BSN students: Meeting aging population needs Nevada State | RN to BSN; 10/9/25 An aging population is transforming healthcare delivery, and nurses are increasingly called to address the complex needs of older adults. For students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), learning the essentials of gerontological nursing provides the foundation to deliver compassionate, effective care. This specialty emphasizes not only clinical expertise but also communication, cultural competence, and advocacy for patient dignity. Explore what defines this field, the role of an adult gerontology nurse practitioner, and the pathways available to see how they can shape the future of elder care. Editor's Note: How is your organization supporting career growth for all staff members? While this article focuses on the RN-to-BSN pathway with a gerontological nursing emphasis, consider expanding professional development opportunities across your entire workforce—clinical and non-clinical alike. For example:
For World Mental Health Day: Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more ...
10/10/25 at 03:00 AMFor World Mental Health Day: Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. ~ Fred RogersEditor's Note: Bonus from Fred Rogers when accepting his Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award: " ... All of us have special ones who have loved us into being. Would you just take along with me--10 seconds--to think of the people who have helped you become who you are. Those who have cared about you, and have wanted what was best for you in life. Ten seconds of silence. I'll watch the time. Whomever you've been thinking about, how pleased they must be to know the difference you feel they've made. ..."
Home health & hospice's top advocacy priorities
10/10/25 at 02:00 AMHome health & hospice's top advocacy priorities TIMSHME.com; by Steve Landers; 10/5/25 The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) is the largest organization representing, advocating for and convening providers of home-based care, representing over 1,500 organizations and more than 10,000 agencies serving millions of people nationwide. ... Last month, the Alliance convened more than 230 frontline providers and leaders in Washington to advocate for these priorities. ... Advocates shared the key issues impacting care, why it matters and what Congress should do about it.
For this doctor, LGBTQ+ care is about the mission and the moment
10/10/25 at 02:00 AMFor this doctor, LGBTQ+ care is about the mission and the moment American Medical Association (AMA); by Timothy M. Smith; 10/8/25 ... [Shail Maing, MD] is a hematology-oncology and palliative care physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), in Boston, where she is also the inaugural DFCI Network health equity and inclusion liaison. In addition to her work caring for patients, Dr. Maingi’s passion is advocacy, particularly on health inequities for LGBTQ+ patients. She was the founding chair of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine’s LGBTQ Special Interest Group. “We’re living in a very diverse world, with much more acceptance and acknowledgement that health care is for everybody—that there are differences that are unexplored, and we can't pretend everybody has the same set of needs,” said Dr. Maingi ...
The expanding role of family medicine in Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias
10/09/25 at 03:00 AMThe expanding role of family medicine in Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias Patient Care; by Grace Halsey; 10/7/25 [From the 2025 Family Medicine Experience conference] Family medicine's unique position in dementia management spans initial diagnosis through end-of-life care. ... Dementia Staging: Clinical Assessment and Hospice EligibilityFor practical bedside assessment and hospice determination, the Functional Assessment Staging Tool (FAST) proves particularly valuable.1 The FAST scale includes 7 main stages, progressing from no impairment (stage 1) through severe dementia requiring total care (stage 7). Stage 7 breaks down further into substages (7a-7f) that capture specific functional losses including ambulation, independent sitting, smiling, and head control. Eligibility for hospice care generally requires FAST stage 7c or beyond, indicating ... [continue reading this important criteria] Editor's Note: Leaders must understand hospice eligibility criteria when setting census goals, guiding teams, and communicating with families. Getting it wrong risks fraudulent billing, angry caregivers when live discharges occur, or too little care that comes too late. Getting it right ensures dignity, humanity, and meaningful final moments amid dementia's long goodbyes—true measures of compassionate hospice dementia care.
Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest ...
10/09/25 at 03:00 AMVegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie. ~ Jim Davis
Telepalliation creates a sense of security: A qualitative study of patients with cancer receiving palliative care
10/09/25 at 03:00 AMTelepalliation creates a sense of security: A qualitative study of patients with cancer receiving palliative carePalliative Medicine; by Jarl Voss Andersen Sigaard, Elisabet Dortea Ragnvaldsdóttir Joensen, Una Rósa Birgisdóttir, Helle Spindler, Birthe Dinesen; 10/7/25 ... The aim of this study was to explore patients' experiences with the functionality of the Telepalliation program while receiving specialized palliative care. ... Results: Four key themes emerged: "Sense of coherence," "Telepal platform," "Roles of spouse/partner and relatives," and "Cross-sector collaboration." The program improved patients' sense of security and coherence by enhancing communication with healthcare professionals. ... The platform also successfully integrated relatives into the care process. Editor's Note: While this research was conducted in Denmark, it surely resonates with patient care in the US. Reference articles in the uncertainties of government shutdowns, legislative needs to extend telehealth, and more:
[Canada] Hot Rods for Hospice raises $34,744.59
10/09/25 at 03:00 AM[Canada] Hot Rods for Hospice raises $34,744.59 Penticton Herald, British Columbia, Canada; by Michael Bennett; 10/6/25 The third annual East Kent Hot Rods for Hospice, unofficially, set records for vehicles, donations, and attendees as well. More than 330 classic cars and trucks were parked on the grounds of the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus, and an estimated 4,000 people enjoyed the attractions at the Saturday, Sept. 20, event, which was put on by the Ridge Runners East Kent Car Club. ... But most importantly, participants, attendees and sponsors raised $34,744.59 for the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation. ... The total donation to the Hospice over the three years is $96,524.15.
Dallas nonprofit plans first hospice house for people experiencing homelessness
10/09/25 at 03:00 AMDallas nonprofit plans first hospice house for people experiencing homelessness NBC DFW-5, Dallas, TX; by David Goins; 10/7/25 ... Tucked along a quiet, tree-lined street just east of downtown Dallas sits a historic property that will soon house a new concept for North Texas — a hospice house designed to provide end-of-life care in a safe, supportive environment for those living unsheltered. Chris Culack, CEO of the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas, said the organization’s mission has long centered on supporting vulnerable populations. The group currently provides meals for homebound neighbors in Dallas, Denton and Rockwall counties, as well as in-home hospice care in 16 counties statewide.
New garden at Benefis Peace Hospice offers space for grief and healing
10/09/25 at 03:00 AMNew garden at Benefis Peace Hospice offers space for grief and healing KRTV-3 Great Falls, MT; by Aneesa Coomer; 9/23/25 On what would have been her 68th birthday, family, friends, and colleagues gathered Monday at Benefis Peace Hospice to honor the life and legacy of Terry Preite with the dedication of a new memorial garden. A longtime senior leader at Benefis Health System, Preite oversaw both Peace Hospice and the Benefis Foundation, programs she poured her heart into for much of her career. .... The new Terry Preite Memorial Garden features sculptures, walking paths, and quiet spaces for reflection. It was designed not only for hospice patients and families, but for anyone in the community seeking peace.
Hospice chain settles fraud claims for $3 million
10/09/25 at 03:00 AMHospice chain settles fraud claims for $3 million Law.com; 10/7/25 Guardian Hospice of Georgia and affiliated firms Guardian Home Care Holdings and AccentCare have agreed to pay $3 million to settle whistleblower claims that they submitted false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for hospice patients that were not terminally ill, the acting U.S. attorney in Atlanta announced Oct. 2.
Why 95% of AI rollouts fail and what L&D leaders can do about it
10/09/25 at 03:00 AMWhy 95% of AI rollouts fail and what L&D leaders can do about it Big Think+; 10/7/25 Companies are pouring resources into AI, yet capability gaps hold employees back from using it effectively. ... MIT recently reported that 95 percent of AI projects fail to deliver measurable outcomes. Despite the unprecedented investment, productivity gains are elusive, employee adoption is shaky, and the business case often collapses under scrutiny. How can we surround ourselves with the most powerful technology in human history, spend billions deploying it, and still struggle to prove it makes us better? The answer isn’t hiding in the models or the code. The real story and the real risk are sitting right in front of us. ... If you only push the tech, you’ll be part of the 95 percent of failures. If you only focus on people, you’ll underestimate what’s at stake. Success requires advancing both at the same time, with equal intentionality.
Timing matters: Impact of early advance care planning conversations on hospice utilization in outpatient oncology
10/09/25 at 03:00 AMTiming matters: Impact of early advance care planning conversations on hospice utilization in outpatient oncologyJCO Oncology Practice, An American Society of Clinical Oncology Journal; by Lydia Mills, Malia Albin, Ami Gorsky-Zabukovic, Liz Hutchison, Molly Mendenhall, and Robyn Tibert; 10/7/25 Results: 53% of physicians interviewed defined [Advance Care Planning] ACP as hospice, end-of-life, or code status conversations. This group of providers preferred waiting to conduct ACP discussions until later in a patient’s disease trajectory. However, 33% of physicians interviewed viewed ACP as broader discussions, to include patients’ values, goals and preferences for EOL care. These physicians stated they engage in ACP conversations as early as the first or second visit, especially with patients who have Stage IV disease or have a poor prognosis, introducing hospice as a potential option and revisiting these discussions throughout the course of treatment. PI data showed that providers who engage in early and consistent ACP discussions have a 17% higher hospice enrollment rate compared to their peers.
Text to Voice Options
10/09/25 at 03:00 AMHave Chrome read pages aloudChrome update announcement; 10/8/25Chrome can now read web pages aloud - like Hospice & Palliative Care Today! Words on the page are highlighted to help you follow along. Read aloud is best for content like news stories, articles, or even PDFs. To use read aloud:
Study: PE-owned hospices have highest profits, lowest spending on direct patient care
10/09/25 at 02:00 AMStudy: PE-owned hospices have highest profits, lowest spending on direct patient care McKnights Home Care; by Liza Berger; 10/8/25 Compared to publicly traded company-owned and other for-profit hospices, private equity (PE)-owned hospices reported the highest profits and lowest spending on direct patient care and nonsalary administrative services, a study published Tuesday in Health Affairs revealed. The study, which used 2022 Medicare cost reports, compared revenue and expense data across four hospice ownership models: PE-owned, publicly traded company-owned, other for- profit, and not-for-profit. The sample consisted of 2,989 freestanding hospices ... [Across] the board, not-for-profits spend about 20% more on direct patient care services than other for-profits. And that seems to be driven by a pretty big difference in nurse salaries, which to us implies that staffing tends to be better at or at least more robust at not-for-profits. ... A body of research has found that for-profit hospice ownership, including private equity, is associated with poorer quality, higher rates of complaints, a higher number of live discharges, and a higher hospitalization rate compared with not-for-profit ownership.
Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day - Template Emails/Texts to Support Your Staff
10/09/25 at 02:00 AMTomorrow is World Mental Health Day - Templates to Support Your Staff Hospice & Palliative Care Today; by Joy Berger; 10/8/25 In preparation for tomorrow's World Mental Health Day, Friday, October 10, 2025, we’ve created these sample email and text templates to help you easily share encouragement and support with your employees and volunteers — especially those who provide direct patient and family care. While this year’s worldwide emphasis is on “catastrophes and emergencies,” it relates to hospice work. Each visit a clinician makes has the potential to walk into a patient’s, caregiver’s, or family’s end-of-life “catastrophe” (“she’s dying!”) or “emergency” (pain, terminal restlessness). Supporting your staff through these ongoing, accumulated stresses is essential to sustaining your mission — compassionate hospice care. Click here for these templates for emails or text messages.
Experience is the teacher of ...
10/08/25 at 03:00 AMExperience is the teacher of all things. ~ Julius Caesar
Capturing the comfort and care of palliative care this World Hospice and Palliative Care Day
10/08/25 at 03:00 AM[South Africa] Capturing the comfort and care of palliative care this World Hospice and Palliative Care Day Good Things Guy, South Africa; by Nothando Mthembu; 10/7/25 It’s said that a picture is worth a thousand words, and it is upon this very adage that the Association of Palliative Care Centres (APCC) of South Africa has launched a powerful photographic campaign to capture the dignity, comfort and support that patients facing life-threatening illness receive and deserve through the provision of palliative healthcare services. With the hope of showcasing the impact of palliative care through real-life stories and images, the ‘Through the Palliative Care Lens’ campaign aligns with the theme for World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2025 (WHPCD2025): ‘Universal Access to Palliative Care’.
Pine Tree Hospice celebrates 40th anniversary at Peaks Kenny State Park
10/08/25 at 03:00 AMPine Tree Hospice celebrates 40th anniversary at Peaks Kenny State Park The Piscataquis Observer, Bangor, ME; by Staff, Piscataquis Observer; 10/6/25 Sixty-plus volunteers and their family members gathered on Saturday, Sept. 20 to celebrate Pine Tree Hospice’s 40 years of providing free care and comfort to families in the greater Piscataquis County community. ... Executive Director Kristen Wortman credits the group’s longevity to the devotion of its volunteers to serving isolated and often house-bound neighbors in their communities, caregivers and those grieving the loss of a loved one. Pine Tree Hospice continues to focus on neighbors helping neighbors. Services are free and provided to clients without medical referral.Editor's Note: Congratulations to this out-of-the-box, rural, "non-medical" hospice that saw end-of-life care needs and found creative "neighbors-helping-neighbors" ways to meet them. Put this into context of 1985, in an ongoing rural environment at the uppermost northeast corner of the U.S., long before Medicare became the norm.
Winnetka man gets nearly 5 years for role in $16M Medicare fraud
10/08/25 at 03:00 AMWinnetka man gets nearly 5 years for role in $16M Medicare fraud Los Angeles Daily News, Los Angeles, CA; by City News Service; 10/6/25 A San Fernando Valley man was sentenced Monday, Oct. 6, to four years and nine months behind bars for his role in conning Medicare out of nearly $16 million through sham hospice companies and then helping launder the illicit proceeds. Karpis Srapyan, 35, was also ordered to pay restitution of $3.2 million to Medicare, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Bayada receives $1m grant for nursing scholarships
10/08/25 at 03:00 AMBayada receives $1m grant for nursing scholarships HomeCare, Philadelphia, PA; Press Release; 10/2/25 BAYADA Home Health Care, a nonprofit home health care provider, announced it has been awarded $1 million from the Regina Charitable Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation to sponsor 75 caregivers in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania on their path to becoming nurses. The Regina Charitable Fund is a nonprofit established to support organizations that provide care for chronically ill and indigent aged, and to train individuals to provide such care. ... While providing paid personal care and companionship services to BAYADA clients, program participants will receive scholarships of $10,000 each to attend the nursing school of their choice.
Wisconsin rarely grants compassionate release as aging, ailing prisoners stress systems
10/08/25 at 03:00 AMWisconsin rarely grants compassionate release as aging, ailing prisoners stress systems Wisconsin Watch; by Mario Koran and Sreejita Patra; 10/7/25 Increased use of compassionate release could ease costs and crowding with minimal risks to public safety, experts say. But it remains off limits to many prisoners. ... Wisconsin grants few applicants compassionate release, leaving many severely ill inmates in short-staffed prisons that often struggle to meet health care needs. Wisconsin courts approved just 53, or 11%, of 489 compassionate release petitions they received between January 2019 and June 2025 — about eight petitions a year, Corrections data show. Courts approved just five of 63 petitions filed in all of 2024.
Uplift Hospice acquires Grace Hospice, Medical Group
10/08/25 at 03:00 AMUplift Hospice acquires Grace Hospice, Medical Group Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 10/2/25 Uplift Hospice has acquired Tucson, Arizona-based Grace Hospice & Palliative Care and Grace Medical Group for an undisclosed amount. The transaction not only boosts the company’s average daily census and builds density in their Arizona service region, it will also help them scale their small but growing home-based primary care and palliative care businesses. Uplift currently has one medical group active in Nevada and is seeking to expand those services across their footprint, which also extends into Texas.