Literature Review



The CEO social media ‘influencer era’

04/11/25 at 03:00 AM

The CEO social media ‘influencer era’ Becker's Hospital Review; by Kristin Kuchno; 4/8/25 LinkedIn has emerged as a particularly influential platform, where healthcare executives share leadership lessons, strategy insights and personal reflections from patient interactions. “There’s a call for more authenticity and transparency, and people now expect to hear directly from their leaders to understand their perspective,” LinkedIn Editor-In-Chief Dan Roth told Fortune. This shift toward more personal communication aligns with a broader push for transparency. Research from FTI Consulting shows 92% of professionals are more likely to trust an organization whose executives use social media. Leaders should embrace the conversational tone of social media and allow their personality — including vulnerabilities — to show, with the aim of sparking dialogue, rather than simply echoing news releases, a senior vice president at H/Advisors Abernathy told Fortune. 

Read More

Why cameras are popping up in eldercare facilities

04/11/25 at 03:00 AM

Why cameras are popping up in eldercare facilities The New York Times; by Paula Span; 4/7/25 Roughly 20 states now have laws permitting families to place cameras in the rooms of loved ones. Facility operators are often opposed. ... The assisted-living facility in Edina, Minn., where Jean H. Peters and her siblings moved their mother in 2011, looked lovely. “But then you start uncovering things,” Ms. Peters said. Her mother, Jackie Hourigan, widowed and developing memory problems at 82, too often was still in bed when her children came to see her in mid-morning. So Ms. Peters bought an inexpensive camera at Best Buy. She and her sisters installed it atop the refrigerator in her mother’s apartment, ... Monitoring from an app on their phones, the family saw Ms. Hourigan going hours without being changed. They saw and heard an aide loudly berating her and handling her roughly as she helped her dress. ... Though they remain a contentious subject, cameras in care facilities are gaining ground. By 2020, eight states had joined Minnesota in enacting laws allowing them, according to the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care: Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Washington. [Continue reading ...]

Read More

Caregiving can test you, body and soul. It can also unlock a new sense of self

04/11/25 at 02:00 AM

Caregiving can test you, body and soul. It can also unlock a new sense of selfNPR; by Kat McGowan; 4/1/25Amanda Cruz took care of her mother, who died of cancer late last year. The experience changed her sense of identity. She is still sorting through what that means. When it was all over, Amanda Cruz felt like a phoenix, a new person rising from what had been. First, though, she had to go through the fire... In 2009, two researchers proposed an explanation for why caregiving for an adult who is ill or disabled can be so profound. Their argument, simply called "caregiver identity theory," is now widely accepted among psychologists and social workers who study and help caregivers.

Read More

Our newsletter's "Healthcare Observances" calendar

04/10/25 at 03:15 AM

Our newsletter's "Observances" calendar Hospice & Palliative Care Today; by Joy Berger; 4/9/25 We invite you to use our newsletter's "Observances" calendar, with information for numerous annual observances, like National Volunteer Month (April) and Week (April 20-26), National Nurses Month (May) and Week (May 6-12), National Nursing Assistants Week (June 12-18), and much more. To find at anytime, go to our webpage's "Resources" tab; click on "Observances." Do you have edits to suggest? Freely email me.

Read More

A hospice nurse made a promise—and found homes for 1,300 pets

04/10/25 at 03:15 AM

A hospice nurse made a promise—and found homes for 1,300 pets  Miami Herald, Miami, FL; by Jen Reeder; 4/7/25Working as a hospice nurse, Joanne Bonicelli spent years offering comfort to dying people. Then, in 1998, a request from one patient changed her life. A young woman in her 40s had a fluffy white dog named Jasper, who never left her side while she was at Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  One day, the woman called Joanne to her bedside. “I don’t know where Jasper will end up or who will care for him when I am gone…it’s just too painful to bear,” she told Joanne as tears streamed down her face. “I can’t die in peace worrying what will happen to him…can you euthanize him in my arms as I pass?” The heart-wrenching request stunned Joanne. She asked a veterinarian about what they could do, and after meeting Jasper, the vet’s eyes welled with tears at the prospect of putting down a healthy dog. There has to be a better way, they both agreed. [Continue reading ...]

Read More

Family Hospice partners with Alzheimer’s Association to expand educational outreach

04/10/25 at 03:10 AM

Family Hospice partners with Alzheimer’s Association to expand educational outreach EIN Presswire.com, Atlanta, GA; by Brittany Brown; 4/8/25 Family Hospice announces an official partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter, to enhance educational outreach and raise awareness of available resources for individuals facing Alzheimer’s or other dementia.This collaboration will provide families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals with critical information on hospice and Alzheimer’s and dementia-related support. As part of this effort, Family Hospice and the Alzheimer's Association are planning an upcoming statewide initiative in Georgia aimed at expanding awareness and support. Both organizations will share educational materials at community events and through social media to ensure families and caregivers have access to the guidance they need. [Continue reading ...]

Read More

Statement by the American Nurses Association on organizational restructuring within the US Department of Health and Human Services

04/10/25 at 03:00 AM

Statement by the American Nurses Association on organizational restructuring within the US Department of Health and Human Services American Nurses Association (ANA); Press Release; 4/8/25 The American Nurses Association is aware of the recent personnel changes and organizational restructuring within the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These developments have sparked concerns among nurses nationwide regarding the potential impact on essential programs and services delivered by HHS in collaboration with nurses, patient advocates, and other healthcare providers. ... The association will monitor that re-structured capacity and promptly report any gaps we identify to the Administration and Congress to ensure the needs of nurses, and the public are met by our federal partners. It is imperative that Secretary Kennedy and Administration leaders ensure the uninterrupted continuation of the vital work of these agencies. Federal agencies must have the necessary staff to carry out the public health, research, quality, and operational work that the American people rely on for their health and well-being. [Continue reading ...]

Read More

Today's Encouragement: How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before ...

04/10/25 at 03:00 AM

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. ~ Anne Frank

Read More

You've got a friendtor in me: Innovations in peer mentoring for mid-career palliative care clinicians

04/10/25 at 03:00 AM

You've got a friendtor in me: Innovations in peer mentoring for mid-career palliative care clinicians American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care; April Zehm, Andrew J Lawton, Leah B Rosenberg, Sudha Natarajan, Bethany-Rose Daubman; 3/14/25 Mentoring is crucial to professional success, but little is known about the professional development needs of mid-career hospice and palliative medicine (HPM) clinicians. ... An interprofessional "friendtor" group of five HPM clinicians from three academic medical centers met monthly and for a year-end focus group. ... Several themes emerged that highlight the importance of ...

Read More

How hospices can leverage social media marketing

04/10/25 at 03:00 AM

How hospices can leverage social media marketing Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 4/7/25 Social media has emerged as a crucial engine for hospice marketing, allowing them to reach consumers directly rather than through a referral source. Unsurprisingly, the use of social media is skyrocketing worldwide. As of 2023, nearly 94% of people in the United States have internet access, according to data from Statista. By 2029, more than 342 million of those users are expected to belong to at least one social media platform. ... [Continue reading ...]

Read More

Medicare and Medicaid officials finalize rule to clarify that medical marijuana isn’t covered by federal health programs

04/10/25 at 03:00 AM

Medicare and Medicaid officials finalize rule to clarify that medical marijuana isn’t covered by federal health programsMarijuana Moment; by Kyle Jaeger; 4/8/25 The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized a rule to clarify that marijuana products are not eligible for coverage under certain health plans for chronically ill patients because “they are illegal substances under Federal law.” In a notice set to be published in the Federal Register next week, CMS said that a series of policy and technical changes for its Medicare Advantage (MA) program and other services, including rulemaking related to cannabis products, will now take effect on June 3.[Continue reading ...]

Read More

The cost of nurse turnover in 24 numbers | 2025

04/10/25 at 03:00 AM

The cost of nurse turnover in 24 numbers | 2025 Becker's Hospital Review; by Molly Gamble; 4/7/25 Nurse shortages and mounting labor costs are among health system CEOs’ top concerns, and a new survey puts numbers to the financial risks hospitals face from nurse vacancies and churn. The 2025 NSI National Health Care Retention & RN Staffing Report features input from 450 hospitals in 37 states on registered nurse turnover, retention, vacancy rates, recruitment metrics and staffing strategies.  It found the average cost of turnover for one staff RN grew from January through December 2024 to $61,110, among other dollar figures and statistics that are helpful to understand the financial implications of one of healthcare’s most persistent labor disruptions. Here are 24 numbers that illustrate the cost of nurse turnover, according to the most recent edition of the report, which is available in full here. [Continue reading ...]

Read More

Hospices ‘tapping brakes’ on M&A in uncertain economy

04/10/25 at 03:00 AM

Hospices ‘tapping brakes’ on M&A in uncertain economy Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 4/8/25 Predictions of a hospice M&A rebound have fizzled as a volatile regulatory and economic climate threatens to curb transaction activity in 2025 and beyond. ... 

Read More

Transforming communities through leadership with Quint Studer

04/10/25 at 03:00 AM

Transforming communities through leadership with Quint Studer Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); podcast by Chris Comeaux with Quint Studer; 4/9/25In this episode, Chris sits down with Quint Studer, Founder of Healthcare Plus Solutions Group and one of his most trusted mentors, to dive deep into the transformation of Pensacola, Florida.  Quint reveals his powerful framework for community change, sharing essential leadership insights and the challenges of driving real transformation. From the importance of active participation to fostering a growth-driven culture, Quint offers valuable wisdom on leadership, change management, and empowering others.  He emphasizes the need for effective communication, ownership, and a positive mindset in organizations.  He encourages leaders to focus on creating memorable experiences and fostering a culture of learning and growth, this episode is a must-listen!

Read More

How housing instability complicates end-of-life take care of growing old unhoused populations

04/10/25 at 02:15 AM

How housing instability complicates end-of-life take care of growing old unhoused populations Health Medicine Network; by Pilar Ingle; 4/8/25 Research estimates that one-third or more of the unhoused inhabitants within the U.S. is age 50 or older. Unhoused individuals of all ages face high rates of ... severe sickness. They additionally die at younger ages in contrast with people who find themselves not unhoused. Yet, there are few choices for palliative and end-of-life care for unhoused individuals. ... As a health care and aging researcher, ... I interviewed 17 well being care and social service suppliers in Colorado to grasp how they attempt to deal with palliative and end-of-life wants for his or her unhoused shoppers.

Read More

Conversations today to empower tomorrow: VITAS Healthcare elevates National Healthcare Decisions Day

04/10/25 at 02:00 AM

Conversations today to empower tomorrow: VITAS Healthcare elevates National Healthcare Decisions Day VITAS Healthcare; Press Release; 4/7/25 Only one in three adults in the United States have a written advance directive, a document critical in providing guidance to medical teams regarding one’s end-of-life wishes. As a pioneer and national leader in hospice and palliative care, VITAS Healthcare advocates for National Healthcare Decisions Day (April 16) and advance care planning––regardless of a person’s age or health status....  On April 16, VITAS will host a free webinar, Advance Directives and Advanced Care Planning, exploring the history, application and types of advance directives. VITAS Regional Medical Director Heather Veeder, MD, will provide practical advice to help healthcare professionals engage in difficult but necessary conversations with patients and families/caregivers. [Continue reading ...]

Read More

Las Vegas’ non-profit urges families to research hospice care after facilities see surge of transfers, neglect

04/10/25 at 02:00 AM

Las Vegas’ non-profit urges families to research hospice care after facilities see surge of transfers, neglect Fox-5 KVVU-TV, Las Vegas, NV; by Jaclyn Schultz; 4/9/25 The Las Vegas Valley’s only non-profit hospice is among many facilities urging families to thoroughly research their choice of hospice care, after doctors see a rise in patients seeking transfers after suffering from neglect or poor care somewhere else. FOX5 told you how numerous doctors called for tougher hospice care standards across Nevada, as Assembly Bill 161 progresses through the Legislature. Nathan Adelson Hospice tells FOX5, from 2022 to 2024 alone, the non-profit took in more than 150 transfers from other facilities across the Las Vegas Valley. The rise coincides with another trend: more than 250 new facilities opening up across the Las Vegas Valley, as other neighboring states enact tougher regulations. [Continue reading ...]

Read More

What role do immigrants play in the direct long-term care workforce?

04/10/25 at 02:00 AM

What role do immigrants play in the direct long-term care workforce? KFF; by Priya Chidambaram and Drishti Pillai; 4/2/25 President Trump has made a slew of immigration policy changes focused on restricting entry at the border and increasing interior enforcement efforts to support mass deportation. While these actions are focused on undocumented immigrants, they likely will have ripple effects across immigrants of all statuses and millions more people living in immigrant families. Mass deportations could negatively impact the U.S. economy and workforce, given the role immigrants play, particularly in certain industries. ...

Read More

Art meets history, grief, boots and landscapes at First Friday Artwalk

04/09/25 at 03:00 AM

Art meets history, grief, boots and landscapes at First Friday Artwalk Steamboat Pilot & Today, Northwest Colorado; by John Componeschi; 4/3/25  April’s First Friday Artwalk will celebrate artistic diversity and storytelling, both of which form the framework of the Yampa Valley’s creative arts community. [Published 4/3/25, before Fri. 4/4/25] ... An emotionally powerful exhibit entitled “Good Grief” will open at the Depot Art Center, ... The works of Krystal Mackey will be presented in partnership with Northwest Colorado Health’s Hospice program. Mackey, who has a background in design and architecture, created the series as an emotional coping outlet. Her pastel on sanded paper and digital drawing pieces offer the viewer an honest and vulnerable exploration of grief. Selected works were displayed during “Tuesdays with Morrie” at Perry-Mansfield in March. “Grief may be scary, sad and hard to look at,” said Mackey. “But it’s worth it.” Influenced by artists Chagall, Kandinsky, Warhol and Lichtenstein, Mackey’s style combines vibrant color with feeling- and grief-based introspection. The exhibit invites viewers to reflect on whether grief has affected them and if they would benefit from talking about their experiences with it.

Read More

Transitions Hospice opens new location to expand service

04/09/25 at 03:00 AM

Transitions Hospice opens new location to expand service WIFR News, Rockford, IL; by Anna Sieg; 4/4/25 Transitions Hospice cuts the ribbon on a new location as they expand their service area to Freeport, DeKalb and Sycamore. The new location was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 3 ... Transitions Hospice offers Palliative Care for patients with chronic illness in a home-based setting, and End of Life Care, to ensure “no one transitions alone,” according to their website. ... Transitions has five other locations, serving residents across Illinois. The expansion focuses on getting their services to rural residents who may not have hospice care as easily accessible, ...  [Continue reading ...]

Read More

Most people pursue a toxic type of purpose in life—but if you do this instead, ‘there is no way to fail’

04/09/25 at 03:00 AM

Most people pursue a toxic type of purpose in life—but if you do this instead, ‘there is no way to fail’ CNBC Make It; by Dr. Joran Grumet, contributor/hospice medical director; 4/4/25 It took me many years and quite a bit of emotional heartache to realize a life-changing fact: When it comes to purpose, bigger is not better. Most of our anxiety stems from what I call “big P” Purpose, which is overly focused on the outcome or destination. ... [Dr. Grumet describes what he calls "big P" Purpose vs. "little P" Purpose.] I’ve found that most people end up pursuing the former, toxic type of purpose. It’s the easiest kind to choose, because it means meeting society’s expectations and following in the footsteps of the herd. The harder decision by far is to do the internal work to discover what really lights you up — and find a way to pursue it in the world. This all takes effort, but it’s worth it. ... Little P purpose embraces an abundance mentality. There is room for everyone — I mean everyone — to pursue that which brings them inner joy and happiness. This pursuit will never rely on whether someone else is succeeding or failing. ... [Continue reading ...]

Read More

Today's Encouragement: Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters ...

04/09/25 at 03:00 AM

Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters. ~ Albert Einstein

Read More

Global study finds 1 in 5 people with dementia receive no care

04/09/25 at 03:00 AM

Global study finds 1 in 5 people with dementia receive no care McKnights Long-Term Care News; by Donna Shryer; 4/7/25 A comprehensive global study led by Yale School of Public Health researchers has revealed that at least 20% of people living with dementia receive no care helping them with daily living, regardless of their country’s wealth or development status. As the world’s population rapidly ages, this alarming care gap has persisted for years, creating what researchers describe as “a public health crisis.” The study analyzed data from over 10,000 individuals across the United States, England, 18 European nations, Israel and China. [Continue reading ...]

Read More

Home care aides largest occupation in US as of last May, BLS reports

04/09/25 at 03:00 AM

Home care aides largest occupation in US as of last May, BLS reports McKnights Home Care; by Adam Healy; 4/7/25 As of May 2024, home health and personal care aides made up the largest single occupation in the US with 4 million workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wages Summary report released Wednesday. The next highest groups were retail salespeople and fast food counter workers, which each had 3.8 million. Registered nurses also were among the top 10 largest US occupations, and they were one of only two top 10 workforces that earned above-average wages. RNs’ average salary in May 2024 was just over $98,000. Meanwhile, home health and personal care aides earned an average yearly salary of $35,000, or about $17 per hour.

Read More

Senior living demand hits all-time high: NIC

04/09/25 at 03:00 AM

Senior living demand hits all-time high: NIC McKnights Senior Living; by Kimberly Bonvissuto; 4/3/25 The demand for senior living is at an all-time high, with the first quarter seeing a record number of occupied units, almost 621,000, the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care said Thursday afternoon [4/3]. Senior living occupancy rates increased 0.3 percentage points to 87.4% in the first quarter, up from 87.1% in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the latest NIC MAP Senior Housing Market Fundamentals report. Independent living occupancy rose to 89%, up from 88.6% in the fourth quarter, whereas assisted living rates increased to 85.8% compared with 85.5% in the fourth quarter.

Read More