Literature Review
Inside the Justice Department’s Amedisys-Optum lawsuit
11/19/24 at 03:00 AMInside the Justice Department’s Amedisys-Optum lawsuit Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 11/18/24 ... DOJ’s chief concern is that the combination of the two companies would dampen competition in the hospice and home health space. Should the transaction proceed, Optum would control 30% or more of the home health or hospice services in eight states, according to the Justice Department’s complaint. The deal would expand Optum’s home health and hospice footprint to five additional states, allowing the company to gain nearly 500 locations in 32 states. “UnitedHealth Group Incorporated and Amedisys, Inc. are two of the largest home health and hospice service providers in the country,” DOJ indicated in the complaint. “Today, competition between UnitedHealth and Amedisys benefits millions of Americans who need home health or hospice services. But the proposed merger between UnitedHealth and Amedisys would forever eliminate that competition.”
Mother, doctor, CEO: one woman’s journey to reshape health care [podcast]
11/19/24 at 03:00 AMMother, doctor, CEO: one woman’s journey to reshape health care [podcast] MedPage Today's KevinMD.com; podcast by KevinMD; 11/16/24 We dive into the powerful story of a physician-mother whose world changed with the onset of COVID-19. Our guest, Arian Nachat, a palliative and emergency medicine physician, shares her journey through the pandemic, balancing the demanding roles of mother and doctor. From navigating childcare crises and homeschooling to reimagining her career beyond the confines of traditional health care, she sheds light on the struggles faced by frontline workers. Listen as she reveals how these challenges inspired her to reshape her path, create a health care company addressing critical system gaps, and advocate for a patient-centered, physician-led approach to medicine.
Two people were sent to the hospital after crashing into a hospice building
11/19/24 at 03:00 AMTwo people were sent to the hospital after crashing into a hospice building Beaumont Enterprise, Beaumont, TX; by Megan Zapalac; 11/17/24 Two people were hospitalized after a car crashed into a hospice building last week. Around 10 a.m. Thursday, a vehicle involved in a two-vehicle crash near the HCT Hospice at 2390 U.S. 69 caused one of the vehicles to leave the road and crash into the hospice center, according to Beaumont Fire and Rescue District Chief Scott Wheat. According to Wheat, four people were injured, but two refused to be taken to the hospital. One of the injured people was sent to the hospital as a trauma alert patient, and the other was also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injures, Wheat said.
Stella Maris raises $110K at 40th annual Crab Feast and Hospice Day of Giving
11/19/24 at 03:00 AMStella Maris raises $110K at 40th annual Crab Feast and Hospice Day of Giving Maryland Daily Record; 11/18/24 The 40th annual Stella Maris Crab Feast and Hospice Day of Giving raised approximately $110,000 in support of Stella Maris hospice care Oct. 13 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. More than 100 individuals and businesses donated to the auctions, game wheels, raffles and more. Ninety bushels of crabs were steamed on site by Conrad’s Crabs & Seafood Market. There were 50 sponsors (individuals and organizations), including M&T Bank, the presenting sponsor. Stella Maris is one of the first facilities established in Maryland providing compassionate care for terminally ill patients. It services patients in Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties as well as the city of Baltimore.
PACE Center in Grants Pass, with services for seniors, will close at the end of the year
11/19/24 at 03:00 AMPACE Center in Grants Pass, with services for seniors, will close at the end of the year Jefferson Public Radio, Ashland, OR; by Jane Vaughan; 11/12/24 PACE stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly and is part of a national program. It provides medical services, socialization activities, home care and other resources to low-income adults aged 55 and over in Southern Oregon. The Grants Pass location opened in 2020. Josh Balloch, vice president of AllCare Health, which administers the PACE program, said that opening as the COVID pandemic began was one of the problems the program faced. "With the COVID pandemic happening at the start of our program, along with increase in provider costs and the dropping of the number of providers all across the entire country, it just made it very, very difficult to have a small program based in Grants Pass pencil out financially," he said. He said the program also struggled to recruit and retain service providers and suffered a lack of awareness about its existence.
Seven of thirty hospices reviewed did not comply or may not have complied with terms and conditions and federal requirements for Provider Relief Fund payments
11/19/24 at 03:00 AMSeven of thirty hospices reviewed did not comply or may not have complied with terms and conditions and federal requirements for Provider Relief Fund payments HHS Office of Inspector General; issued on 11/8/24, posted on 11/14/24Why OIG Did This Audit: The Provider Relief Fund (PRF), a $178 billion program, provided funds to eligible providers for health care-related expenses or lost revenue attributable to COVID-19. ... This audit is part of a series reviewing PRF payments to various provider types. Specifically, this audit assessed whether 30 selected hospices expended taxpayer funds in accordance with Federal and program requirements. ... What OIG Found: ... Of the 30 selected hospices, 23 hospices used PRF funds for allowable expenditures and lost revenues attributable to COVID-19; however, 7 hospices did not comply with or may not have complied with Federal requirements. Of these seven hospices, which received $98.1 million in PRF payments, six hospices claimed a total of $8.3 million of unallowable PRF expenditures and inaccurately reported $1.5 million of lost revenues, and one hospice claimed $4 million in expenditures that may not have been allowable. ... What OIG Recommends: We made two recommendations to HRSA, including that it require the selected hospices to return any unallowable expenditures to the Federal Government or ensure that the hospices properly account for these expenditures. ...
'Art helps me deal with my cancer diagnosis'
11/19/24 at 03:00 AM'Art helps me deal with my cancer diagnosis' BBC News, West Midlands, United Kingdom; by Sophie Madden; 11/18/24 After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Wendy Brookfield said she had lots of emotions. But a referral to art therapy through the Severn Hospice, based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, helped her deal with what she was going through. "There is so much going on in your mind that being able to go along to art therapy, I could just get it out and get it down on paper," she said. "It just such a good outlet for me." Her therapy sessions led to her starting a book of sketches which she regularly filled in, sometimes during her treatment sessions. They inspired the hospice to host its own art exhibition, built around Ms Brookfield's work and with other pieces created by patients.
Embracing the ‘soft front, strong back’ leadership style
11/19/24 at 02:30 AMEmbracing the ‘soft front, strong back’ leadership style People Management; by Gaia van der Esch; 11/15/24 This method empowers leaders to take bold decisions, but also to be grounded in principles and inspire others to do the same, says Gaia van der Esch. What do you think of when asked to imagine a leader? Probably your big boss, someone decisive, authoritative, comfortable with power and hierarchy, competitive and with a strong track record of delivering results. However, from my experience managing teams and being managed by others, I know how difficult it is to find a boss who is also a good leader. By ‘good leader’, I mean someone who knows how to share power and responsibilities, who values trust, respect and the wellbeing of employees. Someone who possesses clear values that underpin their leadership decisions and ground them when leading by example. Someone who knows how to inspire others and dedicate time to helping employees reach their full potential, ultimately transforming them into leaders. And, most of all, a good leader should possess emotional intelligence: being empathetic, listening to and being ready to learn from everyone – no matter their role, not fearing showing doubt or vulnerability in their team and being bold in encouraging others to do the same.
How to keep loved ones in hospice care included during the holidays
11/19/24 at 02:00 AMHow to keep loved ones in hospice care included during the holidays WHSV 3, Harrisonburg, VA; by Olivia Whitehouse; 11/14/24 The holiday season can be difficult to navigate when a loved one is in hospice care. Legacy Hospice in Fishersville said there are ways to keep them included in the holiday festivities. RN Clinical Director Sarah Campbell said you can move a loved one’s bed to the living room so they can be a part of the conversation. For example, if the patient can still speak, they may ask to make their favorite meal or recipe. “They are still included in that meal, even if they may not want to eat it or be able to get up to the table — they still feel part of the process,” Campbell said. Campbell said hearing is one of the last senses to go. Even if a hospice patient can’t respond to you, she said it is important to talk to them and you should refrain from talking about them like they are not in the room.
The health care job that's most in demand in each state, based on data
11/19/24 at 02:00 AMThe health care job that's most in demand in each state, based on data MSN; by Paxtvn Merten; 11/17/24 ... The job? Home health and personal care aides. The U.S. expects to add close to a million jobs in this profession over the next decade. ... After COVID-19 devastated nursing homes, surveys have found fewer Americans are willing to live in them as they age. As a result, even more families may discover ways to use full-time or part-time in-home aides for end-of-life care. An analysis including more than 70 other health care jobs projected all but three states to add home health and personal care aides in the highest numbers. In just three states—Colorado, Florida, and South Dakota—did registered nurse job growth outpace home health. ... Medical Technology Schools identified the health care positions expected to add the most jobs in each state and Washington D.C. from 2020 to 2030, using Bureau of Labor Statistics data compiled by Projections Central. States are listed in alphabetical order, and the top three health care positions by the number of new jobs are provided. ...Editor's note: Click here for the US Department of Labor's "Projections Central" for state-specific data and projections.
Facing the tomorrows: Finding comfort, care and courage in hospice
11/19/24 at 02:00 AMFacing the tomorrows: Finding comfort, care and courage in hospice Concord Monitor, Concord, NH; by Rachel Wachman; 11/16/24 Yvette Lascelle has a favorite saying: “It is what it is.” “Whatever happens, happens,” Lascelle said with a faint smile. “They try to prevent it, but you can’t always prevent it.” The 81-year-old has been fighting multiple myeloma, or plasma cell cancer, for over a year and a half. In the past month, however, her condition has rapidly declined. Not knowing how many days she has left, she takes each one as it comes and savors the small moments – sitting with her brothers in the morning or sipping on eggnog in the afternoon. Her room at the hospice house in Concord is rarely quiet. Nurses check on her frequently and help maintain her comfort. Her priest comes by to guide her in prayer. Family and friends fill the space. Her daughter, Karen, sometimes sets up a small makeshift office and works remotely from the red chair by the window. Her son, Dan, visits after work with his wife and son. Lascelle lays underneath her lilac quilt, watching the world unfold from her bed and cherishing this time with her loved ones while it lasts. “Every day I’m happy to wake up,” the grandmother of four said. “You face the tomorrows. That’s it. It’s better than what I expected.” ...
New report for 2024: Rural-urban disparities in health care in Medicare
11/19/24 at 02:00 AMNew report for 2024: Rural-urban disparities in health care in Medicare Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS); 11/14/24 Advancing Health Equity in Rural, Tribal, and Geographically Isolated Communities. FY2023 Year in Review, November 2023. From the Co-Chairs: ... This year’s annual report demonstrates CMS’ ongoing commitment to advancing health equity for individuals living and working across diverse geographies. These actions span a wide breadth of the agency’s authorities and roles, including regulation, payment, coverage, tools and publications, partner engagement, health system innovations, quality of care, and regional coordination. Across these actions, CMS maintains a focus on the goal of improving the lives of our enrollees and those who care for them. We eagerly anticipate our continued collaboration and partnership with all those CMS serves to advance health care in rural, tribal, and geographically isolated communities.
Owatonna MN Hospice Care Program by Freedom Home Care updated and relaunched
11/18/24 at 03:05 AMOwatonna MN Hospice Care Program by Freedom Home Care updated and relaunched Freedom Home Care, Owatonna, MN; 11/15/24 Freedom Home Care announced the relaunch of its enhanced Hospice Care Supplement Program, designed to provide support for families and their loved ones receiving hospice care. The program addresses critical gaps by offering additional assistance with daily household tasks, personal care, family respite, overnight caregiving and 24 hour care. ... The Hospice Care Supplement program is designed to complement the essential medical and emotional care provided by hospice teams, creating a holistic approach that prioritizes both the patient’s and the family’s well-being.
Sweet success: Chet's rose garden gets official dedication
11/18/24 at 03:05 AMSweet success: Chet's rose garden gets official dedicationIdaho Press; by Jeanne Huff; 11/16/24 Chet Bishop and his wife, Betty, moved to the Keystone center in Eagle about five years ago. The 50+ community for seniors had "two little patches of roses," said Betty — and that's when Chet became the unofficial gardener. ... Chet, who has now been in hospice for about six months, was recently surprised when the community commemorated the rose garden in his name. ... "When our hospice team first met him and his family, we started asking questions about his life — and what brought him joy. That rose garden made him tick as a person … it made him grounded," Henry said. It also gave Henry joy to be able to make the dedication an event that 87-year-old Chet could witness. On the day of the dedication, Chet was surrounded by his family, his community and his hospice team to celebrate his contributions to the Chet Bishop Memorial Rose Garden. ... [He] saw the plaque on the bench, and it all became clear. The inscription read: “Chet Bishop Memorial Garden. Chet Bishop, thank you for making our world more beautiful through your countless hours of love and care for these roses.”
Navigating the aftermath of natural disasters
11/18/24 at 03:00 AMNavigating the aftermath of natural disasters Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); by Lara McKinnis; 11/15/24 This morning I woke up to two bears outside, a little cub sitting on our front steps eating the pumpkin that my daughter recently carved, the mom nearby completely sprawled out lounging in the sun in a bed of freshly fallen yellow and orange oak leaves. This is the “fall” that I look forward to every year in Asheville. I wanted to hold onto this feeling, all of us standing at our screened-in window talking to the bears as if they understood us, our dog enthusiastically joining in the conversation. This feeling is alive and vibrant; however, so is the visceral awareness of the horrific despair that has engulfed my beloved community and so many communities in Western North Carolina. ... Adjusting to a natural disaster is nuanced and layered. [Click on the title's link to continue reading this hospice leader's reflections and professional guidance.]
There aren't enough dementia providers in Arizona. This unique campus offers training
11/18/24 at 03:00 AMThere aren't enough dementia providers in Arizona. This unique campus offers training KJZZ Phoenix, AZ; by Kathy Ritchie; 11/15/24 Arizona has the fastest growth rate of Alzheimer’s disease in the country. Yet there are not enough paid caregivers or even geriatricians — only 92 in the entire state — for this population. So how do you educate, even inspire, health care students to care about dementia? As the saying goes, if you build it, they will come. Judy Ward is chatting with three nursing students from Creighton University when a group of preschoolers toddle on by. ... The children attend a care center located at Hospice of the Valley’s Dementia Care and Education Campus in Arcadia. That’s also where Judy’s adult day club for people living with dementia is situated, along with a 12-bed assisted living community and a hospice unit. ...
LECOM Health opens Erie County's first specialty hospice unit
11/18/24 at 03:00 AMLECOM Health opens Erie County's first specialty hospice unit Erie Times-News, Erie, PA; by David Bruce; 11/15/24 Erie County will soon have its first specifically designed medical unit for end-of-life care when LECOM Nursing and Rehabilitation Center opens its Visiting Nurses Association Specialty Hospice Unit later this month. Until now, local hospice patients who require a higher level of medical care than what can be provided at home usually lived their final days at a nursing home or hospital. The reluctance to open a dedicated hospice unit in Erie County is due to operating costs, Lin said. State laws require each unit to have a medical director and registered nurses, and the reimbursement for hospice care makes it difficult to cover those costs if there are fewer than four or five patients at a time. "Since this unit is part of the Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, we can share the medical director and registered nurses," Lin said.
CMS ramps up efforts to root out ‘door knocker’ hospice schemes
11/18/24 at 03:00 AMCMS ramps up efforts to root out ‘door knocker’ hospice schemes Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 11/15/24 The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently elaborated on its plans to expand public education campaigns designed to help protect hospice beneficiaries from fraudulent actors in the space. ... “One of the areas we’re working with right now is to enhance education — beneficiary education specifically,” Pryor said during a recent CMS webinar. “We have hospice beneficiaries who are unfortunately fraudulently signed up for the benefit in these kind of, what we call, ‘door knocker scams.’” The scams include bad actors reaching out to beneficiaries with offers of free goods and services, such as groceries, TVs, reclining chairs and furniture, Pryor explained. The fraudulent marketing tactics are posing significant complications for Medicare beneficiaries, he said.
Today's Encouragement: Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring ...
11/18/24 at 03:00 AMSometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person's life. ~ Jackie Chan
Expert advocates for timely palliative care for patients experiencing heart failure during address to URI College of Nursing
11/18/24 at 03:00 AMExpert advocates for timely palliative care for patients experiencing heart failure during address to URI College of Nursing The University of Rhode Island. Kingston, RI; by Patrick Luce; 11/14/24 While palliative care is common for patients diagnosed with life-threatening conditions like cancer or Alzheimer’s Disease, it is less commonly prescribed to patients suffering from heart failure, a missed opportunity to provide enhanced care for those critical patients, according to Yale University Professor Shelli Feder, who addressed Rhode Island nurses, students and professors during [the URI College of Nursing Distinguished Lecture] on Nov. 13. ... Feder detailed a study ... that shows access to palliative care varies widely among patients suffering from heart failure. Reasons vary from heart failure often being diagnosed late, rendering palliative care irrelevant, to some local hospital systems lacking processes to refer cardiovascular patients to palliative care providers. Feder urges medical facilities to adopt specific policies for referring patients to palliative care to help guide providers’ behavior toward timely referral to palliative experts.
Hazel Dell couple face manslaughter charges in death of relative, 87, in their care
11/18/24 at 03:00 AMHazel Dell couple face manslaughter charges in death of relative, 87, in their care The Columbian, Clark County, WA; by Becca Robbins; 11/14/24A Hazel Dell couple are facing charges of manslaughter and criminal mistreatment for the 2022 death of an 87-year-old relative who was under their care. ... In April 2022, state Adult Protective Services referred a report to Clark County sheriff’s detectives about the March 18 death of Marilyn Rogers at a Longview hospice facility. The woman had lived with Joel and Kathryn Rogers, her son and daughter-in-law, at their apartment before her death, according to a probable cause affidavit. ... Emergency room staffers noted Marilyn Rogers had multiple ulcers and pressure wounds that appeared to be infected. She also showed signs of dehydration and malnourishment. Blood work showed she also suffered from sepsis due to infection. ... Doctors recommended Marilyn Rogers be placed in hospice, and once she was, staff said Kathryn and Joel Rogers never visited her. Hospice staff said they struggled to get in touch with the couple for the roughly 10 days Marilyn Rogers resided there, the affidavit states.
8 digital healthcare trends for 2025
11/18/24 at 03:00 AM8 digital healthcare trends for 2025 Perficient; by Lysa Young-Bates; 11/15/24 Our experts are closely monitoring eight healthcare trends that are shaping industry leaders’ strategies in 2025. ... Let’s dive into the eight healthcare trends and pragmatic innovations that our experts are helping HCOs navigate in 2025.
EverHeart Hospice celebrates expanded care center
11/18/24 at 03:00 AMEverHeart Hospice celebrates expanded care center Daily Advocate, Greenville, OH; 11/15/24 EverHeart Hospice is thrilled to announce the grand opening of their newly expanded Care Center, coinciding with the celebration of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. This significant milestone marks a new chapter in our commitment to providing compassionate care to patients and families experiencing life-limiting illnesses. The grand opening event ... was a resounding success, bringing together community members, healthcare professionals, and local dignitaries. Attendees had the opportunity to tour the new space, which featured enhanced patient rooms, advanced medical equipment, and comfortable family areas designed to create a serene and supportive environment, and to learn more about collaborative healthcare services. These events aim to educate the public about the comprehensive services offered by EverHeart Hospice and the positive impact they have on patients’ lives.
Grant helps launch paramedicine program for patients in need
11/18/24 at 03:00 AMGrant helps launch paramedicine program for patients in need Westfair Business Journal, Sleepy Hollow, NY; by Westfair Online; 11/15/24 Northwell Phelps Hospital received a $125,000 grant from the Phelps Community Foundation to help launch the Westchester Community Paramedicine Program. ... They will utilize remote physiological monitoring to track blood pressure, oxygen saturation and cardiac rhythms, providing convenient and cost-effective care compared to emergency room visits. “This program is designed to address the gap in access to primary and nonemergency medical care for vulnerable populations,” said Barry Geller, M.D., chair of the emergency department and associate medical director at Phelps Hospital. ... The initiative will first focus on patients served by Phelps’ palliative care, geriatric and emergency medicine programs with plans to expand service to cancer patients. It is expected to reach approximately 200 individuals during the first year, ...
Area hospice starting new charitable tradition
11/18/24 at 02:45 AMArea hospice starting new charitable tradition CBS News 6, Wichita Falls, TX; by Cecil Witherspoon; 11/15/24 Complete Hospice & Palliative Care of Wichita Falls is hoping to kickstart a new holiday tradition to help those in need. The organization is hosting its first annual Winter Coat Drive and is asking community members to donate coats, gloves, scarves and other warm winter apparel. Donations can be dropped off at the Homeless Lives Matters building at 921 7th St., Wichita Falls. From there, donations will be handed out to those in need on Dec. 9. That day will also feature a chili cookoff.Editor's note: Beautiful. Thank you Complete Hospice & Palliative Care of Wichita Falls for engaging your community and giving back in such an easy, meaningful, practical way. May your "new charitable tradition" spark similar ideas and actions by other hospice organizations.