Literature Review

[United Kingdom] Hospice cuddle beds help families share final moments BBC News; by Andy Howard; 5/18/26 A hospice bought extra "cuddle beds" it offers patients, after a successful fundraising campaign highlighted their importance in end‑of‑life care. Cuddle beds are extra‑wide, extendable hospice beds that allow partners or family members to lie side‑by‑side with patients, removing the physical barriers of traditional hospital beds. ... "In a normal hospital you're on the periphery of what's going on, you're told you can't sit on the bed, whereas this - you have that closeness, we could just be together." ... Staff at St. Margaret's Hospice said the beds play a vital role in helping patients feel like people rather than patients during their final days.

Landmarks and legacies: 50 years of heart and home health at Clarion Forest VNA exploreClarion, Clarion, PA; by Brock Jordan; 5/18/26 Long before GPS guided nurses down rural backroads, the caregivers of Clarion Forest VNA relied on landmarks, handwritten directions, and the kindness of neighbors to find the homes of patients scattered across Clarion and Forest counties.“Turn left at the red barn.”“Go past the old church.”“Look for the mailbox with the flowers.”The memories still make them laugh. For retired nurses Deb Wilson Kelly, Jan Lander, and Jill Over, those winding roads became part of a lifelong journey through one of the region’s most enduring healthcare organizations. And for current CEO Lisa Steiner, the stories and values built by those before her continue to shape the organization today.

[New Zealand] Hospices turning away dying patients as funding shortfall bites Europe Says | New Zealand; 5/16/26 Hospices across New Zealand are being forced to turn away dying patients as they struggle to cope with rising costs and insufficient government funding. There are 32 hospices nationwide providing palliative care, but the sector says it needs an additional $80 million to $100 million a year from the Government to remain financially sustainable. 

Reader opinion: HCS supports its nurses, programs, by Talee Messenger The Keene Sentinel, Keene, NH; by Talee Messenger; 5/17/26 For over a century, Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services has been built on a foundation of nurses committed to meeting patients where they are. From traveling by foot and trolley in the early years to delivering specialized care today, HCS nurses have continued to lead with compassion and innovation. This Nurses Month, we honor that legacy while reaffirming our commitment to supporting the next generation of nurses. Providing care in rural communities requires adaptability, independence, and a deep connection to the people being served. At HCS, we believe meaningful care depends on shared knowledge and continuous learning.

Butterfly Garden of Remembrance 2026 YubaNet.com, Nevada County, CA; by Foothills Compassionate Care; 5/15/26 Driving along the freeway between Grass Valley and Nevada City, passengers might notice three large butterfly statues in the nearby distance. The statues mark the annual Butterfly Garden of Remembrance, hosted by Foothills Compassionate Care [formerly known as Hospice of the Foothills]. ... In a community where neighbors care deeply for one another, few traditions capture that spirit more beautifully.  For more than 25 years, the Butterfly Garden has offered a sacred space for grief, healing and remembrance.

Hawai'i Attorney General rejects characterization of Medicaid fraud enforcement and defends state's enforcement record Hawai'i Free Press, Honolulu, HI; by News Release from Department of the Attorney General; 5/14/26The Department of the Attorney General today rejected recent claims that Hawaiʻi “isn’t taking Medicaid fraud seriously,” calling the claims by Vice President J.D. Vance false and unsupported by the record. Since 2021, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) has secured or helped secure judgments, settlements and recoveries in 25 cases, totaling $14,094,547.91. Last year, the MFCU secured a $30,000 settlement against a Medicaid provider for fraudulent billing. Earlier this year, the MFCU secured another Medicaid fraud settlement in the amount of $208,317.69. The MFCU also filed criminal charges earlier this year against two individuals, one of whom has already pleaded no contest as charged. [Hawai'i Medicaid Fact Sheet] Editor's Note: This article references "Hawaii's Medicaid coverage for palliative care expected to save the state money," which describes, "Hawaii is the first state to include palliative care in its Medicaid plan."

 Wisconsin-made film "Winter Hymns" gets more showings on the silver screen WKWO-27 ABC, Madison, WI; by Lucas Kihmm; 5/17/26 A movie that's produced and filmed right here in Wisconsin, Winter Hymns tells the story of a palliative care doctor meeting with a series of dying patients over a one day span. Writer and Director of the film Nathan Deming sat down with 27 News anchor Lucas Kihmm to talk about the movie and says he was inspired by his father, who was a palliative care physician, to make the film. ... It's now getting more exposure to audiences across the state and country after Flix Brewhouse gave Deming the opportunity to show his film in theaters. 

DeVry HR chief says companies are failing at AI because they focus on technology and ignore people Complete AI Training; 5/16/26 Companies are pouring money into AI and getting little back - not because the tools fail, but because workers lack guidance on how to use them. ...

In HelloNation, hospice care expert Cindy Mensik of Texas City, TX, highlights the differences between hospice & home health care PR Newswire, Texas City, TX; by HelloNation; 5/18/26 What are the key differences between hospice care and home health care, and how can families choose the right option? That question is explored in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Cindy Mensik of Better Care Matters. The article helps families in the Clear Lake and League City, TX, areas understand the goals of care behind each service, and how those goals shape both timing and outcomes.

Hospice of Texarkana names Greg Wood as executive director Texarkana Gazette, Texarkana, TX; Press Release; 5/16/26 Hospice of Texarkana has named Greg Wood as its new executive director. Wood brings more than 24 years of leadership experience in hospice care, having previously led two hospice organizations before joining Hospice of Texarkana. ... Wood's path to hospice care began with a personal experience, watching hospice professionals care for a family member during a serious illness. "These professional strangers exhibited the most impressive love and acceptance I had witnessed. As a future social worker, I wanted to be part of such a purpose and a mission. 

Ohio nurses help hospice patients navigate end-of-life decisions Public News Service; by Nadia Ramlagan; 5/15/26 On the heels of National Nurses Week, hospice nurses are raising awareness about access to compassionate end-of-life care and medical decisions in the Black community. ... Ottamissiah "Missy" Moore, a longtime hospice nurse and member of the African American Leadership Council for Compassion & Choices, said her personal experience relying on hospice care showed her how important it can be for families. ... A recent study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association found around 34% of Black study participants died while using hospice services compared to more than 46% of their white counterparts. Moore added the disparity echoes other racial inequities in health care, such as nonwhite people being less likely to receive pain medications and higher rates of maternal mortality. 

Hospitality exec brings hotel playbook to senior living, hits 97% occupancy Pacific Business News, Hawaii; by Cathy Cruz-George; 5/14/26 Mark Tsuda had three decades of hospitality experience when he joined the opening team of Ilima at Leihano, a luxury senior living community in Kapolei, in 2016. He previously was a regional executive for Aston Hotels & Resorts, ... Ilima at Leihano - which provides independent living, assisted living and memory care - has held an occupancy rate of between 95% and 97% over the past six years, supported by 92 employees who balance hotel-style services with healthcare needs and recreation. ... If a resident is in hospice, they can stay with us. Hospice is outsourced to local providers like Malama Ola and Island Hospice, ...