Literature Review
A wedding to remember: Piedmont Athens Regional staff create unforgettable moment for hospice patient and family
11/10/25 at 03:00 AMA wedding to remember: Piedmont Athens Regional staff create unforgettable moment for hospice patient and familyPiedmont [GA]; 11/6/25When Charlie Carnes was placed on hospice care at Piedmont Athens Regional, his daughter, Ivey, shared a heartbreaking sentiment with hospital staff: she was getting married soon, and her father wouldn’t be able to attend. What happened next was simply extraordinary. Moved by Ivey’s story, the compassionate team at Piedmont Athens Regional sprang into action to create a moment the Carnes family would never forget. Within hours, staff members came together to plan a wedding ceremony inside the hospital’s Sacred Space, ensuring Charlie could witness his daughter’s special day.
Providence home health venture launches in California, includes North Bay
11/10/25 at 03:00 AMProvidence home health venture launches in California, includes North Bay The Press Democrat, North Bay, CA; by Cheryl Sarfaty; 11/4/25Providence and home-health care provider Compassus have finalized plans to provide home health, hospice, palliative care and personal home care services to multiple California regions, including Sonoma and Napa counties. California becomes the second of the three-phase joint venture. The first, announced March 3, includes Alaska, Texas and Washington. The third phase, in Oregon, is still pending regulatory review and approval in that state, according to Providence and Compassus. Under the agreement, Compassus will manage operations for all locations of the combined entity, called Providence at Home with Compassus.
The last night
11/10/25 at 03:00 AMThe last nightJAMA Network; by Lenore M. Buckley; 11/6/25... But on this final evening (tonight will be the last day of inpatient consult call of my career), I slow down and stop to think about these things. As I look past those drab gray walls, the rows of computers on chipped Formica tables, and the incessant alarms, I see it in all its glory for the last time—the myriad of patient faces in shared rooms who, due to illness and/or aging, are at turning points in their lives hoping for the best we can offer. I see modern health care’s potential to restore people back to their lives. I think of the times that I and it had failed, but I also think of the wonderful successes. It is a moment of holiness, so profound that I must do it quickly, quietly, and privately or I too might be overwhelmed by emotion.Publisher's note: A wonderful reflection on a medical career.
Hospice executive highlights Medicare benefits during National Hospice and Palliative Care Month
11/10/25 at 03:00 AMHospice executive highlights Medicare benefits during National Hospice and Palliative Care Month ABC-WWSB, Sarasota, FL; by Thad Randazzo and Summer Smith; 11/5/25 November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time to discuss the benefits of hospice care and its importance to communities. Casey Cuthbert, executive director of Affinity Care Hospice of Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties, said people often don’t understand that hospice care is a journey everyone faces. ... Many people don’t realize they have paid into Medicare hospice benefits throughout their working lives, Cuthbert said. Medicare covers hospice services at 100%, including the caregiving team of nurses, aides, social workers, and chaplains.
AAHPM 2026 Award Winners
11/10/25 at 03:00 AMAAHPM 2026 Award WinnersAAHPM press release; 11/7/25Congratulations to all of 2026 award winners!
New hospice provider opens in Corydon
11/10/25 at 03:00 AMNew hospice provider opens in Corydon CorydonDemocrat.com, Corydon, IN; Press Release; 11/5/25 Heart to Heart Hospice, one of the country’s largest private providers of hospice care, is expanding its service area in Southern Indiana with the opening of a new location in Corydon to meet needs in six additional counties. The new site, located at 113 N. Oak St., will serve patients and families who reside in Harrison, Floyd, Washington, Clark, Scott and Jefferson counties.
Early lessons learned implementing the dementia-focused GUIDE model
11/10/25 at 03:00 AMEarly lessons learned implementing the dementia-focused GUIDE modelHealthcare Innovation; by David Raths; 11/5/25At NAACOS meeting, Bluestone ACO’s Nate Hunkins, M.P.H., described how GUIDE care navigators are complementing its advanced primary care model. Key highlights:
A legacy of compassion: estate gift supports hospice care
11/10/25 at 03:00 AMA legacy of compassion: estate gift supports hospice care The County, Presque Ilse, ME; 11/5/25The Aroostook Hospice Foundation is deeply honored to announce a $20,000 estate gift from the late Ricky Kenney, who passed at the Aroostook House of Comfort on May 14. Kenney experienced the compassionate care of the Aroostook House of Comfort firsthand, both through his loved ones and during his own hospice journey. ... In recognition of the devoted care Kenney received by Northern Light Home Care & Hospice, both at home and within the hospice home, a portion of his generous gift was used to dedicate the staff break room. This space offers hospice staff and volunteers a quiet place to rest, recharge and regroup between moments of profound service.
Non-profit that brought beauty, joy to hospice patients closes its doors
11/10/25 at 03:00 AMNon-profit that brought beauty, joy to hospice patients closes its doors Gold Country Media, Auburn, CA; by Midori Sperandeo; 11/4/25It has been said flowers are sunshine and medicine for the soul. For 12 years, that was the mantra of volunteers for The Petal Connection, who collected donated flowers from local businesses and created lovely bouquets – a little sunshine in a bottle – for people who needed them most. The special floral deliveries were made to hospice patients and senior citizens throughout the region, in Auburn, Folsom, Lincoln, Roseville and Rocklin. During the time The Petal Connection was in existence, volunteers delivered almost 130,000 bouquets, bringing brightness to people whose outlook could often be bleak.
“We See the Whole You”: NPHI celebrates National Hospice and Palliative Care Month
11/09/25 at 03:55 AM“We See the Whole You”: NPHI celebrates National Hospice and Palliative Care Month National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), Washington, DC; Press Release; 11/1/25 The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), the national voice for nonprofit hospice and advanced illness care, proudly celebrates National Hospice and Palliative Care Month this November by recognizing the impact of care delivered by nonprofit hospice and healthcare providers across the nation. This year’s national theme, “We See the Whole You,” honors the professionals and organizations who care for people as individuals — each with their own stories, values, and hopes — while supporting families through life’s most meaningful and challenging moments. The theme underscores NPHI’s commitment to care that puts people over profits, ensuring every person is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.
The silent crisis of Gen AI anxiety in the workplace
11/09/25 at 03:50 AMThe silent crisis of Gen AI anxiety in the workplace HR Perspectives; by Dr. Gleb Tsipursky; 10/27/25 The conversation about generative AI (Gen AI) is unavoidable in today’s business landscape. It’s disruptive, transformative, and packed with potential—both thrilling and intimidating. As organizations adopt Gen AI to streamline operations, develop products, or enhance customer interactions, the inevitable side effect among employees is anxiety. Will jobs vanish? Will expectations shift overnight? Can they keep up with the learning curve? These questions aren’t just whispers in the break room; they’re front and center for many teams.
Disney delivers Halloween magic to children’s hospitals
11/09/25 at 03:45 AMDisney delivers Halloween magic to children’s hospitals The Walt Disney Company; Press Release; 10/31/25 ... For years, Disney has joined with the Starlight Children’s Foundation to deliver not-so-scary Halloween cheer to children’s hospitals. Since 2021, Disney’s donations have reached over 80,000 pediatric patients, according to Starlight. ... These visits are a part of Disney’s wider efforts this Halloween to bring joy to kids facing critical illnesses. Last weekend, for the first time ever, Disney, Make-A-Wish, MrBeast, and YouTube hosted some of the world’s top creators at Disneyland Resort to grant wishes for 40 Make-A-Wish kids at the ultimate Halloween experience. ... At Canuck Place Children’s Hospice in Vancouver, Canada, Disney paid a special visit to the kids there, bringing along costumes, stuffies, and books, and half of those items were shared with the Hospice center’s Abbotsford location.
Home health services drive elevated medical costs for UnitedHealth Group
11/09/25 at 03:40 AMHome health services drive elevated medical costs for UnitedHealth Group Home Health Care News; by Morgan Gonzales; 10/28/25 Home health services are touted as cost-saving for payers, and industry stakeholders often advise providers to share data demonstrating these savings with payers and policymakers. The cost-saving nature of home health may not always be evident, however. UnitedHealth Group reported that home health services have contributed to elevated medical cost trends when discussing Medicaid margins on the company’s third-quarter earnings call.
Northwell celebrates newly endowed chairs and professors
11/09/25 at 03:35 AMNorthwell celebrates newly endowed chairs and professorsBusinessWire.com, New Hyde Park, NY; Press Release; 11/3/25 Northwell Health announced recipients of nine endowments, including several inaugural chairs and professorships in specialty areas including biomedical sciences, nursing, geriatrics and palliative care, psychiatry research and cardiovascular and thoracic surgery. ... Generous donors gave more than $18 million this year in endowed gifts ... The inaugural recipients of newly endowed chairs and professorships [include]: ...
HBO’s ‘The Pitt’ inspires viewers to consider organ donation, end-of-life planning
11/09/25 at 03:30 AMHBO’s ‘The Pitt’ inspires viewers to consider organ donation, end-of-life planning WBOG Country 101.3; by Ozzy; 10/28/25 A University of Southern California study reveals HBO’s Emmy-winning The Pitt motivates viewers toward organ donation and end-of-life preparations. Research examining two multi-episode storylines shows 26.9% of surveyed audiences sought organ donation information while 17.2% shared donation details with others. The organ donation narrative particularly resonated with Black viewers, a demographic overrepresented on transplant waiting lists yet underrepresented as donors. Concerning end-of-life planning, 38.8% of viewers pursued additional information and 15.3% distributed relevant resources.Editor's Note: The Pitt's storyline involving organ donation is from Season 1, Episode 6, titled' 12:00 P.M."
Living with dementia report emphasizes that even those with advanced disease have stories to share
11/09/25 at 03:25 AMLiving with dementia report emphasizes that even those with advanced disease have stories to share JAMA Medical News; by Rita Rubin, MA; 10/31/25 As the average age of the US population has risen, so has the number of people living with Alzheimer disease and related dementias. And yet, dementia is still a highly stigmatized condition, a new collection of essays published by the Hastings Center for Bioethics points out. Clinicians, caregivers, and loved ones could improve the lives of the more than 7 million people in the US who are living with dementia if they only recognized that such individuals still have their own stories to tell, even when they can’t express themselves the same way they did before their symptoms appeared. Editor's Note: Even in the last weeks and days of life, when dementia has advanced, the person’s life-story is still present—woven into photographs, cherished objects, and small details of their surroundings. In Memory Care Centers and long-term facilities, these clues invite us to listen differently. Board-certified music therapists—not performers or volunteer entertainers, but clinicians skilled in attunement—use music to enter a person’s story and give moments of faithful, sensitive companionship. Supporting family members in remembering and storytelling not only honors the person but also informs truly personalized care through those final, quiet hours.
Health Talk: National Care at Home Month
11/09/25 at 03:20 AMHealth Talk: National Care at Home Month Rutland Herald, Rutland, VT; by Nicole Moran; 11/1/25 Throughout the month of November, VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region (VNAHSR) will join organizations across the nation in recognizing and celebrating National Care at Home Month.Editor's Note: This article demonstrates great community outreach and education through local new outlets and national observances. For more visit our post, "November 2025 Healthcare Observances," and our ongoing Healthcare Observances webpage for additional dates.
November 2025 Healthcare Observances
11/09/25 at 03:15 AMNovember 2025 Healthcare ObservancesHospice & Palliative Care Today; by Joy Berger; 10/29/25Ongoing, visit our Healthcare Observances webpage for additional dates
Coming soon: VITAS Healthcare Hospice care in Pinellas County
11/09/25 at 03:15 AMComing soon: VITAS Healthcare Hospice care in Pinellas County South Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report; by cfelixcpa; 10/29/25 Beginning Nov. 3, residents of Pinellas County will have improved access to quality end-of-life care through VITAS Healthcare, ... VITAS will accept hospice-eligible referrals for patients in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs and surrounding communities. According to research, only 61% of Medicare decedents in Florida access the Medicare Hospice Benefit—meaning many patients and families miss out on the medical, emotional and spiritual support available near the end of life.
The Alliance celebrates National Care at Home Month 2025
11/09/25 at 03:05 AMThe Alliance celebrates National Care at Home Month 2025 National Alliance for Care at Home, Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC; Press Release; 10/31/25November marks the start of National Care at Home Month, an annual observance created to honor the valuable contributions of home care providers nationwide and inspire outreach to communities, media, and policymakers. ... The Alliance encourages individuals and organizations to participate in its annual Social Media Action Day on Friday, November 7, using the hashtags #CareatHomeMonth and #OneVoiceforCareatHome. Alliance members also have access to a range of other National Care at Home Month outreach resources. For more information on planning for and receiving care at home, visit the Alliance’s free consumer resource, CaringInfo.org. Editor's Note: For more information, visit "November 2025 Healthcare Observances" and our newsletter's ongoing "Healthcare Observances" (under the "Resources" tab on our website).
Hospice Research Information 11/1/25
11/09/25 at 03:00 AMHospice Research Information 11/1/25
Today's Encouragement - True wealth
11/09/25 at 03:00 AMA man's true wealth is the good he does in the world. ~Khalil Gibran
Sunday newsletters
11/09/25 at 03:00 AMSunday newsletters focus on headlines and top read stories of the last week (in order) - enjoy!
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit. ~Aristotle
11/08/25 at 03:55 AMWe are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit. ~Aristotle
What matters about what matters most
11/08/25 at 03:45 AMWhat matters about what matters mostJAMA Network Open; by Mary E. Tinetti, Brenda S. Nettles; 10/25The authors note that “Identifying what matters is essential for providing person-centered care, guiding clinical visits, tailoring care plans, and providing a starting point to foster further patient engagement.” These are lofty expectations of a single, simple question ["what matters most?"]. While the what matters question alone cannot guide care planning or tailor interventions, it can serve as a starting point for ongoing conversations about patient health goals and care preferences. These priorities, in turn, can guide patient-centered decision-making and care. The question also provides an opportunity to get to know the patients we care for as individuals. That, in itself, is an invaluable gift reminiscent of a period when clinicians had more time with patients and cared for them over years.