Literature Review

[United Kingdom] Hikers take on volcanic trek to support hospice BBC News, Somerset, UK; by Clara Bullock and Charlie Taylor; 8/30/25 A group of hikers is taking on the dramatic landscapes of Iceland to raise money for a hospice. The nine walkers will trek 36 miles (58km) across the volcanic highland region of Landmannalaugar – over lava fields, past hot springs and waterfalls – to fundraise for St. Margaret's Hospice in Somerset [United Kingdom]. Louise Wonham is taking part with her two sons. She said she wanted to give back to the charity after it supported her husband Mike, who had cancer. ...

Shepherd’s Cove adds program The Advertise-Gleam, Albertville, AL, by Anthony Campbell; 9/2/25 Shepherd’s Cove Hospice is proud to announce the launch of Shepherd’s Cove Counseling, a new program that provides professional mental health services for individuals, couples and families. This exciting expansion enhances Shepherd’s Cove’s care offerings by giving the community access to licensed therapy through insurance or private pay, without affecting the organization’s long-standing commitment to maintaining access, at no cost, to grief support. “Shepherd’s Cove Counseling creates space for healing, growth, and support during life’s most challenging seasons,” said Stacey Johnson, LICSW, Community Programs Director. 

Christmas for Lorie: Carmel neighborhood lights up August NBC WTHR-13, Carmel, IN; by Scott Swan; 8/21/25 On a warm August night, Christmas lights are twinkling on a street in Carmel. "One of our favorite traditions on Windbush is to decorate every house as much as possible," said neighbor Emily Clem. We may be 125 days away from Christmas, but for the family in this house, the beauty of the holiday needs to happen now. "When I saw the lights go up last Thursday or Friday, my heart sunk because I knew what it was," said Brady Young, who lives nearby. Lorie Graves, a 50-year-old wife and mom, is on home hospice as she battles ovarian cancer. "We did the Christmas decorations in the front yard because we have a very special neighbor right down the road who is battling cancer," said Shane Best. ... And so did the neighbors.

Pets get care during and after patients' Community Hospice stays; peace of mind for all The Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville, FL; by Corey Perrine; 8/29/25 Pamela LaPete and Tucker, an 8-year-old adopted Yorkshire Terrier, visit the Community Hospice & Palliative Care location in Fleming Island on Aug. 28, 2025. The nonprofit organization covers several Florida counties and runs a Pet Peace of Mind program that provides care for pets of patients who need that assistance and homes for them afterward. This was LaPete’s second dog adopted from the program.

Why palliative care is more than just end-of-life support MedPageToday's KevinMD.com; by Dr. Vishal Parackal; 9/1/25 ... Palliative care as a system requires strong interpersonal and cross-specialty communication for smooth functioning, as patients may require expert opinions from different fields to optimize their treatment plan. Patient education for systemic follow-ups and establishing a baseline of knowledge regarding their diagnosis and potential danger signs helps create a better environment for holistic care. While we focus on the physical aspects of care and diagnosis, we often fail to realize the psychological and mental impact that such conditions can have on the patient and their family. ... The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives by easing their suffering and enhancing their quality of life is profoundly fulfilling. ... Editor's Note: Excellent descriptions of palliative care.

CMS updates AHEAD model: 6 things to know Becker's Hospital Review; by Alan Condon; 9/2/25 CMS on Sept. 2 unveiled policy and operational updates to the Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design Model, a state total cost of care initiative launched in 2023 to curb spending, improve population health and advance health equity. Six things to know: 

This Calif. woman is dying of pancreatic cancer: 'Why I'm choosing to end my life in 2 days' (Exclusive)People; by Eileen Finan; 8/29/25California resident Roseana Spangler-Sims, 72, was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in 2024. After undergoing treatment with no improvement, she decided she wanted to end her life through California's Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) law. Spangler-Sims will ingest her lethal medication Sunday, Aug. 31. She's sharing her story with PEOPLE to raise awareness of MAID as an end-of-life option

[United Kingdom] Stories of unpaid carers supporting loved ones with dementia at the end of their lives ehospice, London, UK; by NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) South London; 8/30/25The artwork from Dementia Journeys, a powerful exhibition at Science Gallery London which ran from April to June 2024, can now be viewed online.The Dementia Journeys exhibition was created in response to Empowering Better End-of-Life Dementia Care (EMBED-Care) – a research programme that aims to generate a step-change in how care is provided for people at any age with any type of dementia. 

Sharp HospiceCare Benefit Regatta raises more than $500,000 to support hospice homes Coronado Times, San Diego, CA; Coronado Times Staff; 9/2/25 More than 1,200 guests gathered on San Diego Bay for the 22nd Annual Sharp HospiceCare Benefit Regatta, raising over $500,000 in support of Sharp HospiceCare’s Homes for Hospice program. ... Funds raised will directly support Sharp HospiceCare’s mission of providing compassionate, holistic care for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones. This includes the ongoing expansion of hospice services and the operation of Sharp’s four hospice facilities — BonitaView, LakeView, ParkView, and the newly completed Moore MountainView Hospice Home in Poway.

[Global] Palliative care for special populations ehospice; by Howard Kinyua; 9/1/25

Celebrate National PACE Month: Your Health. Your Journey. Our Support. Olean Times Herald; by Melissa Sullivan; 9/2/25 September is National PACE Month and Total Senior Care invites our neighbors and friends to celebrate the Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE®) — an innovative, proven model that helps seniors remain living in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. This year’s theme — Your Health. Your Journey. Our Support. — reflects exactly what we do every day: walk alongside our participants and their family caregivers through every stage of the aging journey. 

What do physicians want at the end? An international qualitative study on physicians’ personal end-of-life preferences and what influences them Palliative Care and Social Practice; by Sarah Mroz, Frederick Daenen, Sigrid Dierickx, Freddy Mortier, Ludovica De Panfilis, Luca Ghirotto, Toby Campbell, Kenneth Chambaere, and Luc Deliens; 7/4/25 Research Results: ... Most physicians prefer to avoid aggressive and life-prolonging treatment, physical and mental suffering, and being a burden. They prioritize being in a peaceful environment and communication with loved ones. Various factors influence preferences including cultural, social, and religious beliefs, and legislative environment, but most significant are the deaths of loved ones and clinical practice. Death and dying become normalized the more they are reflected upon and discussed, and this process can also provide personal growth which helps physicians provide better care to patients and families.

COUNTDOWN: 27 Days Until HOPE Tool Starts, October 1, 2025