Literature Review
Every day, someone realizes a dream. I believe dreams ...
02/21/26 at 03:00 AMEvery day, someone realizes a dream. I believe dreams help light our darkness and give us the push we need to move across the rink of life. ~ Kristi Ymaguchi, Olympic Women's Gold Medal Ice Skating, 1992
Research study participation, 2/21/26
02/21/26 at 02:00 AMResearch study participation, 2/21/26
The Alliance and the Research Institute for Home Care release 2025 Hospice Chartbook
02/20/26 at 03:00 AMThe Alliance and the Research Institute for Home Care release 2025 Hospice Chartbook National Alliance for Care at Home, Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC; Press Release; 2/19/26 The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) and The Research Institute for Home Care (the Institute) are excited to announce the release of the 2025 Hospice Chartbook. Highlighting the vital role that hospice plays in caring for an aging demographic, the Chartbook provides a look at the patients being served in hospice, who they are demographically and clinically, and more. Now in its second year, the 2025 Hospice Chartbook, co-sponsored by the Alliance, provides an overview of national patient and workforce data with an emphasis on state-specific information and trends, including key data on hospice patients and providers, Medicare spending on hospice, and more.
‘Mass layoffs’ at PeaceHealth include hospice staff
02/20/26 at 03:00 AM‘Mass layoffs’ at PeaceHealth include hospice staff Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 2/18/26 PeaceHealth has announced the elimination of 94 positions across its facilities in Washington state, effective on April 12, 2026. The impacted locations include the PeaceHealth Whatcom Hospice House and medical, surgical and cancer centers, among other facilities. PeaceHealth recently submitted a statement to the Washington Employment Security Department, which included a formal notice of workforce reduction that included “mass layoffs” as defined under state regulations. State requirements stipulate that businesses must provide 60 days notice prior to these types of layoffs under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act.
14th Annual healthcare fraud & abuse review 2025
02/20/26 at 03:00 AM14th Annual healthcare fraud & abuse review 2025 JD Supra; by Theresa Androff, Cody Anthony, Denise Barnes, Michael Bassham, Angela Bergman, Justin Brown, Nathan Brown, J. Taylor Chenery, Hannah Choate, Matthew Curley, John Eason, Charlotte Elam, Emily Ann Farmer, Lindsey Brown Fetzer, Emily Fountain, Lauren Gaffney, Scott Gallisdorfer, Anna Grizzle, Becca Guthrie, Stephanie Higdon, Brian Irving, Stewart Kameen, Travis Lloyd, Andrés Martinez, Garrah Carter-Mason, William Mathias, Jennifer Michael, Jack Nelson, Benjamin Peterson, Brianna Powell, Lisa Rivera, Brian Roark, Molly Ruberg, Taylor Sample, Reagan Schmidt, Ben Schrader, Danielle Sloane, Hannah Webber; 2/17/26 Bass, Berry & Sims is pleased to bring you our 14th annual Healthcare Fraud & Abuse Review in which we cover significant civil and criminal enforcement issues for healthcare providers. Please see full publication below for more information. ...
Valentine’s week at Connecticut Hospice
02/20/26 at 03:00 AMValentine’s week at Connecticut Hospice The Connecticut Hospice; email and webpage; 2/18/26 Valentine’s Week at Connecticut Hospice was filled with meaningful moments and gentle reflections of the love that surrounds our patients and families every day. We began the week with a touching donation of hand-painted rocks from our dedicated volunteer, Maureen. ...The week of Valentine’s Day holds special meaning for her, as it marks the anniversary of her father’s passing. These small but powerful tokens were placed at our front desk for visitors to choose from before or after spending time with their loved ones. [Continue reading and see photos of more meaningful gifts through the week.]
You miss 100% of the shots ...
02/20/26 at 03:00 AMYou miss 100% of the shots you don't take. ~ Wayne Gretzky
South Bay family mistakenly told 92-year-old relative had died at healthcare facility
02/20/26 at 03:00 AMSouth Bay family mistakenly told 92-year-old relative had died at healthcare facilityFox-2 KTVU, Los Gatos, CA; by KTVU Staff; 2/18/26
Why Alivia Care is getting invested in ACO models
02/20/26 at 03:00 AMWhy Alivia Care is getting invested in ACO models Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 2/19/26 The senior care provider Alivia Care is going all in on high-needs Accountable Care Organization models in 2026. This includes participation in the final year of the Accountable Care Organization Realizing Equity, Access and Community Health (ACO REACH) model that the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) is currently testing. Following that, the hospice, home health, PACE and palliative care provider plans to engage in the center’s new Long-term Enhanced ACO Design (LEAD) model. ... [Descriptions by Alivia Care CEO Susan Ponder Stansel ...]
Artificial intelligence-powered predictive tools to improve end-of-life decision-making: mini-review
02/20/26 at 03:00 AMArtificial intelligence-powered predictive tools to improve end-of-life decision-making: mini-review British Medical Journal (BMJ) Supportive & Palliative Care; by Abdullah Alabbasi, Muhanad Alzahrani, Faris Sultan and Mohammed Sayes; 2/18/26 Results: ... Preliminary qualitative work indicates that AI-generated summaries may assist communication among healthcare teams, though concerns persist regarding transparency, bias and over-reliance on algorithms. Conclusions: AI-driven prognostic models show promise in improving risk identification and facilitating earlier engagement with palliative care. Nonetheless, the current evidence base is preliminary. Future research should include prospective trials and strengthened ethical frameworks to ensure that the integration of AI-based prognostic tools into end-of-life decision-making is both safe and equitable.
Cindy Mensik on hospice care: When to shift focus?
02/20/26 at 03:00 AMCindy Mensik on hospice care: When to shift focus? Investors Hangout; by Lucas Young; 2/17/26 Families in Texas City, TX, are facing a critical decision as loved ones enter the later stages of life. A recent article featuring insights from hospice care expert Cindy Mensik outlines when it’s time to pivot from aggressive treatment methods to hospice care. The reality is stark: this shift isn’t about surrendering; it’s about prioritizing comfort and quality of life during challenging times.
‘It’s a collaborative effort’: Northern Light Medical Transport paramedics providing hospice support
02/20/26 at 03:00 AM‘It’s a collaborative effort’: Northern Light Medical Transport paramedics providing hospice supportWABI-5, Bangor, ME; by Alyssa Thurlow; 2/19/26 ... Paramedics can help patients across Maine with a variety of needs, but some are embracing a slower-paced role, focused on assisting those who are at the end of life. “Patients have access to care 24/7, and part of that coverage for after-hours is now coming through the community paramedicine program,” said hospice educator Allie Rohrer, RN. ... “It’s not with lights and sirens. It’s very low key. It’s driving there in a car, and then it’s talking through the issues,” said paramedic Ed Moreshead. ... Northern Light’s community paramedics are contracted with Northern Light Home Care & Hospice. Families in need of assistance call the triage number, and a hospice nurse and on-call physician can respond if needed.
New ‘care home’ for seniors aims to bring alternative to home health care
02/20/26 at 03:00 AMNew ‘care home’ for seniors aims to bring alternative to home health care WCAX-3 CBS, East Middlebury, VT; by Laura Ullman; 2/18/26 Vermont has a housing crisis for seniors trying to age in place. A nonprofit in Addison County is hoping to pioneer a new model to meet the needs of Vermont’s aging demographic. “Addison County Home Health looked for about a year and a half to find a space, ...” said Deb Wesley, the CEO of Addison County Home Health & Hospice. ... “Our goal is to provide a home for eight individuals who really are medically frail, are really unable to live at home alone, or require some increased assistance for their care,” Wesley said. ... Addison County Home Health & Hospice is hoping to open this care home in late spring.
Hospice spending, care quality scores by state
02/20/26 at 02:00 AMHospice spending, care quality scores by state Becker's Hospital Review; by Elizabeth Gregerson; 2/18/26 California and Nevada hospice providers had the lowest care-quality scores despite spending the most per beneficiary to provide care between Jan. 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2024, according to CMS data released Feb. 18. Rhode Island and West Virginia had the highest hospice care quality scores during the data collection period. CMS’ Hospice Quality Reporting Program includes data submitted directly by hospice providers, from Medicare hospice claims, and from the Hospice Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. Here are the hospice care quality scores and per-beneficiary spending amounts by state between Jan. 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2024, according to CMS: ...
Bridge Hospice Pet Adoption Program
02/19/26 at 03:00 AMBridge Hospice Pet Adoption Program KCBD-11, Lubbock, TX; by Julie Castaneda; 2/17/26 Bridge Hospice has started a Pet Adoption Program to help hospice patients, who often need loving homes for their well-loved pets during their end-of-life care.
Choice Health at Home acquires Alliant Home Health, Palliative Care, Hospice
02/19/26 at 03:00 AMChoice Health at Home acquires Alliant Home Health, Palliative Care, Hospice Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 2/17/26 Choice Health at Home has acquired Alliant Home Health, as well as Alliant Palliative Care and Hospice. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. The two acquired businesses were part of Colorado-based Alliant Living, which provides hospice, home health and palliative care. Alliant Home Health’s services include occupational and physical therapy, as well as skilled nursing care for patients post-acute and chronic conditions. The acquisition expands Choice Health at Home’s existing geographic presence in the state. The transaction was recently completed following its closure on November 12, 2025.
Directors and Boards: Executive session, Episode 37: Lisa Piercey, Venita Fields and Charles Elson
02/19/26 at 03:00 AMDirectors and Boards: Executive session, Episode 37: Lisa Piercey, Venita Fields and Charles Elson Executive Session, The Directors & Boards podcast; with Lisa Piercy, Venita Fields and Charles Elson; 2/17/26 This episode explores composition on health-related boards, the role of the board in capital investment and allocation, and director compensation. ... In this episode of Executive Session, the official podcast of Directors & Boards, we speak with Lisa Piercey, director of National HealthCare Corporation, about the importance of having entrepreneurial clinicians on health-related boards. In our second interview, Venita Fields, director of Superior Group of Companies, examines the board’s role in capital investment and allocation. And in our final discussion, Charles Elson, director of Enhabit Home Health & Hospice and executive editor at large of Directors & Boards, dives into the principles that should guide director compensation.
Cognitive decline is often linked to hearing loss: This may be why
02/19/26 at 03:00 AMCognitive decline is often linked to hearing loss: This may be whyMedicalNewsToday; by James McIntosh; 2/16/26
Comparison of patients seen by an embedded social worker and nurse practitioner palliative care model in hospital medicine versus referral-based specialty palliative care and their acute care utilization outcomes
02/19/26 at 03:00 AMComparison of patients seen by an embedded social worker and nurse practitioner palliative care model in hospital medicine versus referral-based specialty palliative care and their acute care utilization outcomes Journal of Palliative Medicine; by Laura P Gelfman, Li Zeng, Keisha Bergland, Elizabeth Rizzo, Cheyenne Higgins, Claire Doucette, Krishna Chokshi, Emily Chai; 2/17/26 Background: Hospitalized patients with serious illness often face delayed or limited access to palliative care. Embedded hospital primary palliative care (HPPC), led by social workers and nurse practitioners, may deliver more timely, needs-based support compared with referral-based specialty palliative care (SPC). Conclusions: An embedded SW/NP-led palliative care model in hospital medicine improves access, reduces acute care use, and is sustainable over time. This approach supports timely, culturally sensitive, needs-based palliative care and may be scalable for hospital-based delivery.
A patient’s visit home
02/19/26 at 03:00 AMA patient’s visit home Parkview Health; by Tim O'Sullivan, Parkview Hospice; 2/17/26 The Canal Stock Farm is more than a historical landmark along Old 24 in New Haven, Indiana. It is the home to now six generations of Ronald Hockemeyer’s family. Over the past year, members of the Parkview Hospice team had the privilege of getting to know Ron and the legacy of his familial home. ... Ron expressed his desire to have just one more day on the farm with his Parkview Hospice social worker, Emily Zimmerman. Emily was aware of a new program that makes the wishes of Parkview Hospice patients come true. She filled out the application and identified all the resources needed to secure a safe visit. Through the generosity of donors to the Parkview Foundation Hospice Fund, Ron’s day on the farm was made a reality.
Sage Park Austin establishes community partnerships to offer inpatient hospice services to residents
02/19/26 at 03:00 AMSage Park Austin establishes community partnerships to offer inpatient hospice services to residents LongTermCareProvider.com, Vero Beach, FL; Press Release; 2/3/26 Sage Park Austin Senior Living Community is honored to announce the establishment of multiple community partnerships to offer General Inpatient (GIP) hospice services within their community. Sage Park Austin has partnered with Tree Oaks Hospice and Summit Home Health and Hospice offering varying levels of hospice care for appropriate patients. Services include, but are not limited to, extended nursing support, pain and symptom management, and interdisciplinary hospice support in a residential setting.
Medicare crackdown on hospice affiliations threatening providers
02/19/26 at 03:00 AMMedicare crackdown on hospice affiliations threatening providers Bloomberg Law; by Patric Hooper, Jordan Kearney, and Maydha Vinson; 2/18/26 A new federal enforcement trend is sending shockwaves through California’s hospice sector and beyond. Health care providers are discovering that their Medicare enrollment, and often their entire practice, can be jeopardized simply because of whom they once worked with, not because of anything they personally did. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services calls it affiliation. Under federal regulations, CMS or its contractors can revoke a provider’s Medicare enrollment if the agency determines that an affiliation poses an “undue risk” of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Letter to the editor: Thank you for your support of Hospice of the Plains
02/19/26 at 03:00 AMLetter to the editor: Thank you for your support of Hospice of the Plains Special to Journal-Advocate, Sterling, CO; by Hospice of the Plains; 2/17/26 On behalf of the entire Hospice of the Plains, Inc team, our hearts are full as we reflect on the incredible outpouring of support for this year's Fryin' and Buyin' Hometown Hospice Auction and Benefit. Thanks to the generosity, kindness, and community spirit of so many, this year's event was a remarkable success, raising around $48,500 to support compassionate hospice care right here at home. This auction was so much more than a fundraiser. It was a heartwarming celebration of community, connection, and shared purpose. [The rest of this letter may be limited to a paywall.]
Behind every flawless performance is a thousand ...
02/19/26 at 03:00 AMBehind every flawless performance is a thousand falls on the ice.