Literature Review
Reimagining support for family caregivers and their loved ones
08/15/25 at 03:00 AMReimagining support for family caregivers and their loved ones Duke University School of Medicine; by Bernadette Gillis; 8/11/25 ... Duke population health researchers are gathering evidence to show what type of care leads to the best physical and mental health for the care recipients, and how to best support the caregivers themselves. ...
UnitedHealth Group’s acquisition of Amedisys closes
08/15/25 at 03:00 AMUnitedHealth Group’s acquisition of Amedisys closesHospice News; by Jim Parker; 8/14/25On the heels of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, UnitedHealth Group has closed its acquisition of the home health and hospice provider Amedisys. Amedisys announced the news in a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing on Thursday. The UnitedHealth Group subsidiary Optum, in June 2023 inked its agreement to acquire Amedisys in an all-cash transaction of $101 per share, or about $3.3 billion. Amedisys on Thursday also stopped trading on the Nasdaq.
Few released under NC law that allows seriously ill incarcerated people to spend their final days at home
08/15/25 at 03:00 AMFew released under NC law that allows seriously ill incarcerated people to spend their final days at homeNC Health News; by Rachel Crumpler; 8/14/25Advocates hoped 2023 eligibility changes would increase medical releases. So far, that hasn’t happened. North Carolina expanded its prison medical release eligibility in 2023 to allow more sick and aging incarcerated people to be released, but the number of approvals is still low. Since 2019, the Parole Commission has granted medical release to 67 people.Thank you Mark Cohen, Guest Editor, for calling this interesting article to our attention!
Over half of older employees plan to work 'indefinitely' and never retire
08/15/25 at 02:00 AMOver half of older employees plan to work 'indefinitely' and never retire Money Magazine; by Amd Hardy; 8/11/25 Many retirement-age Americans are planning to continue working — forever. Some 51% of employed Americans 65 or older say they expect to work “indefinitely,” according to a recent report from Asset Preservation, a financial advisory firm. Meanwhile, about 6 in 10 respondents say they plan to work “at least five more years” before retiring, putting the earliest age they would consider retiring at 70. ... Why older Americans are working so late in life seems to be a fairly even split between necessity and choice. About one half works to cover basic living expenses, like food, health care and housing, while the other half chooses to work to stay mentally and physically active. Guest Editor’s Note, Mark Cohen: As many hospices are still trying to rebuild the ranks of their volunteers to pre-pandemic levels, this report indicates the challenges may continue to grow. It’s worth noting that half of the Boomers who say they will continue working past normal retirement age would do so out of choice and not economic necessity. That opens the door to demonstrating the value and rewards of volunteer service. And for those volunteer managers younger than Boomers, it’s important to keep in mind that, more than any other generation, Boomers define themselves and measure their success in life in large part by their work.
$50,000 grant from Hospice Cleveland County Foundation helps EVERYONE EATS Emergency Food Fund Drive Cleveland County, NC
08/15/25 at 01:30 AMHealthy Together Cleveland receives foundation grant [from Hospice of Cleveland County] The Home Page for Cleveland County, North Carolina; Press Release; 8/14/25 The Board of Directors for Hospice Cleveland County Foundation recently awarded a $50,000 grant to support the Everyone Eats Emergency Food Fund Drive, spearheaded by Healthy Together Cleveland (HTC) to combat food insecurity in Cleveland County. "As we continue to face unprecedented challenges, community support is vital. Everyone Eats is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with a shared purpose. We are delighted to provide this grant to launch the campaign and hope it will inspire others to participate," said Katie Borders, President, Hospice Cleveland County Foundation. Last month, HTC announced that 1 in 6 people in the county are experiencing food insecurity. ... The mission of the Foundation is to strive to maintain the success of the hospice tradition in Cleveland County by supporting efforts to help people lead healthy, productive lives and experience peaceful, dignified deaths. We seek to ensure that all people - especially those with the fewest resources - have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and in life.Editor's Note: May we all learn and live from Hospice Cleveland County Foundation's mission and action. Thank you.
Rethinking palliative care for people affected by homelessness
08/14/25 at 03:00 AM[United Kingdom] Rethinking palliative care for people affected by homelessness Nursing in Practice; by Karita Razzell; 8/5/25 Well-timed palliative intervention can be a game-changer for people affected by homelessness facing advanced ill health, says Karita Razzell, palliative care manager at the charity St Mungo’s. ... There are various reasons behind the stark health disparities faced by people experiencing homelessness. ... Many individuals are living with serious mental health conditions, substance use issues, undiagnosed neurodiversity, and chronic physical illnesses – all of which can make clinical environments like hospitals particularly challenging for them. ... There are also digital hurdles: appointment systems and prescription services are increasingly online, yet many people without stable housing lack access to mobile phones or the internet. ... As a result, treatable conditions in people affected by homelessness often go undiagnosed until they reach an advanced stage.Editor's Note: People experiencing homelessness in the U.S. face similar challenges. Organizations such as The Hildegard House in Louisville, KY, and others in the national Omega Home Network of “comfort care homes” quietly provide palliative and hospice care for them. Click here to see a national map of these homes.
Simulation, flipped classroom, and reflective dialogue in socioemotional training in end-of-life care: Perspectives of nursing students
08/14/25 at 03:00 AMSimulation, flipped classroom, and reflective dialogue in socioemotional training in end-of-life care: Perspectives of nursing students Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing (HPNA); by María Lanza, Rebeca Abajas, Mar Aparicio Aparicio, Ángeles Melero, Carmen Ortego; 8/1/25The implementation of active methodologies in end-of-life education can play a crucial role in stimulating participatory learning and facilitating the acquisition of socioemotional competencies. ... From the students’ perspective, simulation, reflective dialogue, and flipped classroom enhance the conceptual learning process and facilitate students’ socioemotional preparation to face this complex and challenging professional situation. Editor's Note: Today’s tech-savvy nursing students show that simulation, reflective dialogue, and flipped classrooms build the person-centered qualities hospice and palliative care need. Use these methods—inside and outside the classroom—to improve patient/family care, teamwork, and self-care. For more information:
Medicaid payments and racial and ethnic disparities in Alzheimer disease special care units
08/14/25 at 03:00 AMMedicaid payments and racial and ethnic disparities in Alzheimer disease special care unitsThe Journal of the American Medical Association - JAMA Network Open; by Huiwen Xu, PhD, Shuang Li, PhD, John R. Bowblis, PhD, Monique R. Pappadis, PhD, Yong-Fang Kuo, PhD; James S. Goodwin, MD; 8/4/25 In this cohort study of 13, 229 nursing homes, those with higher proportions of Black or Hispanic residents were less likely to have Alzheimer disease special care units. The disparities among nursing homes serving high proportions of Black residents, however, narrowed and even disappeared in states with higher Medicaid payment-to-cost ratios. ... This study suggests that more generous Medicaid payments may be associated with improved availability of specialized dementia care in nursing homes that serve primarily marginalized Black residents.
Have a question about death? A new project may have answers.
08/14/25 at 03:00 AMHave a question about death? A new project may have answers. The New York Times; by John Otis; 8/5/25 A new Times series examines the topic of death and dying in 2025. Ms. Pisapia, an editor on The Times’s Projects and Initiatives team, pitched a series to her team titled “Death in the Modern Age.” It would focus on end-of-life issues and serve as a resource for readers who might be grappling with their own mortality or coping with the loss of someone close to them. ... The cornerstone of the project is an F.A.Q. titled “Let’s Talk About Death,” compiled from several hundred submissions from Times readers who either asked questions related to death and dying or shared personal experiences.
Hospice claim denial remanded to ALJ in absence of explanation, (Aug 4, 2025)
08/14/25 at 03:00 AMHospice claim denial remanded to ALJ in absence of explanation, (Aug 4, 2025) VItalLaw; by Leah S. Poniatowski, JD; 8/4/25 ... A hospice provider that was denied Medicare reimbursement for two patients was granted remand to the administrative law judge (ALJ) because the ALJ’s decision was without any reasoned discussion, which impaired review and suggested that the ALJ had used her lay assessment of the medical record, the federal district court in Delaware ruled (Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care of Delaware, LLC v. Kennedy, No. 24-175-GBW-LDH (D. Del. July 31, 2025)).
Building a strong foundation for pediatric palliative care in Connecticut
08/14/25 at 03:00 AMBuilding a strong foundation for pediatric palliative care in Connecticut Solomon Center for Health Law and Policy at Yale Law School, Targeted News Service; by Wendy Jiang, Elle Rothermich, Eugene Rusyn; 8/12/25 The Solomon Center for Health Law and Policy at Yale Law School has released a white paper outlining concrete pathways for Connecticut to guarantee pediatric palliative care (PPC) from diagnosis--not only at end of life--while building a workforce equipped to deliver it statewide. The report highlights two foundational barriers: coverage that generally triggers only when a child receives a six-month terminal prognosis, and a shortage of clinicians trained in primary palliative skills, leading to delayed referrals and fragmented support for families facing serious childhood illness. The authors recommend two primary coverage strategies for the state.Editor's Note: Though written for Connecticut, this 42-page white paper from Yale provides excellent information and recommendations to examine for one's own state. Its sub-title is "Establishing a statewide coverage pathway & expanding primary palliative care education for pediatric clinicians."
Amedisys pays $1.1 million for HSR compliance lapse amid pending UnitedHealth deal
08/14/25 at 03:00 AMAmedisys pays $1.1 million for HSR compliance lapse amid pending UnitedHealth deal Lexology - Triage Health Law Blog; by Squire Patton Boggs; 8/12/25 Amedisys, a major provider of home health and hospice care, has agreed to pay a $1.1 million civil penalty to settle allegations that it violated the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act during the antitrust review of its pending $3.3 billion acquisition by UnitedHealth’s Optum division. ... In December 2023, while responding to a DOJ “Second Request” for information, a mandatory step in large merger reviews, Amedisys filed a sworn certification that its production was “true, correct, and complete.” In reality, the company knew that its email archiving system had malfunctioned, causing the loss of a month’s worth of emails from May–June 2023, a critical period in the merger negotiations. ... The DOJ emphasized that this was not a “minor paperwork glitch” but a material omission in a sworn filing.
Taking the magnetic approach to leadership: Stop chasing and start attracting through alignment and authentic presence.
08/14/25 at 03:00 AMTaking the magnetic approach to leadership: Stop chasing and start attracting through alignment and authentic presence. Psychology Today; by Jessica Schrader; 8/3/25 Key points:
Governor creates new LTC oversight board, pledges to fill surveyor openings by year’s end
08/14/25 at 03:00 AMGovernor creates new LTC oversight board, pledges to fill surveyor openings by year’s end McKnights Long-Term Care News; by Jessica R. Towhey; 8/12/25 A new politically appointed Nursing Home Oversight and Accountability Advisory Board is being proposed as a way to strengthen facility oversight in a state that has a 42% vacancy rate among its public inspectors. Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) called for the board, which will consist of members appointed by the state Secretary of Health, in an executive order issued Monday. Both LeadingAge Virginia and the Virginia Health Care Association / Virginia Center for Assisted Living applauded the overall goals of the executive order but cautioned that resources to implement the directives are needed. Guest Editor's Note, Judi Lund Person: The Virginia governor, Glenn Youngkin, has taken steps to address surveyor vacancies and strengthen oversight for nursing homes in the state, calling on partnerships with other states for training. Advocates cited the state, as in many other states, is hampered by flatline funding from federal partners and the lack of clinical staff willing to fill surveyor roles.
Family Hospice, Alzheimer’s Association partner on ‘Check In’ program for dementia patients
08/14/25 at 03:00 AMFamily Hospice, Alzheimer’s Association partner on ‘Check In’ program for dementia patients Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 8/11/25Family Hospice is working with the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter, to improve safety for dementia patients through a new collaborative campaign. The #ICheckedIn campaign calls on community members to check on seniors in their community, particularly those who suffer from dementia or memory loss, through phone calls, visits or other modes of communication. Editor's Note: This article by Hospice News was reposted by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) under the title, "Hospice encourages public to check on older neighbors."
Today's Encouragement: If opportunity doesn't knock, ...
08/14/25 at 03:00 AMIf opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. ~ Milton Berle
AI Code of Conduct for Health and Medicine presented in new NAM special publication
08/14/25 at 02:00 AMAI Code of Conduct for Health and Medicine presented in new NAM special publication National Academies - Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Washington, DC; News Release; 5/19/25 A new special publication from the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) provides a framework to guide responsible, effective, equitable, and human-centered use of artificial intelligence (AI) in health and medicine. The development and deployment of AI in health are accelerating, and the promise for transformative gains is substantial. Yet without close attention to risks posed by these technologies, the possibility exists for unintended, potentially harmful consequences, the publication says. The AI Code of Conduct framework is intended as a touchstone for organizations and groups developing approaches for use in their specific contexts. The publication presents six commitments and 10 principles to align the field around responsible development and application of AI.
Gov. Moore launches Longevity Ready Maryland, a landmark state plan to support thriving aging population
08/13/25 at 03:00 AMGov. Moore launches Longevity Ready Maryland, a landmark state plan to support thriving aging population The Bay Net, Annapolis, MD; by Governor Wes Moore; 7/30/25 Governor Wes Moore today launched Longevity Ready Maryland, the state’s first comprehensive, 10-year multisector plan to coordinate services and policies that support Maryland’s growing population of older adults. ... Longevity Ready Maryland is a collaborative, long-term plan that aims to support the work of service providers by consolidating resources; coordinating efforts across government, businesses, and communities; and transforming systems of care to more sustainably accommodate a greater number of older Marylanders. To advance the objectives of the plan, the Maryland Department of Aging will work to encourage collaboration between state agencies, support local initiatives, and improve access to home- and community-based services.
My wife of 52 years just died. My grief is so overwhelming, I can barely cope.
08/13/25 at 03:00 AMMy wife of 52 years just died. My grief is so overwhelming, I can barely cope. HuffPost; by Ronald Paxton; 8/11/25 ... March 1, 2022, was the day our lives changed forever. ... My spouse, my wife of 52 years, my high school sweetheart was going to die, and there was nothing I or anyone else could do about it. ... The house is quiet now. I’m trying to move forward, but it’s hard. I thought we would grow old together. We did, but not nearly old enough. Diane’s death has taught me that no matter how much we love someone, we all have our own lives to live. The best way for me to honor the life Diane and I had together is to live the rest of my life the best way I know how. It’s late. I should try to sleep, but I think I’ll turn on the television. I need something to cover the sound of crying.
State Medicaid coverage policies for community-based palliative care: Lessons from NASHP’s State Institute
08/13/25 at 03:00 AMState Medicaid coverage policies for community-based palliative care: Lessons from NASHP’s State Institute National Academy for State Health Policy; by Ella Taggart, Wendy Fox-Grage; 8/11/25 Six states recently participated in NASHP’s two-year State Policy Institute to Improve Care for People with Serious Illness (the Institute): Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Ohio, Texas, and Washington. ... Specifically, the six participating states received guidance on policy mechanisms to cover palliative care services in the community and completed cost analysis on palliative care services for Medicaid beneficiaries. While all the states balanced the same forces and demands, ... each state modeled a benefit that was responsive to its particular needs and circumstances. ... CBIZ Optumas and TFA Analytics then designed a cost calculator for each state to help with different scenarios.
Blindsided: Some nursing homes across the country aggressively pursue friends and relatives for a loved one’s unpaid bill
08/13/25 at 03:00 AMBlindsided: Some nursing homes across the country aggressively pursue friends and relatives for a loved one’s unpaid bill 14 News; by Jill Riepenhoff and Chris Nakamoto; 8/11/25 Toni Cook opened the letter from her mother’s nursing home and cried in horror. Lynn Marie Witt dropped to her knees and sobbed when she read the letter from her mother’s nursing home. Both women — stiff and grief-stricken over the loss of their beloved mothers — learned from those letters that the nursing homes intended to collect their mothers’ unpaid debts from them. Neither had any financial control over their mother’s bank accounts or assets after their deaths, court records say. They simply were loving daughters who signed paperwork to have their mothers admitted to a nursing home.
Implementation of the Pressure Injury Prevention Care Bundle at a home based hospice program: A quality improvement project
08/13/25 at 03:00 AMImplementation of the Pressure Injury Prevention Care Bundle at a home based hospice program: A quality improvement project The Texas Medical Center (TMC) Library Health Sciences Resource Center; by Adaeze U. Amechi-fannin; 8/11/25 Pressure injuries remain a common and serious problem in hospice care, especially among patients who are immobile or confined to bed. Although effective prevention methods are known, inconsistent use of these methods, limited caregiver training, and poor documentation have continued to prevent success in many hospice settings. These wounds cause pain, increase infection risk, and reduce quality of life, making prevention especially important in end-of-life care. ... This project demonstrates that combining structured training, evidence-based care steps, and attention to individual patient needs can successfully reduce pressure injuries in home hospice environments.
'I helped him out': Grandson loaded his 90-year-old grandfather 'full of f—ing pain meds' and Ambien to 'ease him' to his 'next life' while stealing his house, police say
08/13/25 at 03:00 AM'I helped him out': Grandson loaded his 90-year-old grandfather 'full of f—ing pain meds' and Ambien to 'ease him' to his 'next life' while stealing his house, police say Law & Order, The Palm Bay, FL; by Chris Perez; 8/12/25 A former county official in Florida claims he "helped" his 90-year-old grandfather out by killing him with a deadly cocktail of Ambien, morphine and other prescription drugs, according to cops. Christopher Balter, 35, is currently charged with delivery of a controlled substance and forgery after he allegedly attempted to forge signatures onto a "quitclaim deed" — a legal document used to transfer ownership of real estate — just weeks before Gilbert Balter's death on Feb. 1, police say. Christopher Balter's arrest affidavit outlines how he allegedly discussed and admitted to friends that he killed his grandpa while the nonagenarian was in home hospice care at a residence in Brevard County earlier this year. He allegedly claimed in phone calls that Gilbert Balter "never wanted to live like that" and had asked his grandson to take his life.